Parents should contact Child Find if they:

• have questions about whether their child has a disability
• are concerned about their infant, toddler, or preschooler's development
• know their child has a disability and are looking for appropriate educational services
• would like to know how to help their school age child succeed in school

What is Child Find?
The process of locating and evaluating children with disabilities is referred to as "Child Find." The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires all school districts to locate, evaluate and provide services for individuals birth to 21, who may have a disability.

Evaluations for infants and toddlers
Lake Washington School District, in contract with the Kindering Center in Bellevue, WA, offers free of cost evaluations for infants and toddlers, birth through three. This evaluation will help you to determine if your child is following a typical pattern of development. If appropriate, the Kindering Center will provide early intervention help for your child. For questions or assistance, call the Kindering Center at (425) 747-4004.

Three to five year olds
Developmental evaluations are provided by Lake Washington School District for children, between the ages of three and five, to identify possible delays in language, motor, cognitive or social-emotional development. If you have questions or concerns about your preschooler's development, or to refer a child for evaluation, contact Child Find at the Special Services East office (@ Dickinson Elementary).
Child Find
Linda Pankow
(425) 936-2760

School Age Children
Lake Washington School District identifies children five through 21 who may have a suspected disability. A parent, staff member, or outside person may refer a student at their local school by contacting the school psychologist or Special Education department at (425) 936-1201.

For more information about the preschool programs offered at LWSD, see the Preschool page on this site.