Child Find
Identifying and Supporting Students with Disabilities
Canutillo Independent School District is committed to identifying, locating, and evaluating children and students who may have disabilities and may need special education and related services.
This ongoing responsibility, known as Child Find, is required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Texas law.
Child Find applies to children and students from birth through age 21 who reside within the district’s boundaries, including those who:
- Attend public schools
- Attend private or parochial schools located within the district
- Are homeschooled
- Are highly mobile
- Are experiencing homelessness
- Are wards of the state
- Are enrolled in charter schools (as applicable under law)
- Have not yet entered school but may have developmental delays or disabilities
Who May Be Referred?
A child or student may be referred for an evaluation when there is reason to suspect a disability that impacts educational performance and a need for specially designed instruction.
A referral may be made by:
- Parents or guardians
- Teachers
- Campus staff
- Physicians or healthcare providers
- Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
- Other individuals familiar with the child
A referral may be made at any time when a disability is suspected.
What Happens After a Referral?
Once a referral is received, the district reviews available information to determine the appropriate next steps.
If an evaluation is warranted, parental consent will be requested before conducting a comprehensive evaluation.
Evaluations are completed by qualified professionals and are designed to determine:
- Whether the student has a disability under IDEA
- The student’s educational needs
- Whether the student requires special education and related services
Parents are important partners throughout the evaluation process and are involved in eligibility and educational planning decisions.
Early Childhood Child Find
If you have concerns about the development of a child from birth through age five, early identification can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.
Children younger than age three may be referred to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI).
Children ages three through five who have not yet entered kindergarten may be referred to Canutillo ISD for evaluation to determine eligibility for preschool special education services.
Our Commitment
Canutillo ISD is committed to:
- Identifying children with suspected disabilities as early as possible.
- Conducting comprehensive evaluations in accordance with federal and state requirements.
- Partnering with families throughout the evaluation process.
- Providing eligible students with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Contact Us
If you have concerns about your child’s development, learning, communication, behavior, or other educational needs, we encourage you to contact your child’s campus or the Canutillo ISD Department of Special Programs & Services.
Our staff can answer questions regarding referrals, evaluations, eligibility, and available services.