Referral Process

How are children with special needs identified?

The Individuals with Disabilities Act mandates that local school districts or agencies identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities (or suspected disabilities), aged birth to 21, who may be in need of early intervention or special education services. This process is called “Child Find”. The Child Find process is confidential and free to families.

Birth through Age Two

A child who is up to three years old may be referred for a “Child Find” screening by the child’s parents, doctor, or another informed individual (i.e., social worker, preschool teacher, etc). Child Find screens for the following areas of development:

Cognitive (thinking, learning, and reasoning)
Physical (vision, hearing, mobility, sensorimotor, and health)
Communication and Speech/Language (understanding and expressing thoughts, gestures, or words)
Social/Emotional (feelings, getting along with others, and relationships)
Adaptive/Self Help (bathing, feeding, dressing, and toileting)

Through this screening, professionals may determine whether a more comprehensive evaluation should occur for a child. Both screenings and evaluations help professionals make informed decisions about possible early interventions (link). For children within the Blaine County School District boundary, parents or professionals may contact the Idaho Infant Toddler Program at (208) 736-2182 or visit the Idaho Infant-Toddler website for more information.

Child Find information may also be found at the following websites:

Preschool:

Preschool aged children (ages 3-5) are screened for Child Find in a similar manner to children below the age of three. However, these screenings are completed by Blaine County School District professionals. Children are screened for developmental delays in the categories listed above. Blaine County School District screens these students for missed milestones and possible delays. School professionals use a variety of tools within this screening process. Child Find screenings occur by appointment and may be scheduled with Jennifer Barrett at (208) 578-5093. Next steps are determined after a screening is completed. Some of the outcomes may include, parent training, early interventions, or more comprehensive evaluations.

Additionally, children who have qualified for the Idaho Infant-Toddler Program are referred to the school district's Early Childhood Special Education Department to determine eligibility, and possible special education program/placement.

To view the BCSD Child Wellness Screening brochures, please click the links below:

English Child Wellness Screening Brochure

Spanish Child Wellness Screening Brochure

For more information or to set up an appointment for a screening, contact Jennifer Barrett at (208) 578-5093.

Kindergarten through 12^th Grade

Students in kindergarten through 12^th grade are screened for Child Find within the school district. Typically, when concerns arise about developmental milestones or student progress, school professionals bring their concerns to what is called a “building support team” or “BST”. The BST meets weekly at each school and is comprised of several school professionals. Through the BST a school team with discuss:

Current progress
Accommodations and modifications
Instructional interventions
Possible referral for special education evaluation

For information about school-aged screenings or building support teams please contact your child’s classroom teacher or school Principal.

Private or Home School Students

Students who are not enrolled in public school are also considered for Child Find. Parents or school personnel may contact Debi Gutknecht, Director of Student Services, at (208) 578-5000.