What is Project Child Find?
An effort by your local school system and the Exceptional Children Division, State Department of Public Instruction, to:
-Locate and identify children and youth ages birth through 21 with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services.
-Inform parents and/or guardians of the services available from their local school system and other state and community agencies.
Who Are the Children?
Children and youth who have been diagnosed or are suspected to have intellectual, physical, or emotional disabilities and are unable to benefit from a regular school program without special assistance.
What Help is Available?
-A complete evaluation, and if appropriate,
-An Individualized Education Program for children with a disability at age three,
-An Individual Family Service Plan for each child with a disability birth through 2, or
-A referral to other agencies when needed.
In Summary:
The Exceptional Children Division of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is looking for all children and youth ages birth through 21 with special needs who may not be receiving the help needed.
Children and youth with:
- Physical Disabilities
- Emotional Disabilities
- Intellectual Disabilities
Children and youth suspected of having a disability who are:
- Highly mobile/migrant and/or homeless
- Advancing from grade to grade
NCDPI EC Division Child Find Webpage
For further information regarding Child Find, or if you suspect your child may have a disability and need special education and/or related services, please contact:
Brandi Stephenson, Exceptional Children Program Director – Haywood County Schools
bstephenson@haywood.k12.nc.us
828-456-2400
1233 N. Main Street, Waynesville NC 28786
Resources:
- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Exceptional Children Division: 919.807.3969
- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Office of Early Learning (ages 3-5) 919.807.3946
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services- Division of Public Health/Early Intervention (birth-2): 919.707.5520
- Office of Citizen Services- CARE-LINE: 1.899.662.7030 or (TTY) 1.877.452.2514
- Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center- Parent Information Line: 1.800.962.6817
- Family Support Network of North Carolina: 1.800.852.0042