Child Find
CHILD FIND
The McComb School District is participating in an ongoing effort to identify, locate and evaluate children from birth to twenty-one years of age residing in the McComb School District who are suspected of having a physical, mental, communicative and/or emotional disability and may be in need of special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All referrals may be sent to Beth Herrin who is the Child Find Contact Person for our district. In accordance with federal guidelines, parents must express "concern" in writing to supervisory or administrative personnel of the appropriate educational agency, or a teacher of the child in need of special education and related services.If the district does not suspect that the child has a disability and denies the request for an initial evaluation, the public agency must provide written notice to the parents, which explains among other things, why the district refused to conduct an initial evaluation and the information that was used as the basis for that decision.
In cases where the educational agency suspects that the child has a disability, it is the responsibility of the Child Find Contact Person to insure that the Referral-to-Placement process is implemented.
Prior to evaluation, a copy of the Procedural Safeguards is given to parents with explanation outlining parental rights. The Procedural Safeguards, which outline the parents' and students' rights, is explained to parents. After written parental consent for testing is obtained, a nondiscriminatory evaluation is conducted. Students are evaluated by qualified personnel in all areas related to the suspected disability.
Parents participate when a student is ruled eligible for a special education program. Before the student can receive special education services, an Individualized Education Program is developed for the student. Once written parental permission is received, services will begin.
If you know of any individuals who need to be referred, please contact Beth Herrin at 601-684-4661 Ext. 1127.