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What is Child Find?

The purpose of Child Find is to identify, locate, and evaluate all children, in the district, birth through 21, who are suspected of, or have a disability or developmental delay that may result in a need for special education and related services. Rome City Schools serves children ages 3 through 21 with identified special education needs. 

Disability categories are: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deafblind, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Emotional and Behavioral Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Significant Developmental Delay, Specific Learning Disability, Speech/language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, Visual Impairment.

How does Rome City Schools conduct Child Find activities?

Rome City Schools completes Child Find responsibilities in a variety of ways. Rome City includes public announcements through local media, meetings with private and home-school representatives, and through collaboration with other public agencies such as the Divisions of Mental Health, Family and Children’s Services, local pediatricians, parent requests, and daycares.

Preschool Children Procedures: 

If you are aware of a preschooler, from 3 to 5 years old, who has or may have a disability and is or may be in need of special education services, call the Department of Exceptional Student Services at 706-236-5067. 

Parent Requests Procedures:

If you suspect your child has a disability and is need of special education services, please contact the school and express your concerns to the child's teacher and/or school administrator or contact the Director of Exceptional Student Services, Ms. Jessi Presley at 706-236-5067 or jpresley@rcs.rome.ga.us.. 

Private and Home School Child Find Procedures:

Child find applies to children with disabilities parentally-placed in private schools or home schools. They are not entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE), but the district will provide services based on a proportionate share of federal funds. If a child is suspected of having a disability that is parentally-placed in a private school or home school and needs evaluation for special education and eligibility consideration, please contact the Department of Exceptional Student Services at 706-236-5067.

School Age Children Procedures:

If a child is already enrolled in Rome City Schools (K-12) is suspected of having a disability and in need of special education services, please contact the school and express the concerns to the child's teacher and/or school administrator. 

How can children be referred? 

A referral may be made by anyone who has a concern about a child's development. All referrals are considered confidential. The parent retains the right to refuse services. Children may be referred by any of the following:

• Parents/legal guardians/foster parents

• Other family members

• Physicians/health care providers

• Preschool programs

• School system personnel

• Community agencies

• Private school personnel

• Others who are concerned about a child's development. To make a referral follow the procedures indicated above based on the referral request.