Child Find Screening Process

Services are available to assist children with special needs. Call to schedule a screening appointment if you are concerned that a child may have a delay in one or more of the following areas of development:

• Cognitive Skills
• Communication Skills
• Daily Living Skills
• Motor Skills
• Vision
• Hearing

Parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers may make a referral. However, a parent or legal guardian must give written permission for screening to occur. There is no cost for screening, evaluation, or recommended services.

PRESCHOOL CHILDREN:

If you are aware of a preschooler from 3 to 5 years of age who may need special services, please call 803-865-5353 to schedule an appointment and a possible screening

A screening is a series of short tests and professional observations in various developmental areas. A screening, which may lead to a more comprehensive evaluation, is provided through the Preschool Special Education Department for children ages 3 to 5. Parents can obtain additional information about this process by contacting 803-865-5353. 

The student will rotate through the following screening stations according to need:

• Vision, Hearing, Speech
• Language, Developmental
• Occupational Therapy (OT) / Physical Therapy (PT)

Children who are suspected of having a delay in one or more areas will be recommended for a further evaluation to determine if they qualify for special education services.

SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN:

If you have a child already in a Richland Two school who may need special services, please contact your school. A general education intervention process for children kindergarten through grade 12 is provided at each school site by the school’s Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) and the school’s 504 Team. The purpose of general education intervention is to intervene for any child who is presenting with academic, behavior, functional, or medical concerns that are significantly impacting the student’s access to the general curriculum or school activities.  This intervention leads to a better understanding of the supports students need in order to be successful in the general education setting.  The data collected during general education intervention assists the IAT or 504 Team in determining if the student may need to be referred for a comprehensive evaluation. Parents must be provided with notice of their child’s referral to either IAT or a 504 Team.

HOMESCHOOL/PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS:

Please contact the Special Education Services at 803-738-3241.

The Child Find process is a collaborative one with school personnel working in conjunction with parents to locate, evaluate, and identify children who may need special education and related services.  Children in need of special education services or an accommodation for a disability should be identified in a timely manner.  If the child is referred for a comprehensive evaluation, informed parental consent must be obtained prior to beginning the evaluation.  The initial evaluation must be conducted within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent for the evaluation.

The Child Find preschool team consists of a school psychologist, speech pathologist, preschool teacher specialist, and other school personnel with expertise in their particular area of screening.
 

A summary will be given to you prior to your departure. You will be told if your child passed all screenings, needs to be rescreened, or needs to be referred for a comprehensive evaluation.
 

Please contact the Preschool Special Education secretary at 803-865-5353 ext. 0.