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.