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Early Education

Child Find Notice

Child Find Notice

Public Notice

Child Find: Evaluations for Children in Need of Special Education Services

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts Special Education Regulations (603 CMR 28.00), the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District implements Child Find activities to identify, locate, and evaluate all children who may be eligible for special education and related services.

The district is responsible for evaluating any child who is suspected of having a disability and who resides in the towns of Dennis or Yarmouth, including children who:

  • Are enrolled in public schools
     
  • Attend private or parochial schools
     
  • Are homeschooled
     
  • Are highly mobile, homeless, or wards of the state
     

Consistent with guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), a child may be determined eligible for special education services if all of the following criteria are met:

  • The child has a disability as defined by federal and state special education law;
     
  • The disability results in the child not making effective progress in the general education curriculum, even with the provision of appropriate instructional supports;
     
  • The child requires specially designed instruction and/or related services in order to make effective progress; and
     
  • The child is between the ages of 3 and 22 and has not yet received a high school diploma.
     

Parents/guardians, educators, and community members who suspect that a child may have a disability and may require an evaluation are encouraged to make a referral. To initiate the Child Find process or request additional information, please contact the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District Student Services Department at 508-398-7624.