Child Find Responsiblity

What is "Child Find"?

Child Find is a legal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that mandates public school districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities—regardless of the severity—who may need special education services.

This includes:

• Children enrolled in public schools

• Children in private schools

• Homeschoolers

• Preschool-aged children

  • Wauconda CUSD 118 offers ongoing preschool screenings for all children ages three to five who live within the District boundaries or who are enrolled by their parents in a not-for-profit daycare/preschool program that includes an active kindergarten program and located within District boundaries. For more information, please see the flyer in English and Spanish and click on the link below to fill out the intake form to start the preschool screening process. Preschool Screening Intake Form/Forma de Ingreso

  • For more information about preschool, please refer to the Preschool Learners quick link on the main page of the Special Services webpage.

• Children who are highly mobile, such as migrant or homeless youth

District 118 has systems in place to identify students within the district who have disabilities that significantly impact their academic progress. A parent or staff member may refer a student to the Wauconda Student Assistance Team (WSAT) for academic or social-emotional concerns.

Team members, including teachers, counselors, support staff, parents, and students, may develop and implement interventions and strategies to address the student's needs. If these strategies and interventions adequately support the student, additional layers of problem-solving are typically not required, and the student will remain in the least restrictive environment.

If the interventions suggest that more support is needed, an evaluation for special education may be considered.   Parents may request an evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for special education services by submitting a written request to the principal, assistant principal, school psychologist, or Director of Special Education. Sample Parent Letter- Written Request for Special Education Evaluation

Steps for Parents to Request a Special Education Evaluation

• 1. Submit a Written Request
  Parents must submit a formal written request to the school asking for an evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for special education services. This request can be sent to the principal, school psychologist, or special education coordinator.
  See: Sample Parent Letter – Written Request for Special Education Evaluation

• 2. Receive Confirmation and Consent Form
  The school is required to respond, typically within 10 to 15 school days, depending on state laws. If the school agrees to conduct an evaluation, parents will receive a consent form.
  Note: The school cannot begin the evaluation without signed parental consent.

• 3. Provide Consent
  Parents must sign and return the consent form promptly to begin the evaluation process.

• 4. Evaluation Process Begins
  Once consent is received, the school has a specific number of days (often 60 calendar days) to complete the evaluation.

• 5. Participate in the Eligibility Meeting
  After the evaluation is complete, the school will schedule a meeting with the parents to review the results and determine whether the child is eligible for special education services.

• 6. Review the IEP (if eligible)
  If the child is found eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed. Parents are key participants in creating and reviewing the IEP.

Proportionate Share

• In compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004), Wauconda District 118 provides child find evaluations and special education services to parentally placed students attending local private or parochial schools, as well as students who are homeschooled. The district is required to use a portion of its federal funds, referred to as Proportionate Share, to provide special education services to private and parochial schools within our attendance boundaries. We also provide child find services, including screening and evaluation, at no cost to students.

Evaluation 

• Throughout the year, District 118 receives requests to evaluate students who are homeschooled or attending private or parochial schools. We are legally obligated to consider each evaluation request and make a decision based on a review of existing data and input from parents and teachers. The District 118 team will determine whether an evaluation is appropriate and will inform the referring party of the decision.

• If you believe your child should be evaluated for special education, please contact your child’s teacher at their private or parochial school, or send a written request directly to the Assistant Superintendent of Special Services for District 118.

Timely and Meaningful Consultation 

• In compliance with IDEA, representatives from the district meet annually with parents and staff from private and parochial schools to discuss how the district will support students with special education needs in those schools or who are homeschooled. This meeting is typically held in May of each school year. You can find the 2025 TMC meeting agenda and information linked here.

Legal Notice Notice of Public Meeting  

On May 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., a meeting conducted by Wauconda CUSD 118 will take place at District Office, 555 N. Main Street, Wauconda, IL 60084. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the district’s plan for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools or are homeschooled within the district during the 2025–2026 school year.

If you are a parent of a homeschooled student who has been, or may be, identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Wauconda CUSD 118, you are encouraged to attend this meeting. If you have questions about the meeting, please contact Dr. Julia Nadler, Assistant Superintendent of Special Services, at 847-526-7950, ext. 9200.