CHILDFIND
1-800-445-2722
ChildFind
is a first step for parents and guardians who have concerns about
their child’s development. ChildFind provides a toll free phone
number which connects parents and guardians with personnel who can
answer questions, provide information, and connect them with appropriate
resources. Resources may include a school district or an agency
to conduct an evaluation and/or an assessment to determine if the
child is eligible for early intervention services or educational
and related services; a source for legal clarification from the
SDE; or documents regarding law and regulations.
In the spring of 1994, the State Department of Education provided
definitive guidelines regarding ChildFind’s responsibility
in responding to inquiries about services for children from birth
to three. In response, SERC, which coordinates ChildFind activities,
took the opportunity to establish new systems and procedures, ensuring
that all callers continued to be provided with appropriate information
and resources.
One new system was the development of the ChildFind Response Team
at SERC. Previously, callers with concerns regarding their child’s
development or school achievement would speak with SERC’s Family
Consultant. The formation of the team allowed coverage for calls
to be spread among eight people, capitalizing on the talents and
experiences of a very capable staff, including SERC’s Birth
to Six Consultants.
The second system change was the provision of a centralized toll-free
phone number located at INFOLINE for all calls concerning children
from birth to three.
Ongoing training sessions are conducted by the Family Consultant
who, as coordinator of training, also acts as a team member and
monitors activities.
For more information, please contact:
SERC Consultant: Barbara Slone, (860) 632-1485, ext. 340.
