Child Find
Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Thrive
If you have concerns about your child's development, learning, communication, behavior, or physical abilities, you're not alone—and we're here to help.
Child Find is a free service that helps identify infants, children, and young adults (birth through age 25) who may be eligible for special education programs and/or services.
Early identification can make a significant difference in a child's success. If concerns exist, our team will guide you through the next steps and connect you with the appropriate resources and services.
You do not need a diagnosis to ask questions or request assistance.
Contact your local school district or contact our team at specialeducation@moisd.org
Early On Awareness
Early On® Michigan offers early intervention services for infants and toddlers, birth to three (3) years of age, with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities, and their families. It is the federally funded system of early intervention services under Part C of IDEA. Early On Public Awareness (EOPA) is responsible for child find activities for Early On Michigan. You can contact Early On Michigan at 1-800-EarlyOn (327-5966)
Early Childhood Special Education
Michigan Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to young children, ages three through five, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619). The ECSE program ensures the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that young children with disabilities receive services in typical community-based early childhood settings and programs whenever possible, and only go to more restrictive or specialized settings when their individual needs require it.
For more resources on Child Find for Preschool Aged Children, go to Help Me Grow.
If you have questions about special education, contact the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education information line at 888-320-8384.
Special Education for School Aged Children
Each local school district has Child Find procedures for their Elementary through High School-aged students. This includes a process led by collaborative school teams to identify needs and determine interventions to support those needs.
When interventions are not successful, the school based teams may refer their student for a special education evaluation as part of their Child Find requirements. There isn’t a requirement to go through a Multi-Tiered System of Support Process, or MTSS, as part of the Child Find requirement. Many school districts use this approach to support the various needs of their diverse learners, including students with disabilities.
More information regarding MTSS can be found at MiMTSS Technical Assistance Center.
Request for a Special Education Evaluation
An initial referral for special education may be requested through your resident school district. To place a referral for a child birth to age 3, visit www.1800EarlyOn.org.
The Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District serves students and families living in the following local school districts: Big Rapids Public Schools, Chippewa Hills School District, Crossroads Charter Academy, Evart Public Schools, Morley Stanwood Community Schools, and Reed City Area Public Schools.
If you have any questions about special education services or referring your child, please contact the MOISD at 231-796-3543 or email us at specialeducation@moisd.org.
