Child Find Screenings
Do you have concerns for your child's development?
Tacoma Schools provides services to assist in evaluating and identifying students ages birth to 21 with suspected disabilities and who reside within our boundaries.
Ages Birth to Three
If you suspect delays and your child is younger than 2 years 10 months, contact Pierce County Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT). Phone number: 253-798-3790, pcfrc@piercecountywa.gov
Ages Three to Five
Your child is eligible for a FREE developmental screening if:
- Ages 2 years, 10 months to 5 years old (after August 31)
- Not enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools program
- Reside within TPS boundaries
Screening does not guarantee placement into a preschool program.
Child Find screenings for the 2022-2023 school year are full.
Screening registration for September 2023 will re-open in August. Please check back at that time.
My child is already enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools
Each school has a Child Find/referral team for preschool through twelfth grade. If you have concerns for your child’s development, contact the teacher and school psychologist at your child’s school to initiate a referral as part of the Child Find process.
If your K-12 child attends a private school within Tacoma Public Schools boundaries, you may refer your child to determine the need for a special education evaluation.
Contact Student Services at 253-571-1096 to request more information.
Verify your address is within TPS boundaries (must use Chrome or Internet Explorer).
If your childcare is within TPS boundaries but you do not reside here, contact your local school district’s Child Find or Student Services office to refer your child for a screening. Every school district offers a similar process.
Does your preschooler have an IEP from another school district?
Contact Grace Ellen Clark, 253-571-2606. We will request records and provide your child with commensurate services in Tacoma Public Schools.
Screening Dates
2022-2023 School Year
- September 15th
- September 29th
- October 27th
- November 17th
- December 15th
- January 19th
- February 23rd
- March 15th
- April 19th
- May 17th
No summer screening. Screening appointments resume in September
2023-2024 School Year
- September 15th
- September 29th
- October 27th
- November 17th
- December 15th
- January 19th
- February 23rd
- March 15th
- April 19th
- May 17th
Child Find Screening FAQs
- What is the purpose of a screening?
- What developmental areas are screened?
- What does typical development look like?
- Where does screening take place?
- Who should attend the screening appointment?
- What if I only have concerns about my child’s speech?
- My child’s preschool/childcare provider has concerns about my child but I do not have concerns. Should I have my child screened?
- If English is not my primary language, do I need to bring an interpreter?
- How long does a screening appointment last?
- Is there paperwork I need to complete prior to my appointment?
- What does a screening appointment look like?
- When will I find out the results of my child’s screening?
- How do I sign up for a screening appointment?
What is the purpose of a screening?
What developmental areas are screened?
What does typical development look like?
Where does screening take place?
Who should attend the screening appointment?
What if I only have concerns about my child’s speech?
My child’s preschool/childcare provider has concerns about my child but I do not have concerns. Should I have my child screened?
If English is not my primary language, do I need to bring an interpreter?
How long does a screening appointment last?
Is there paperwork I need to complete prior to my appointment?
What does a screening appointment look like?
When will I find out the results of my child’s screening?
How do I sign up for a screening appointment?
Child Find evaluation and placement FAQs
- What happens after screening?
- How will my child be evaluated?
- If English is not my primary language, do I need to bring an interpreter?
- When do I find out if my child is eligible for special education services?
- What type of services might my child qualify for?
- Where are your preschool programs located?
- Do I get to choose which preschool location my child attends?
- My childcare is located outside of Tacoma Public Schools boundaries. If my child qualifies for your services, can you transport my child to preschool?
- Does my child need to be toilet trained to attend preschool?
- How long does the whole process take?
What happens after screening?
How will my child be evaluated?
If English is not my primary language, do I need to bring an interpreter?
When do I find out if my child is eligible for special education services?
What type of services might my child qualify for?
Where are your preschool programs located?
Do I get to choose which preschool location my child attends?
My childcare is located outside of Tacoma Public Schools boundaries. If my child qualifies for your services, can you transport my child to preschool?
Does my child need to be toilet trained to attend preschool?
How long does the whole process take?
Contact us
Willard Early Learning Center 3201 South D Street,
Tacoma 98418
Preschool
253-571-2610
Childfind@Tacoma.k12.wa.us
Fax Number
253-571-2609