The Kent School District (KSD) conducts specific activities for the purposes of locating, evaluating and identifying students ages birth to twenty-one with suspected disabilities and who reside in 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.

Child Find Screenings for Children Three to Five Years of Age

If your child is a preschooler and you have concerns about his or her development, we offer screening clinics for preschool children that provide you information about your child's development in the following areas:  

• Academic
• Language
• Cognitive
• Motor Skills

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this free service, especially if you have questions and concerns regarding your child. If your child will be entering a kindergarten program next year, and you have particular concerns in any of these areas, the screening is especially advised.

Please contact Inclusive Education Services at (253) 373-7027 if you wish to schedule a screening for your child.

Screenings take place at various Kent School District elementary schools. At least one parent must accompany the child to the Child Find screening. Screenings take approximately 1 1/2 hours and are conducted by certificated KSD staff.

Child Find Process 

Once a Child Find appointment is scheduled, parents will 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 be referred to a formal, more in-depth evaluation. This evaluation will determine if a child is eligible to attend our developmental preschool program for children with special needs.

Remaining 2018-19 Child Find Screening Dates

• January 9 or 30
• February 27
• March 13 or 27
• April 24
• May 8