What is the purpose of "Child Find" requirements under IDEA?

The purpose of "Child Find" requirements under IDEA is to mandate schools to identify and evaluate children with disabilities. This obligation ensures that all children, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to be assessed and receive the services they need. Schools are required to actively seek out children who may have disabilities, including those who are not enrolled in school, as well as those in private schools or homeless situations. The goal of this requirement is to ensure that children with disabilities can access appropriate educational resources and services, which are crucial for their development and learning.

While reducing the number of students in special education, providing federal funding, and establishing performance benchmarks are all related to the broader context of special education, they do not capture the essence of the "Child Find" requirement, which is specifically focused on identification and evaluation. This proactive approach is foundational to ensuring that children with disabilities are recognized and supported in their educational journeys.