Child Find
Access to Child Find is part of your child's Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). 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 Victoria Independent School District (VISD) and Education Service Center Region III.
Referral Process: Requests for a Full and Individual Evaluation may be made by parent, the district, or a state agency. During the referral process, appropriate personnel will obtain information in the areas(s) of suspected disability. This group of school district personnel, with the input of parents, will determine if evaluation is necessary to determine if there is a disability. When needed, appropriate personnel will evaluate formally in the areas(s) of suspected disability. 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:
Autism
Deaf or Hard of Hearing*
Deaf-Blind*
Emotional Disturbance
Intellectual Disability
Multiple Impairment
Other Health Impairments
Orthopedic Impairment
Speech/Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment*
*Services may begin at birth for children with visual and/or auditory impairments.