Child Find

Our preschools are ready for you!

About Child Find

Philosophy

"Early Years are Learning Years"

  • All children should have the opportunities to reach their potential.
  • Children with disabilities are more similar to their same-aged peers than they are different.
  • Early learning builds upon the world the child knows and takes place through exploration and movement.
  • Parents are considered their child's primary teacher.
  • Developmentally-appropriate early experiences impact later development, attitudes, and school experience.

Itinerant Services

Our itinerant services offer extra support and instruction to qualifying children in Head Start, Inclusive Preschool, and Community Child Care/Preschool. These settings offer children the opportunity to participate in learning with their typically developing peers. This program is for the child who is ready for a busier, large group setting. Specific program eligibility requirements may apply.

Child Find Process

Preschool Special Education Information: 520-232-7034

Who is eligible for evaluation?

Children between the ages of 2 years, 10 ½ months and 5 years of age (not eligible for kindergarten) that reside within the TUSD boundaries.

What is Child Find?

Child Find has three parts:

  • public relations
  • the screening process of locating and identifying those children in need of services
  • the referral of birth to age 3 children to AzEIP

Why evaluate preschool children?

When learning challenges are identified at a young age, early intervention can help the child with their development.

What to watch for...

Children who are showing difficulties with any of the following areas may have a learning challenge. Watch for difficulties with:

  • speaking/understanding
  • vision
  • hearing
  • walking/running
  • self-help skills
  • behavior/social skills
  • manipulating small objects/drawing
  • cognitions/academics

If you would like to start the Child Find process:

Call (520) 232-7034. Information will be collected over the phone and documents will be emailed or mailed to you to complete.

Complete and save forms to your computer and attach to an email to Child Find or bring to the Child Find office at:

5145 E. 5th Street
Tucson, AZ 85711

*If your child is already enrolled in a TUSD preschool, some of these documents may not be necessary. Call the Child Find office 520-232-7034 and speak to a representative to find out.

What happens after documents are submitted?

The nurse and audiologist will review current hearing and vision information and will let you know if further steps are needed.

The Child Find office will schedule an appointment with you and your child to determine if an evaluation is needed and/or to conduct an evaluation. The evaluation consists of a Comprehensive Developmental Assessment that focuses on the five areas of development: Cognitive, Social/Emotional, Adaptive, Physical (fine and gross motor), and Communication (receptive and expressive language).

What if my child is less than three years of age?

If you have concerns about a child that is between birth and two years, 10 ½  months of age, call the Arizona Early Intervention Program at (520) 325-6495 or (877) 222-5432.