Jarrell

Independent School District

Child Find

Access to Child Find is part of your child's Free and Appropriate Public Education. Your child must have an educational need for services which cannot be provided in general education. The ARD Committee must determine how the disability affects participation in age appropriate activities.

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, JISD and Education Service Center Region XIII.

Early Childhood: If you are a parent of a 3- to 5-year-old who is not enrolled at an JISD campus, please contact the Jarrell ISD Special Education Department at 512-746-2124.

School Age: If you are a parent of a five to 21 year old who is enrolled at an JISD campus, please contact your child's teacher or campus Child Study Team chairperson to begin the referral process.

Private School/Proportionate Share: Each year Jarrell ISD sets aside a proportion of federal funds for children placed in private schools by their parents, and who have been identified with special needs. If you are a parent of a child enrolled in a private school who resides in JISD boundaries or attends a private school within JISD boundaries, please contact your residential campus (JISD residents) or the campus closest to your child's private school. Please note that proportionate share funds are limited and distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

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

Students receiving services through ECI will be transitioned into the public school system starting as early as 120 days prior to their third birthday.

A physician or community agency may recommend that your child be referred for evaluation, however the parent must initiate the request with the district.

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.

Child Find Contact

Tara Erickson
Coordinator of Assessment and Compliance
tara.erickson@jarrellisd.org
512-746-2124 x1704