The Road Through Child Find
Screening for Ages 3-5
Every child’s learning journey is unique, and The Road Through Child Find visual shows families how the steps in the process work as local FDLRS centers offer free developmental screenings for children ages 3–5 who are not yet in public school. Children birth to 36 months are guided to Early Steps. FDLRS Child Find Specialists are here to help every family find the support their child needs for a strong start.
Step 1
Parents, families, preschools, daycares, or doctors have concerns about a child showing developmental delays for their age. They submit a screening request to their local FDLRS center.
Step 2
FDLRS Child Find Specialists from the local FDLRS center contacts the family to schedule a free developmental screening.
Finish Line or Step 3
Finish Line - If the screening does not show that further evaluation is needed, the Road Through Child Find ends here.
Step 3 - If the screening suggests a need for further evaluation, FDLRS Child Find Specialists inform the family and send the screening results to the Local Education Agency (LEA). For most families, the LEA is their local school district.
Step 4
For children whose screening suggests a need for further evaluation, the LEA contacts the family to gain consent to evaluate their child.
Step 5
After the evaluation is complete, the LEA schedules a meeting with the family to discuss their child's eligibility for support based on the results of the evaluation.
Finish Line
An Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is developed by the LEA and family, and the child begins school with supports in place.