Child Find
“Child Find” is a legal requirement that schools find all children who have disabilities and who may be entitled to special education services. In Michigan, Child Find covers every child from birth through age 25. Schools must evaluate any child that it knows or suspects may have a disability. Child Find requirements also apply to students at parentally placed private schools.
Early On Awareness
Early On® Michigan offers early intervention services for infants and toddlers, birth to three (3) years of age, with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities, and their families. It is the federally funded system of early intervention services under Part C of IDEA. Early On Public Awareness (EOPA) is responsible for child find activities for Early On Michigan. You can contact Early On Michigan at 1-800-EarlyOn (327-5966)
Early Childhood Special Education
Michigan Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to young children, ages three through five, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619). Through its 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) Michigan's ECSE program ensures the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that young children with disabilities should receive services in typical community-based early childhood settings and programs whenever possible, and only go to more restrictive or specialized settings when their individual needs require it.
For more resources on Child Find for Preschool Aged Children, go to Build Up Michigan.
If you have questions about special education, contact the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education information line at 888-320-8384.
Special Education for School Aged Children
Each district will have Child Find procedures for their Elementary through High School students. This includes a process led by collaborative school teams to identify needs and determine interventions to support those needs. When interventions are not successful, the school based teams may refer their student for a special education evaluation as part of their Child Find requirements. There isn’t a requirement to go through a Multi-Tiered System of Support Process, or MTSS as part of the Child Find requirement, many school districts use this approach to support the various needs of their diverse learners, including students with disabilities. More information regarding MTSS can be found at MiMTSS Technical Assistance Center.
Request for a Special Education Evaluation
The Initial Special Education Evaluation Form is to refer individuals, 3 to 26, for possible special education services. If a student is currently enrolled in one of our 6 local districts, a special education evaluation can also be requested at their local district. When a referral is received, the parent or legal guardian will be contacted in order to discuss the referral and a possible evaluation for special education services. To place a referral for a child birth up to age 3, visit www.1800EarlyOn.org.
The Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District serves students and families living in the following local school districts: Big Rapids Public Schools, Chippewa Hills School District, Crossroads Charter Academy, Evart Public Schools, Morley Stanwood Community Schools, and Reed City Area Public Schools.
If you have any questions about special education services or referring your child, please contact the MOISD at 231-796-3543 or email us at specialeducation@moisd.org.
