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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires all states, including Ohio, to implement Child Find, a legal obligation to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who may need special education and related services. This includes children aged 3 to 5 enrolled in Ohio public preschool programs.

Under Child Find, Ohio public schools must:

  • Proactively seek out young children who may have developmental delays or disabilities, regardless of the severity of the suspected disability.

  • Accept referrals from parents, caregivers, teachers, or healthcare providers who suspect a child may need special education services.

  • Provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to every eligible child in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

  • Conduct multifactor evaluations to determine eligibility and the need for services, with parental consent.

  • Complete evaluations and, if eligible, develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) within mandated timelines.
     

This legal mandate applies to all children, including those who are homeless, wards of the state, or attending private preschools, as long as they reside in the local district.

The goal of Child Find in Ohio preschools is to ensure early identification and intervention, giving children with disabilities the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.