🧠 Maryland Child Find: Early Identification and Support for Children with Disabilities
Maryland Child Find is a vital statewide initiative designed to locate, identify, and evaluate children from birth through age 21 who may have disabilities. The goal is to ensure every child receives the support and services they need to thrive in their educational journey—at no cost to families.
📌 What Is Maryland Child Find?
Child Find is a free public service provided by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). It helps families access evaluations and services for children who may have developmental delays, learning disabilities, or other challenges that impact their education
📞 MSDE Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services: 1-800-535-0182
🔗 Preschool Services Overview
👶 Who Is Eligible?
Child Find supports children across three age groups:
Infants and Toddlers (Birth to Age 2)
Families with developmental concerns can contact the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP).
Services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and family training.
🔗 Make a Referral Online
📞 MITP Info Line: 1-800-535-0182
Preschool Children (Ages 3 to 5)
If your child shows signs of developmental, emotional, or social delays, you can refer them to your local Preschool Child Find Team.
Evaluations are conducted by specialists including speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and occupational therapists.
📞 Contact your local school district’s Child Find office (see examples below).
School-Aged Children (Ages 5 to 21)
For children in public schools, contact your child’s school directly.
For children in private or religious schools, reach out to the district’s Child Find office.
📝 How to Start the Process
Birth to Age 2: Submit a referral through the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program
Ages 3 to 5: Complete a referral form from your local school district.
Ages 5 to 21: Contact your child’s school or district Child Find office.
📍 Local Child Find Contacts
Here are examples of Child Find offices in Maryland:
Howard County Public Schools
📞 (410) 313-7046
Montgomery County Public Schools
📞 (240) 740-3855
Prince George’s County Public Schools
📞 (301) 618-8355
🔗 PGCPS Child Find Info
🎯 Benefits of Child Find
Early Identification: Catching delays early leads to better outcomes.
Comprehensive Evaluations: Multidisciplinary teams assess all areas of development.
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Tailored support for eligible children.
Family-Centered Approach: Parents are active partners in every step.
💬 Final Thoughts
If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t wait. Maryland Child Find offers compassionate, expert support to help children reach their full potential. Whether your child is an infant, preschooler, or school-aged, there are resources available to guide your family every step of the way.