Child Find is an ongoing process through which all children, from birth through age 21 (i.e., through the day before the student’s 22nd birthday), who may need special education services or who may be eligible for early intervention, are identified, located, and evaluated. Gavin SD #37 is responsible for actively locating, identifying, and evaluating all children who live within the district boundaries who may qualify to receive special education and/or related services. Child Find includes the following activities: 

• annual screening of children under the age of five to identify those who may need early intervention or special education services
• ongoing review of all children in general education classes 
• ongoing coordination with early intervention programs like Child and Family Connections, Head Start, local preschools, and daycare facilities 
• coordination and consultation with nonpublic schools located within the district 
• referrals of children who might require evaluation for special education from parents, school staff, and representatives from community agencies.

As the parent/guardian of a student with a disability who is receiving or may be eligible to receive special education and/or related services, you have rights that are safeguarded under state and federal law.  The rights that you are entitled to are included in the links below.  Please contact the Director of Student Services for a full explanation of these rights.  The notice of procedural safeguards must be provided to you only one time per year.  However, a copy must also be given upon an initial request for an evaluation, upon the receipt of initial complaint or request for due process, upon a disciplinary removal that constitutes a change of placement, or upon request.  

Procedural Safeguards (English)

Procedural Safeguards (Spanish)

Procedural Safeguards (All Other Languages)

Additional Resources : A Parent Guide to Understanding Special Education

Derechos y responsabilidades educacionales: entendiendo la educación especial en Illinois “Guía para padres” 

Students with disabilities may receive related services as part of their individual education programs (IEPs). District 37 will maintain related services logs that record the type and number of minutes of the related service(s) administered to such students. Copies of any related services logs will be available to parents/guardians at their child’s annual review IEP meeting. Parents/guardians of students with disabilities may also request copies of their child’s related services logs at any time.

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an IEP may qualify for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the child: (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment; or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.