Child Find Explained: How Schools Must Identify & Test Students Under IDEA

How do you know if your child is entitled to a special education evaluation? In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, breaks down the Child Find mandate under IDEA (34 CFR §300.111) and what it means for families.👉 If your child is struggling—academically, emotionally, behaviorally, or with memory, communication, or attention—you have the right to request testing. Schools cannot delay by requiring MTSS, RTI, or SST before an evaluation. Karen walks you through:✨ What the law says about Child Find✨ Why advancing grade-to-grade doesn’t remove eligibility for testing✨ The 2011 OSEP guidance letter clarifying schools cannot deny testing under RTI✨ How to write a simple, powerful request for evaluation✨ The three possible outcomes of testing (IEP, 504, or no additional services)This is essential knowledge for parents, advocates, and educators. Don’t wait—testing identifies and eliminates, and your child doesn’t have time to waste.📚 Grab Karen’s new book, The Epic IEP™: https://theepiciep.com👩‍🏫 Join The Academy: https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about📧 Need support? Email us at [email protected]“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy  First month free, after that, cancel anytime. 📱 Follow Karen on:TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationbossYouTube: Special Education Academy🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)Because when...