Skip To Main Content

Child Find

Does My Child Need Special Education Services? 

At Weld RE5J, we make sure that young learners having difficulties or delays in development get the help they need to be successful in school. Our Child Find program helps identify children that have a significant delay in development. The process may begin with a developmental screening and when appropriate, a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine eligibility for preschool through special education. 

The Child Find program is available to families, at no cost, who live within the Weld RE5J boundaries. If you live outside of this area, please contact your local school district’s Child Find office.  

Early identification and intervention can significantly improve a child's educational outcomes and overall development. Child Find helps ensure that every child has access to the support they need to thrive in their educational journey.
 

Who Can Benefit From Child Find? 

Child Find is available to all children, from birth to age 21, who reside in Colorado. It is particularly beneficial 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 professionals

How Does Child Find Work?

Child Find is a program for children from birth to age 21 with developmental delays or disabilities, or those struggling academically, socially, or emotionally. Child Find strives to provide early identification and support to help children succeed in school and beyond.
 
The Child Find process typically involves the following steps: 
  • Referral: Anyone who suspects a child may have a disability can make a referral. This could be a parent, teacher, doctor, or other concerned individual
  • Screening: Once a referral is made, the Child Find team conducts a preliminary screening to determine if further evaluation is needed
  • Evaluation: If the screening indicates potential concerns, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted by specialists to assess the child's needs
  • Eligibility Determination: Based on the evaluation results, the team determines if the child qualifies for special education and related services
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP): If the child is eligible, an IEP is developed to outline specific goals, services, and support tailored to the child's unique needs

How to Get Started?

Children who are not yet in kindergarten, may be referred at any time when a family member, doctor or childcare provider has a concern about their development. 
  • To refer a child under age 3, go to the Early Intervention Colorado Centralized Referral System or call 1-888-777-4041.
  • Children 3 - 5 years old are evaluated as a part of the preschool special education process.   
  • Parents or Guardians of children who are entering kindergarten and are 5+ years old by October 1 of the current school year should contact their student's school, or the Weld RE5J Special Education Office at ********, if they have a concern about their child’s development.

Have a Question?

Chanin Gaona
Child Find Coordinator