The Bear Paw Cooperative is committed to ensuring that every child within our member districts—regardless of disability, economic status, language background, or educational setting—has access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). A critical component of this commitment is the implementation of the Child Find mandate, a legal obligation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
What is Child Find?
Child Find is a continuous process of public awareness, screening, and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and evaluate children who may need special education and related services. It applies to children from birth through age 21, including those who are:
Enrolled in public or private schools
Homeschooled
Migrant or homeless
Wards of the state or in foster care
Living in institutions
Not yet enrolled in school (e.g., infants and toddlers)
Suspected of having a disability even though they are advancing from grade to grade
Cooperative Responsibilities
As a regional support agency, the Bear Paw Cooperative works in partnership with our member school districts to ensure Child Find responsibilities are carried out effectively and consistently. Our responsibilities include:
1. Public Awareness and Outreach
Distribute information to parents, caregivers, educators, and community agencies about developmental milestones and indicators of disabilities.
Collaborate with local pediatricians, childcare centers, Head Start programs, and community service agencies to identify potentially eligible children.
Maintain a public Child Find notice on the cooperative’s website and ensure materials are accessible as needed.
2. Early Childhood Screening and Referral
Assist districts in organizing regular preschool screenings (vision, hearing, motor skills, speech, cognitive development).
Partner with Early Intervention (Part C) providers to ensure smooth transitions for toddlers turning three who may qualify under Part B.
Accept and process referrals from parents, physicians, or community agencies for children under five suspected of developmental delays or disabilities.
3. School-Aged Identification (Ages 5–21)
Work with school staff to ensure general education interventions (like MTSS or RtI) are used effectively to determine the need for referral.
Support districts in reviewing existing data and conducting comprehensive evaluations when students are suspected of having a disability.
Ensure timely evaluations and eligibility determinations in compliance with IDEA timelines.
4. Private and Home-Schooled Students
Collaborate with local districts to identify and evaluate students attending private or religious schools within district boundaries.
Provide equitable services, when eligible, through a services plan in accordance with proportionate share requirements.
Maintain communication with families of homeschooled students who suspect a disability.
5. Data Collection and Compliance
Maintain accurate records of Child Find activities and referrals.
Monitor evaluation timelines to ensure legal compliance.
Submit data to the state education agency (SEA) as required for federal and state reporting.
6. Professional Development
Provide ongoing training for district staff on the Child Find process, disability indicators, and referral procedures.
Support staff in culturally responsive practices to eliminate disparities in identification.
Child Find is more than a legal requirement—it’s a foundational principle of inclusive education. The Bear Paw Cooperative embraces its role in ensuring that no child with a potential disability is overlooked. Through proactive outreach, collaboration, and accountability, we strive to identify and support every learner who may benefit from special education services.
If you suspect your child has a disability and may need special education and related services, or if you would like additional information, please contact your child's teacher or call the Bear Paw Cooperative at (406) 357-2269.