Donna Sochurek, Specialist, Child Find and Preschool
Paula Boykin, Supervisor, Birth to Five
Child Find
Child Find is a special education service provided
by the Baltimore County Public School System for identifying children
from ages three through twenty-one who are suspected of having an
educational disability and who may be eligible for special education
and related services. Child Find referrals are made by calling 410-887-3017.
What
is the Process?
- It begins with a review or screening of available information
about the child.
- When screening indicates the possibility of an educational disability,
the child is evaluated in relevant areas.
- When results indicate that a child is disabled and in need of
special education services, an individualized plan is developed.
This will be either an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized
Service Plan, depending on the age and residency of the child.
What is included in the definition of educational disability?
Federal and state laws identify specific disabling conditions that
entitle a child to special education service if it is determined
that the disability is interfering with the child’s learning.
These
conditions, called educational disabilities, include:
Autism
Deafness
Deaf/Blindness
Emotional Disturbance
Hearing Impairment
Mental Retardation
Multiple Disabilities
Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairment
Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment (including blindness)
Developmental Delay
Who is eligible for Child Find services?
- Preschool children residing in Baltimore County who are not enrolled
in a preschool program.
- Children ages 3-21 attending an MSDE approved private/parochial
school located in Baltimore County, regardless of residency.
How do I access these services?
- Preschool children residing in Baltimore County who are not enrolled
in a preschool program may be referred directly to Child Find by
calling 410-887-3017.
- Children enrolled in Baltimore County Public Schools who are
suspected of having a disability, and may be in need of special
education are referred directly for screening by contacting the
local school.
- Children ages 3-21 enrolled in an MSDE approved private/parochial
school located in Baltimore County may be referred to Child Find
by calling 410-887-3017.
- Children, who are not yet three, may be referred to the Infants
and Toddlers program by calling 410-887-2169.
Who may refer a child?
- Most referrals are made directly by a child’s parents.
- Referrals (with parental consent) are made by health care providers,
social workers, child care providers, and other individuals familiar
with the child’s development.
What is the cost?
- Screening services are available at no charge to eligible children.
- Assessments, evaluations, and all special education services
which are determined to be necessary are provided free of charge.
What services are available?
- Services for eligible preschool children, who are also Baltimore
County residents, may include classroom instruction, speech/language
therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and audiological
services.
- Services for eligible preschool chidren who are NOT Balitmore
County residents are subject to the current Notice of Services for
parentally placed private/parochial students.
- Services for all eligible children in grades K-12 are subject
to the current Notice of Services for parentally placed
private/parochial students.
What do I do if my child attends an MSDE approved private/parochial
school in another school district?
Parent(s) should contact the Child Find office in that school district:
Anne
Arundel County 410-766-6662
Baltimore City 443-984-1011
Carroll County 410-751-3033
Harford County 410-683-3814
Howard County 410-313-7046
Additional questions, please contact:
Donna Sochurek
Specialist, Child Find and Preschool
Baltimore County Public Schools
410-887-3660
