Special Education Process

Child Find

Our district complies with Child Find to identify children from birth to age 22. 

• Child Find is a federal law.

• It requires public schools to look for, find and evaluate children who need special education.

• It applies to all children in our school district, including:

  • Private and homeschool students

  • Migrant students

  • Unhoused students

Read the child find statute

Help Me Grow

Parents and guardians can make a referral through Help Me Grow Minnesota. The organization connects families to resources that help young children develop, learn and grow.

Contact Help Me Grow

Your child's school

• Parents, guardians or school staff can share concerns with their child's teacher.
• A school staff member will reach out to explain the process.

See multi-tiered system of support

• If the school agrees to evaluate a student, a team meeting will be scheduled.
• The team will decide what tests to use.
• The tests must assess all areas related to the child's suspected disability.
• A parent or guardian must give written permission before testing can begin.

A team that includes parents or guardians meets to:

• Review the evaluation results.
• Determine eligibility.
• Develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students who qualify for services.

• A parent or guardian gives written permission so services can begin. 
• The IEP is implemented.
• The IEP team reviews each student's plan and their progress at least once a year.