Child Find - Child Centered Educational Process

Students in Texas go through a child-centered educational process in order to receive special education. It is called "child-centered" because the major goal is to meet each child's needs. Once a child is referred to consideration for special education services, the following steps are taken: Parental consent is obtained for testing, a full and individual evaluation is completed, and an admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee meeting is held (Parents are a member of this committee).

If the child is eligible for and needs special education, the following steps are taken: An individual education plan (IEP) is developed. The individual educational plan is reviewed at least annually.

Secondary special education students may receive vocational training. Secondary education ends either upon graduation or when the student reaches 22 years of age by September 1.

Many children are born with or may acquire physical and/or mental conditions which limit their normal growth and development. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be helped or completely corrected if parents recognize the problem early and seek help.

Early intervention is very important, so public schools provide services to children with disabilities beginning at age three. This includes speech, physical, mental and emotional disorders. Services for vision and hearing impairments begin at birth. Children below the age of three with other development delays are served through Early Childhood Intervention Projects. For more information, call ECI at 757-8194.

Schools provide specialized instruction based on each child's needs. In addition, services may include, if specified on the Individualized Education Plan (IEP): Speech Therapy, Occupational/Physical Therapy, Special Transportation, Counseling, and other related services. Public schools provide these services at the pre-school, elementary, and secondary levels at no cost to parents. If you have a question concerning this notice or would like more information about what services are available, contract the campus principal or the special education offices.