What does the term "child find" refer to under IDEA?

• A. The requirement for schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities
• B. The obligation for parents to report disabilities in their children
• C. The process by which schools find and recruit special education teachers
• D. The method used to assess students' academic performance

Answer: (A)

The term "child find" under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) refers to the requirement for schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities. This provision is crucial because it ensures that all children who may have disabilities and need special education services are identified early. The "child find" mandate indicates that schools have a proactive responsibility to seek out these children, which includes those who are homeless, wards of the state, or in private schools.

This requirement aims to guarantee that no child is overlooked and that they receive the support they need to succeed in their educational environment. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention, as understanding and addressing disabilities as soon as possible can lead to better educational outcomes. By focusing on the identification and evaluation processes, "child find" plays a significant role in fulfilling the rights of children with disabilities to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).