Child Find

Child Find, an evaluation program available through Southfield Public Schools, identifies resident children - ages birth through five years - who may be in need of special education services. Child Find offers evaluations to children suspected of having a disability, at no charge. Following the evaluation, eligible children are referred to appropriate programs and services.

A team specializing in the areas of concern works with the parents and child to determine eligibility for Special Education Services.

The Child Find Team and parents work together to determine the appropriate programs and services for eligible children.

The Child Find Team can include the following highly qualified specialists:

• Teacher Consultant
• Speech/Language Pathologist
• School Psychologist
• School Social Worker
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist

A variety of programs and service options are available in Southfield and through other Oakland County School districts. Some of the possible programs that serve special education preschoolers are:

• Early Intervention
• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
• Speech/Language Therapy
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Cognitive Impairment (CI)

Early Intervention is a combination of school and home-based services to children ages birth to three. The goal of this educational program is to support and guide parents, who are considered the young child s primary teachers. The program is led by a highly qualified Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. Support services are provided by an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Speech/Language Therapist to assist families in providing appropriate educational activities for their child.

The ECSE is a classroom-based program for children ages three to five. The class is led by a highly qualified Early Childhood Special Education Teacher with support services provided by an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Speech/Language Therapist. A strong home-school connection is encouraged so that each child s educational program can be enhanced.

Speech/language services are provided to children ages three to five in a small educational group setting. Services are provided by highly qualified Speech/Language Pathologists. The therapists work closely with each child s parents on developing appropriate home programs to enhance the child s goals

Early On is designed to provide support to children under age 3 and their families. Non-profit agencies in Oakland County have partnered together to do assessments and provide service coordination for eligible children and their families.

If your child is under age 3, please call the Early On referral line at 248-209-2084.

By 1 year: Pulls self to standing; may step with support. Gives toy on request. Picks things up with thumb and one finger. Stacks two blocks. Follows simple directions accompanied by gestures. Gives affection. May say 2 or 3 words.

By 2 Years: Kicks large ball. Turns pages (1 at a time). Identifies 6 body parts. Imitates housework. Asks for items by name. Uses 2 or 3 words together, such as more juice.

By 3 Years: Walks up stairs. Stands momentarily on one foot. Uses utensils to feed self. Copies a circle. Uses short sentences to relate experiences. Matches colors. Demonstrates interest in toilet training.

By 4 Years: Rides a tricycle. Is toilet trained. Copies a cross. Names 6 basic colors. Can wait for a turn. Begins to play with other children. Washes hands unassisted. Uses sentences.

Additional Links

Procedural Safeguard Notice 
Process used to determine the existence of a Specific Learning Disability