Child Find Explained: How Schools Must Identify & Test Students Under IDEA

How do you know if your child is entitled to a special education evaluation? In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, breaks down the Child Find mandate under IDEA (34 CFR §300.111) and what it means for families.

👉 If your child is struggling—academically, emotionally, behaviorally, or with memory, communication, or attention—you have the right to request testing. Schools cannot delay by requiring MTSS, RTI, or SST before an evaluation. Karen walks you through:

✨ What the law says about Child Find
✨ Why advancing grade-to-grade doesn’t remove eligibility for testing
✨ The 2011 OSEP guidance letter clarifying schools cannot deny testing under RTI
✨ How to write a simple, powerful request for evaluation
✨ The three possible outcomes of testing (IEP, 504, or no additional services)

This is essential knowledge for parents, advocates, and educators. Don’t wait—testing identifies and eliminates, and your child doesn’t have time to waste.

📚 Grab Karen’s new book, The Epic IEP™: https://theepiciep.com

👩‍🏫 Join The Academy: https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about

📧 Need support? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com

“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham