Child Find

Frederick County Public Schools maintains an active and continuing Child Find program designed to identify, locate and evaluate those children residing in the jurisdiction who are birth to age 21, inclusive, and are in need of special education services.

Who to Contact

Students Currently Enrolled in FCPS (K-age 21)
For students already enrolled in an FCPS school, referrals should be made directly to the student's current school. School-based teams will manage the referral, evaluation and eligibility process. 

Children Ages Birth Through 36 Months
FCPS has an ongoing relationship with the Infant & Toddler Connection of Shenandoah Valley. Parents, providers, or medical providers who have concerns regarding a child in this age range should contact the Infant & Toddler Connection of Shenandoah Valley at 540-450-1052 ext. 4052 or email Sharlene Stowers at sstowers@grafton.org for information regarding a referral.

Children Ages Two Through Five (Not Yet Kindergarten Eligible)
If you suspect that a child ages two through five (not yet eligible for kindergarten) may have a disability (e.g., speech/language delay or developmental delay), the first step is to contact the FCPS Child Find office to initiate a referral. Referrals may be made by a parent, physician, case manager, teacher, speech-language pathologist, or any other concerned individual.

Following the referral, Child Find staff will schedule a Special Services Referral Team (SSRT) meeting within ten (10) administrative working days. During this meeting, available information is reviewed and concerns are discussed to determine whether additional evaluation is warranted.

If a comprehensive evaluation is recommended, the Child Find office has sixty-five (65) administrative working days to complete the assessment and convene an eligibility meeting. Written parent consent is required before any evaluation can begin. If the child is found eligible, Child Find staff will collaborate with the family and the assigned school to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) aligned to the child’s needs.

To make a referral, please call 540-662-8997 ext. 87601 or email Lora Stevens. Upon contact, information will be provided regarding the referral process. 

Children Who Are Kingdergarten Eligible (For the Upcoming School Year)
Referral procedures shift based on the March 1 cutoff for rising kindergarten students:

• Referrals received prior to March 1: Referrals should be directed to the FCPS Child Find office (call 540-662-8997 ext. 87601 or email Lora Stevens), which will manage the initial referral process.
• Referrals received on or after March 1: Referrals should be directed to the student’s zoned elementary school, where the school-based team will coordinate the SSRT process, evaluation, and any resulting services.  Locate your school.

Children Enrolled in Private Schools or Home-Schooled in the FCPS Zone
To make a referral, please call 540-662-3889 ext. 88225 or email Sarah Mason.