Child Find

Child Find is an ongoing process through which all children with disabilities, from birth through 21 years of age, in the State who are eligible for early intervention or in need of special education services are identified, located, and evaluated. In Queen Anne’s County, this service is provided through the Infants and Toddler’s Program for children age birth to 3 and for children ages 3 – 21 by the Queen Anne’s County Public School System (QACPS).

The following children are eligible for Child Find services:

• Children ages 3 & 4 residing in Queen Anne’s County who are not enrolled in a preschool / Pre-K program
• Children ages 3 – 21 enrolled in a Queen Anne’s County Public School
• Children ages 3 – 21 attending an MSDE-approved private/parochial school located in Queen Anne’s County, regardless of residency
• Children ages 3 – 12 residing in Queen Anne’s County who are participating in homeschooling

Child Find begins with a referral. Parents, teachers, physicians, community agencies, day care/nursery schools, other health specialists, and private schools may refer children.

To begin the referral process if your child is currently enrolled in QACPS:

• Submit a written or electronic referral to your child’s school principal and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP) team chairperson.
• The written referral is the documentation of the individual’s reason for the referral. It should include:
  • The date of the referral;
  • Student’s name, gender, date of birth; and grade;
  • Parent(s) or primary caregiver’s name(s), address, and telephone number

For children birth to age 3, contact the single point of entry at:

Ms. Mary Lou Christian, R.N.
QAC Department of Health
206 N. Commerce St.
Centreville, MD 21617
410-758-2838 – FAX
410-758-0720 Ext. 4456

For children ages 3 – 4 who are not currently enrolled in a QACPS school, please contact:

Mrs. Courtney Turner
Preschool Coordinator
(410) 758-2403 Ext. 250
202 Chesterfield Avenue
Centreville, Maryland 21617
courtney.turner@qacps.org

For children ages 5 – 21 who are not currently enrolled in a QACPS school, please contact:

Mr. Kevin Thompson
Special Education Facilitator
(410) 758-2403 Ext. 185
202 Chesterfield Avenue
Centreville, Maryland 21617
kevin.thompson@qacps.org

The process begins with a review or screening of available information about the child. When screening indicates the possibility of an educational disability, the child is evaluated in relevant areas. When results indicate that a child is disabled and in need of special education services, an individualized plan is developed.