Project Child Find
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Project Child Find is a free referral service and public awareness campaign to assist in the identification of un-served and underserved youth with a delay or disability from birth through 21 years of age. Project Child Find also develops and distributes information to the public about early intervention services and special education programs throughout New Jersey. The toll free number for Project Child Find is (800) 322-8174.
In compliance with Project Child Find, the Mountainside School District Department of Special Services conducts evaluations for those students who may have learning difficulties relative to cognition, communication, social, emotional, and motor functioning. Further, the Department of Special Services regularly mails and posts Project Child Find information in an effort to identify students who may be at risk.
Parents/guardians who reside in Mountainside and who suspect their preschool-age student may be delayed or disabled are encouraged to seek assistance from the Mountainside School District’s Child Study Team. This includes migrant and homeless students. Evaluation, professional guidance, and an education program are available at no charge through the Child Study Team. The district telephone number to call in this regard is (908) 232-8828 X 310. The New Jersey Department of Education has information posted on its website as well at http://www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/childfind/.
For parents/guardians concerned about an infant or toddler from birth to the age of three pertaining to delays or disabilities, an Early Intervention Service Coordinator can be contacted. A Service Coordinator will talk with parents/guardians about concerns and offer referral information. If a developmental evaluation is needed, the Service Coordinator will work with parents/guardians to schedule a multidisciplinary evaluation of the infant or toddler’s developmental levels. This evaluation service is provided at no cost to parents/guardians. If appropriate, certain early intervention services may be recommended. The toll-free number to call for Early Intervention questions is: 1-800-322-8174.
Again, children or adult students between the ages of birth and 21 years of age who are found eligible for special education and related services are entitled to a free and appropriate special education program.Please fill out and return to the Office of Special Services, Deerfield School, 302 Central Avenue, Mountainside, NJ. 07092, the attached Request for CST Referral Form.