Access to Child Find is part of your child's Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

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Description/Purpose: The purpose of Child Find is to locate, identify, and evaluate children from birth to 21 years of age and their possible need for special education and related services. Child Find is a free referral and information service available through local education agencies (BISD) and Education Service Center Region I.

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Students receiving services through Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) will be transitioned into the public school system starting as early as 120 days prior to their 3rd birthday.

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Early Childhood: If you are a parent of a 3-5 year old who is not enrolled at a BISD campus and suspect that your child has a disability, please contact us at (956) 548-8400.

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School Age: If you are a parent of a 5-21 year old who is enrolled at a BISD campus and suspect that your child has a disability, please contact your child's teacher or school administrator to refer your child for a full individual evaluation.

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Private School: If you are a parent of a child enrolled in a private school who resides in BISD boundaries or attends a private school within BISD boundaries and you suspect that your child has a disability, please contact us at (956) 548-8400.

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Referral Process: Referrals may be initiated by parents, (ECI) Early Childhood Intervention agencies or campus staff.

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Eligibility: Your child must have a disability as defined through federal and state guidelines. As a result of this disability, your child must demonstrate an educational need for services. Disability categories include the following:

• Auditory Impairment*                                                  

• Autism

• Deaf-Blind*

• Emotional Disturbance

• Intellectual Disability

• Learning Disability

• Multiple Impairment

• Other Health Impairment

• Orthopedic Impairment

• Speech/Language Impairment

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Visual Impairment*

*Services may begin at birth for children with visual and/or auditory impairments.

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