Child Find

Child Find is the federal requirement, established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to identify, locate and evaluate all children with disabilities who are in need, or may be in need, of special education and related services. Child find is an affirmative and ongoing process that includes public awareness activities, policies and procedures, and coordination with agencies and primary sources such as local physicians, local hospitals, public health department, childcare centers, department of health and human services, and county jails.

In Michigan, the child find obligation extends to all children and students with disabilities from birth through 25 years of age, who are in need, or may be in need, of special education and related services.

Build Up Michigan, a Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education (MDE OSE) initiative, supports Child Find efforts across the state. Additional information and  resources are available through Early On Michigan.