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Child Find:
Who Should I Contact if I Think My Child Needs Special Education Services?

The point of contact depends on the age of your child and where they attend school or childcare.  

Under Age 2 years 8 months

Where They Attend School

Location or where the child attends care is not relevant

Who to Contact

Contact the Strong Start DC Early Intervention Program at (202) 727-3665 or submit a referral online through https://eip.osse.dc.gov/.

Between  2 years 8 months and 5 years 10 months

Where They Attend School

Enrolled at or attending a DCPS school

Who to Contact

  • Contact your child’s teacher or Special Education Coordinator. The principal can provide the name of the special education point of contact in the building.

  • Contact information for DCPS schools can be found at profiles.dcps.dc.gov. 

Enrolled at or attending a DC charter school

Attending a private, religious, or home-based daycare located in DC

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OR

A DC resident not yet enrolled in school

  • ​Contact Early Stages at (202) 698-8037 or info@earlystages.org.

  • ​​For more information about Early Stages or to submit an online referral please visit earlystagesdc.org.

Between 5 years 10 months and 21 years of age

Where They Attend School

Enrolled at or attending a DCPS school

Who to Contact

  • Contact your child’s teacher or Special Education Coordinator. The principal can provide the name of the special education point of contact in the building.

  • Contact information for DCPS schools can be found at profiles.dcps.dc.gov. 

Enrolled at or attending a DC charter school

  • Contact your child’s teacher or Special Education Coordinator. The principal can provide the name of the special education point of contact in the building.

  • Contact information for charter schools can be found at dcpcsb.org/school-profiles

Attending a private or religious school located in DC

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OR

Attending a private or religious school located outside of DC (please note: the child must be a DC resident)

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OR

Registered as a home school student with the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)

  • Contact the DCPS Centralized IEP Support Unit at (202) 442-5475 or dcps.childfind@k12.dc.gov or visit https://dcps.dc.gov/page/centralized-iep-support-unit-referrals.

  • The Centralized IEP Support Unit will need the following information for the child:

    • Referral Form

    • Proof of enrollment at a private or religious school in DC (usually a letter from the school) or OSSE Homeschool authorization letter

    • DC residency verification (DC residents only, to be completed after other documents are received)

    • Additional suggested documents:

      • Attendance records

      • Report cards

      • Standardized test scores

      • Work samples

      • Prior evaluations (if applicable)

Please click here for more information regarding child find for private religious students.

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