Division of Specialized Instruction
Child Find:
Who Should I Contact if I Think My Child Needs Special Education Services?
The right point of contact or resource depends on the age of your child and where they attend school or childcare.
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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
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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.
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Contact information for DCPS schools can be found at profiles.dcps.dc.gov.
Enrolled at or attending a DC charter school
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Contact your child’s school.
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Contact information for charter schools can be found at dcpcsb.org
Attending a private, religious, or home-based daycare located in DC
A DC resident not yet enrolled in school
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​Contact Early Stages at (202) 698-8037 or info@earlystages.org.
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​​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
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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.
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Contact information for DCPS schools can be found at profiles.dcps.dc.gov.
Enrolled at or attending a DC charter school
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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.
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Contact information for charter schools can be found at dcpcsb.org
Attending a private or religious school located in DC
Attending a private or religious school located outside of DC (please note: the child must be a DC resident)
Registered as a home school student with the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
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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.
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The Centralized IEP Support Unit will need the following information for the child:
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Proof of enrollment at a private or religious school in DC (usually a letter from the school) or OSSE Homeschool authorization letter
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DC residency verification (DC residents only, to be completed after other documents are received)
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Additional suggested documents:
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Attendance records
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Report cards
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Standardized test scores
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Work samples
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Prior evaluations (if applicable)
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