Child Find Program | Pinnacle Charter Schools

Child Find

Federal and state laws mandate that school districts ensure all children with disabilities residing within the district, ages 3-22, receive a free and appropriate public education. This includes children who have been suspended or expelled. The identification, location, and evaluation of students with disabilities are carried out through several methods.

45-Day Screening

All new students enrolling in the district will be screened within 45 days of their enrollment in areas such as vision, hearing, communication, academic skills, and social skills. Any concerns identified during this screening will be addressed by the appropriate personnel.

Student Study Team (SST)

If a teacher, parent, or any individual knowledgeable about the student suspects a disability, they may refer the student to the Student Study Team (SST). To initiate this process, contact the appropriate SST team leader. The SST will discuss concerns, recommend strategies, and interventions to support the student. If necessary, after implementing and documenting these strategies, the SST may recommend a formal evaluation.

Child Find & Identification Procedures

Pinnacle High School District is committed to informing the public and parents within our boundaries about the availability of special education services for students with disabilities aged 3 through 21 years and how to access these services. We also provide information regarding early intervention services for children from birth through 2 years.

Our responsibilities include identifying, locating, and evaluating all children with disabilities aged 3 through 21 and referring children from birth through 2 years to the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) for evaluation and services. We ensure a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), which includes special education and related services, provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge to parents.

Screening Process for New Students

For all new students, the classroom teacher will conduct screening activities within 45 days of enrollment. This includes evaluating the child’s abilities in academics, vision, hearing, adaptive skills, communication, social/emotional skills, and motor skills. If any concerns arise, the child may be referred for additional support.

Referral Procedure

For students attending Pinnacle Middle or High Schools, private schools within our boundaries, or those who are homeschooled and suspected of having a disability, the referral procedure is as follows:

1. Submit a written request to the school, detailing:
   • The reason for the referral
   • Areas or issues of concern
   • Reasons for suspecting a disability
   • Any previous interventions attempted
   • Contact information of the person referring

Send the written request to:

Attention:

Director of Special Education Operations
Pinnacle High Schools
2224 West Southern Avenue, Suite 2
Tempe, AZ 85282

Transition to Preschool Programs

For children from birth through 2 years receiving early intervention services and transitioning to preschool programs for children with disabilities, we ensure a smooth transition by:

• Holding transition conferences for children aged 2 years 6 months to 2 years 9 months
• Developing and implementing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) by the child’s 3rd birthday
• Determining the start date for services, including eligibility for Extended School Year (ESY) services, for children turning three during the summer

If you have concerns about a child, please contact the District Department of Specialized Services Director for additional information.

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