Identifying Students with Suspected Disabilities (Child Find)
The District identifies students with suspected disabilities through preschool screenings and individualized testing requested by parents, school employees or referrals from State agencies such as DCFS, the ISBE or community agencies and deemed to be appropriate by the District.
Students with suspected disabilities are evaluated by a team of qualified individuals in all areas of suspected disability, which could include the following domains: cognitive functioning, academic achievement, functional performance, communication status, motor abilities, health, hearing and vision and socio-emotional status. Parents are included in determining the scope of the evaluation as part of the team and must consent to the assessment prior to it taking place.
Preschool Screenings
The District offers community based screenings for preschool students twice a year and by appointment monthly at the District. These screenings include vision and hearing checks as well as speech and developmental screenings. The dates and locations vary from year to year but are advertised in advance in The Daily Chronicle and Midweek. Notice also is available on our website: preschool screening. For an appointment, contact the Early Learning & Development Center's Preschool Screening Team at 815-754-2361.
Requesting an Evaluation
If you are concerned about your child's learning ability, please contact your child's teacher, the principal or the Director of Student Services, Kyle Gerdes (815-754-2290).
Requests should be made in writing and identify the nature of your concerns and how it impacts your child in school and school related activities. Within 14 school days, the school team will arrange a meeting to discuss the need for further assessments.