As required by Washington state law, the Mercer Island School District is offering ‘Childfind activities’ to locate, evaluate and identify students ages birth to 21 with suspected disabling conditions, regardless of the severity of their disability, who are residing within the boundaries of the Mercer Island School District and not currently receiving special education services.

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that local school districts make every effort to identify and provide a free and appropriate education for all educationally disabled students between birth and 21 years of age, regardless of whether or not the student is attending private schools, including religious schools. In addition, Childfind activities are calculated to reach highly mobile students with disabilities such as homeless and migrant students, and students who are suspected of being a student with a disability and in need of special education, even thought they are advancing from grade to grade.

If you have a child who is between birth and 21 whose development is of concern, call the Mercer Island Special Education Department at (206) 236-3329.