Special Education and Child Find

Special Education Services

The Port Townsend School District is proud to serve students with disabilities birth through age 21.  Our goal is to give all of our students respect, care and access to great teaching. We build skills that allow each student to discover and develop a passion, contribute to our community and live a fulfilling, productive life. 

Special Education is specialized instruction for students age Birth to 21 who qualify according to the laws and regulations outlined by state and federal government.  A student may qualify for services in one of the areas as identified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Students may have a disability but not require specially designed instruction.

The Port Townsend School District participates in "child find" - awareness and screening activities for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating children who are suspected of having disabilities and who may be in need of special education services.  A student may be referred for special education evaluation by any source, including parents.  The referral is made in writing and submitted to the school building designee or principal.  If a student is not yet in the K-12 system, early childhood screenings are conducted as outlined below.  

Child Find

The Port Townsend District conducts specific activities for the purposes of locating, evaluating and identifying students ages birth to twenty-one with suspected disabilities and who reside within the district's boundaries. This includes students attending private schools. Early identification of disabilities assists parents, students and schools in the design of appropriate educational services. 

Port Townsend School District is seeking to include migrant children and children that are experiencing homelessness in Child Find activities.  If your family is living in a temporary situation within the boundaries of Port Townsend School District, please reach out to us at (360) 680-5763.

Child Find Screenings 

Everyone in the community that is concerned with the welfare of children is able to participate in the Child Find process.  Parent involvement and agreement is obtained prior to any further action.  Information is confidential and privacy of children and parents is protected.

Port Townsend School District will screen children who may have a disability or are suspected of having a disability.  The child is then referred to an appropriate educational resource for evaluation or services.  This is provided at no cost to the parent.  

For children 0-3 years old, please call Concerned Citizens of Clallam and Jefferson County at 1-888-493-8198.

For children 3-21, please call the Office of Special Services (360) 680-5763.

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this free service, especially if you have questions and concerns regarding your child.  

Child Find Process

Once a Child Find appointment is scheduled, parents will then be sent an appointment confirmation and paperwork to complete before attending the screening. After the screening, one of two things will happen:

For some children, their screenings will indicate that a full developmental assessment to determine eligibility for special education services is not necessary. In this case, parents will be provided with community resources and home program suggestions to strengthen any areas of minor weakness.

Other children, for which the screening determines that future assessment is required, will then be referred on to a formal, more in-depth evaluation. This evaluation will determine if a child is eligible to attend Port Townsend’s developmental preschool program for children with special needs.

Contact our Office and Request Records

Phone (360) 680-5763    Fax  (360) 379-5487

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