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Child Find: Concerns About Your Child's Development

Two preschool students play with shaving cream on table in red smocks

Early Intervention for a Brighter Future

Child Find is the process of early intervention in “finding” children who may have a disability or delay in development in the following areas:

  • Vision and Hearing

  • Motor Control or Coordination

  • Behavior or Social Skills

  • Speech or Language Skills

  • Thinking or Performing Tasks

  • Adaptive Behavior (self care)

The Arizona Early Intervention Program (AZEIP) and local schools can help children with disabilities from birth through 21-years-old. They provide early intervention and special education services for eligible children. There are no costs for Child Find services.  

If your child is under 3 years of age and you have concerns about your child’s development or progress in school, you may receive help through Child Find. Contact the Arizona Early Intervention Program at (602) 635-9810 or the Division of Developmental Disabilities at (480) 831-1009.

If your child is between ages 3-5 complete a Developmental Screening Request Form and you will be contacted by someone from Tempe Elementary Schools about the next monthly Child Find screening.

Who is responsible for local Child Find activities?

Public schools and the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) are responsible for “finding" children.

Evaluation

If an evaluation is needed, you will be a part of the evaluation team because you can give important information about your child’s developmental and medical history. You will be involved in the decision-making process to determine if your child is eligible for early intervention or special education services.

Tips for Parents

Parent involvement in the special education process is critical to your child’s success. You’re the best advocate for your child.

  • Ask the school for a copy of the Procedural Safeguards Notice. This will explain your special education rights and responsibilities.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learn about the evaluation process.
  • Be involved in your child’s evaluation. As a member of the team, you will be asked to contribute to the process.
  • Request copies of important paperwork including a copy of the final report. Keep these documents in a safe place.
  • Keep a log of phone calls. Use your calendar to keep track of testing dates and meetings.
  • Contact a parent group for guidance. It helps to talk to other parents whose children have been evaluated for special education services.

What is Child Find?

Child Find is a component of the 2024 Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) that requires states to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities, age birth through 21, who are in need of early intervention or special education services.

Child Find services are available to all residents living within the Tempe Elementary School District attendance boundaries. Screenings and evaluations are available to determine if a child has a disability and needs special education services.

Child Find Screening Dates

  • Friday, August 22, 2025
  • Friday, September 26, 2025
  • Friday, November 7, 2025
  • Friday, December 12, 2025
  • Friday, January 9, 2026
  • Friday, February 20, 2026
  • Friday, March 27, 2026
  • Friday, May 8, 2026

Contact Us

Mel Kelley
Director of Special Education

(480) 730-7286
Email Mel Kelley

3205 S. Rural Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282

Suzanne Schwetz
Child Find School Psychologist

(480) 897-6233, Ext. 5737
Email Suzanne Schwetz

625 W. Cornell Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85283

Blanca Vargas
Administrative Assistant

(480) 897-6233, Ext. 5791
Email Blanca Vargas

3205 S. Rural Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282