Does My Child Need Special Education Services?
At Academy District 20 (ASD20), we ensure young learners experiencing developmental delays receive the support they need to succeed in school. Our Child Find program identifies children with significant developmental delays. The process may start with a developmental screening and, when appropriate, a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine eligibility for preschool special education.
The Child Find program is available at no cost to families living within ASD20 boundaries. If you reside outside this area, please contact your local school district’s Child Find office.
Early identification and intervention can greatly improve a child's educational outcomes and overall development. Child Find helps guarantee every child has access to the support needed to thrive in their educational journey.
Who Can Benefit From Child Find?
Child Find serves all children from birth to age 21 who live in Colorado. It is especially helpful for children who:
- Have developmental delays or disabilities
- Are struggling academically, socially, or emotionally
- Have been recommended for evaluation by a teacher, doctor, or other professional
How Does Child Find Work?
Child Find provides early identification and support for children from birth to age 21 with developmental delays, disabilities, or academic, social, or emotional challenges. The process typically includes the following steps:
- Referral: Anyone who suspects a child may have a disability can make a referral, including parents, teachers, doctors, or other concerned individuals.
- Screening: After a referral, the Child Find team conducts a preliminary screening to determine if further evaluation is necessary.
- Evaluation: If screening indicates potential concerns, specialists perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess the child's needs.
- Eligibility Determination: Based on evaluation results, the team decides if the child qualifies for special education and related services.
- Individualized Education Program (IEP): If eligible, an IEP is developed outlining specific goals, services, and supports tailored to the child's unique needs.
Getting Started
Children not yet in kindergarten may be referred at any time if a family member, doctor, or childcare provider has concerns about their development.
Children Up to 3 Years of Age
For children up to 3 years old, referrals can be made to The Resource Exchange at 719-577-9190. They provide information about your child, intervention services, service coordination, and eligibility determination.
Children 3 to 5 Years Old
Children 3 to 5 years old are evaluated through the preschool special education process.
Contact:
- Kelly Cluxton
- Academy School District 20 Child Find Coordinator
- kelly.cluxton@asd20.org
- 719-234-1755
Or use our online intake form.
Children 5 Years and Older
Parents or guardians of children entering kindergarten who are 5 years or older by Oct. 1 of the current school year should contact their student's school or the ASD20 Special Education Office at 719-234-1332 if they have concerns about their child’s development.