Child Find and Identification of SPED

What is Child Find?

Child Find describes the obligation of all public schools to locate, identify and evaluate children who might need special education services. Charter networks, like Hiawatha Academies, are responsible for monitoring students enrolled in all Hiawatha schools. If Hiawatha Academies suspects a child has a disability, they must go through a process to determine if the student is eligible for special education. Hiawatha uses a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) model to identify students who may be eligible for special education services. 

What if I am concerned about my child?

Parents may formally request a special education evaluation, and Hiawatha Academies must respond to this request in writing. With the least restrictive environment in mind, Hiawatha Academies may meet with the family to discuss using interventions prior to conducting a special education evaluation.

If you have academic, behavioral, social or emotional concerns about your child, please contact your child’s homeroom or advisory teacher.