Child Find

Child Find is a program outlined within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Oregon State Law that requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all resident children with from birth to age 21 that are in need of special education services. Portland Public Schools is responsible for this process in the school district's area of service and includes private as well as public schools.

The activities conducted under Child Find are independent of parental request, however parents can also initiate the process. Under Child Find referrals for evaluation may be initiated by staff in the district, but parental consent is required for testing and evaluation practices.

From birth to 5 years, PPS' Early Childhood Team conducts developmental evaluations for children suspected of having disabilities. Children may be determined to be eligible for Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, and school age eligibilities. If a child is determined eligible, Multnomah Early Childhood Program helps facilities develop an Individual Family Service Plan which can procedurally roll over to special education plans as the child ages.

For children 5 years and up, the PPS Special Education Department handles district led evaluations of students suspected with a disability.

For Parents: How do I get services? If the child is from birth to 5 years of age, contact the Multnomah Early Childhood Program at (503)-261-5535 for information about services as well as referrals for evaluation.

If the child is older than 5, the PPS Special Education Department can be contacted at (503)-916-3152 to initiate referral for evaluation through PPS. Other methods of referral are possible and may have faster results, though these methods can also be more resource intensive and hands on for parents.