Child Find

Help Us Locate Children with Disabilities

Child Find Flyer

What is Child Find?

Child Find is a statewide effort by the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services to locate, identify, and evaluate children with disabilities from birth to age 21. School systems have an affirmative obligation to locate, identify, and evaluate children who have or may have a disability. School systems use the referral process to fulfill this obligation.

How Does Child Find Work?

Early Intervention and Special Education Services work closely with community service agencies, parents, and local school systems to locate children with disabilities. For parents or other persons interested in information about referring a child from birth to age 2, the toll-free telephone number is 1-800-543-3098. For parents or other persons interested in information about referring a child ages 3- 21, the local school system or Special Education Services Section at the Alabama State Department of Education should be contacted.

Why is Child Find Important?

Child Find helps the child, the family, and the provider to plan appropriate services and link families to services for students who may meet special education eligibility requirements.