Child Find
Early Intervention Program
Birth to Age 3
Kindering Center, located in Bellevue, offers free evaluations for infants and toddlers (birth through 3 years) that will help you determine if your child is following a typical pattern of development. If appropriate, the Kindering Center will provide early intervention help for your child.
Eligible infants and toddlers and their families are entitled to individualized, quality early intervention services in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. Bellevue School District partners with Kindering to transition students from Part C to Part B services before the child’s third birthday, when appropriate.
For evaluations call Kindering Center at (425) 747-4004, or visit their website at https://kindering.org/referrals/.
Preschool Program
Ages 3 to 5
The Child Find team provides a free developmental screening and/or special education evaluation for all children (ages 3 to 5) suspected of having a developmental delay or disability.
The purpose of the screening is to identify any developmental delays, such as adaptive, cognitive, communication, motor or social/emotion delays that may potentially affect a child’s functional or pre-academic performance.
Upon completion of the screening, the Child Find team will explain the results and determine if a special education evaluation is needed.
Eligible preschool students are entitled to individualized, quality early intervention special education services in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B.
Preschool Child Find Intake Form:
English (PDF)Español (PDF)
For preschool screenings, evaluations, or questions call (425) 456-4149.
School Age Program
Kindergarten to 21 years
The referral process begins when a teacher, parent and/or agency identifies a student in the general education program who is perceived as having difficulties that interfere with learning. Members of the guidance team have 25 school days to substantiate a rationale for an evaluation. The evaluation team determines if the student is eligible for special education services.
To refer a student attending a Bellevue School District school, contact your school counselor.
Child Find activities are extended to students who are home-schooled or attending private elementary or secondary schools located within the Bellevue School District boundary.
If your child attends a Bellevue School District school contact your school counselor.
If your child attends a private school within the Bellevue School District call (425) 456-4149.
Private/Home School Referral Form:
English (PDF)Español (PDF)
When should a child be referred to Child Find?
- When birth complications or a medical disorder interferes with development and/or learning
- When a child seems to have difficulty hearing or seeing
- When you or others outside the family don’t understand a child’s speech
- When a child appears to be learning more slowly than other children their age
- When a child appears to have social emotional difficulties that affect their ability to learn
- When a child has motor difficulties (moving , jumping, using their hands, etc.) that interferes with their ability to keep with other children
Evaluation Process
The referral process begins when a teacher, parent and/or agency identifies a student in the general education program who is perceived as having a problem. Members of the Guidance Team have 25 school days to substantiate a rationale for an evaluation. During this period of time, the following occur:
- File review
- Contact with referring source
- Review of past and present interventions
If formal interventions have not been done over time, they should be instituted during this pre-referral time.
It is important to note that parent(s) must be notified and offered an opportunity to participate in all meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, and provision of free and appropriate education for the student. Interpreters are available, if needed.
The Evaluation Team determines if the student is eligible and requires specially designed instruction. The evaluation report should be sufficient in scope to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Reevaluation
A reevaluation occurs by law every three years or earlier, if requested by the student’s parent, teacher, or other authority. A reevaluation occurs to determine continuing need for special education services.
Possible rationale for reevaluation: three-year requirement, parent/school request, change of category, change in placement, or termination of services. If a student appears to no longer need special education services, a reevaluation must occur in order to exit the student from special education.