Connecting children with services is a critical concern in the face of the global pandemic. Child Find is a system that focuses on early identification of delays and/or disabilities in children. In America, Child Find has been in existence since 1975 when P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children’s Act was passed by congress. Today we call this law the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The intent of IDEA Child Find is, “to create and implement a system to actively locate…children with disabilities.” There are many ways to actively locate children who may be eligible for IDEA services due to a delay or disability.
One way to find children who are eligible for community-based services is on a virtual home visit.
If someone close to the child (e.g., parent, family member, familiar caregiver) has a concern, they can contact their local provider(s) who could follow up on their concern by conducting a developmental screening assessment during a virtual home visit. First, staff provide screening tools in advance for parents to review. Some parents may wish to complete screening tool independently, or during the virtual home visit. Staff score questionnaires and discuss results with parents during the virtual home visit. Be sure families have the technology needed to conduct a virtual home visit. Screening materials could be available in the home using things that are familiar to the child. Adequate time is necessary for parents to try and/or observe items with the child. Staff may translate or adapt for cultural, language differences.
For more information check out this webinar called “Child Find: Identifying Children for IDEA Services in a Remote and Virtual Context.” I made this webinar for the Brookes Coffee Chat series and it is now available on demand at the following link:
https://brookespublishing.com/resource-library/child-find-identifying-children-for-idea-services-in-a-remote-and-virtual-context/
