Child Find: Concerns About Your Child's Development
Early Intervention for a Brighter Future
Child Find is the process of early intervention in “finding” children who may have a disability or delay in development in the following areas:
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Vision and Hearing
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Motor Control or Coordination
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Behavior or Social Skills
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Speech or Language Skills
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Thinking or Performing Tasks
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Adaptive Behavior (self care)
Local School District Child Find Responsibilities
In Arizona, the "Child Find" obligation is the legal requirement for public education agencies to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities from birth through age 21 who are in need of special education and related services. This includes children who are homeless, highly mobile, wards of the state, or attending private schools or homeschools. The state requires agencies to have written procedures for this, including screening and timely notification to parents if a concern is identified.
Evaluation
If an evaluation is needed, you will be a part of the evaluation team because you can give important information about your child’s developmental and medical history. You will be involved in the decision-making process to determine if your child is eligible for early intervention or special education services.
Tips for Parents
Parent involvement in the special education process is critical to your child’s success. You’re the best advocate for your child.
- Ask the school for a copy of the Procedural Safeguards Notice. This will explain your special education rights and responsibilities.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learn about the evaluation process.
- Be involved in your child’s evaluation. As a member of the team, you will be asked to contribute to the process.
- Request copies of important paperwork including a copy of the final report. Keep these documents in a safe place.
- Keep a log of phone calls. Use your calendar to keep track of testing dates and meetings.
- Contact a parent group for guidance. It helps to talk to other parents whose children have been evaluated for special education services.
What is Child Find?
Child Find is a component of the 2024 Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) that requires states to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities, age birth through 21, who are in need of early intervention or special education services.
Child Find services are available to all residents living within the Tempe Elementary School District attendance boundaries. Screenings and evaluations are available to determine if a child has a disability and needs special education services.
Preschool Child Find Screening Dates*
- Friday, August 22, 2025
- Friday, September 26, 2025
- Friday, November 7, 2025
- Friday, December 12, 2025
- Friday, January 9, 2026
- Friday, February 20, 2026
- Friday, March 27, 2026
- Friday, May 8, 2026
*For school-aged children, please contact your school of residence's psychologist for a screening.
Contact Us
Mel Kelley
Director of Special Education
(480) 730-7286
Email Mel Kelley
3205 S. Rural Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Suzanne Schwetz
Child Find School Psychologist
(480) 897-6233, Ext. 5737
Email Suzanne Schwetz
625 W. Cornell Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85283
Blanca Vargas
Administrative Assistant
(480) 897-6233, Ext. 5791
Email Blanca Vargas
3205 S. Rural Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282