Child Find Policy

The St. Mary Parish School District (SMPSD) actively searches for children and students from birth through 22 years of age who may have a disability, or who may be gifted and/or talented. Our mission is to identify, locate, and evaluate children and students who may be in need of special education and/or related services.  Every child is unique, every child is different, and differences are wonderful. Sometimes, differences can cause children to have difficulty in school. We are ready to help all children learn and be successful. Our goal is to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to every student with a disability. Our practices are driven by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and we are guided by its goal of providing specially designed instruction and services to meet the unique and individual needs of all students with a disability.

Child Find Procedures

Birth to age three:  Early intervention programs are available to help children with chronic illnesses, who did not walk or talk on time, or who may have other developmental delays. Please call the Child Find team at the St. Mary Parish School Board Office of Special Education at (337) 828-1767 for more information.

Children who are already enrolled in the Early Steps early intervention program will be referred in accordance with Early Steps guidelines to the St. Mary Parish School Board Child Find team for screening and possible evaluation. Once referred, children who are determined eligible for special education services through the evaluation process will be offered an Individualized Education Program (IEP) prior to their 3rd birthday.

Preschool age children not enrolled in school: If you are concerned that your child may have developmental delays or may have special needs, please call the Child Find team at the St. Mary Parish School Board Office of Special Education at (337) 828-1767 for more information on having your child screened.

School age children enrolled in St. Mary Parish Schools: If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing a problem that is affecting his or her ability to learn, or causing him/her difficulty in school, contact the School Building Level Committee (SBLC) at your child’s school to discuss your concerns.

School age children not enrolled in St. Mary Parish Schools: Call the Child Find Coordinator at the St. Mary Parish School Board Office of Special Education at (337) 828-1767 for more information.

 

Revised December 2024