Child Find is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth to 21, who require early intervention or special education services. The McLaughlin School District conducts specific activities for students ages birth to 21 with suspected disabilities who reside within the district's boundaries.

 

The IDEA requires all states to have policies and procedures in effect to ensure that all children who require special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated. Child Find applies to all children who live within the State. This includes infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children in private or tribal schools, highly mobile, homeless, or migrant children.

 

McLaughlin School District currently identifies and provides special education services to "school age" and "preschool" children. It is possible, however, that some exceptional children in the district under age 21 are not receiving services. If you have such a child or are aware of such a child not now attending school, please contact Dr. Rhonda Frederick, McLaughlin School District, 601 Main Street, McLaughlin, SD 57642, or call (605)823-4484. As part of its Child Find efforts, the McLaughlin School District conducts  screenings for vision, hearing, and speech at designated grade levels in kindergarten through fifth grade. Parents are notified of screening results should a concern be noted.