Child Find & Student Support Services
At Cogito Academy, we are committed to meeting the individual needs of every student and providing the resources and support necessary for academic, social, and emotional growth. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, succeed, and reach their full potential.
Child Find and Special Education Services
As a public charter school authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine, Cogito Academy follows the district's Child Find procedures to identify, locate, and evaluate students who may have disabilities and require special education services.
What is Child Find?
Child Find is a process designed to ensure that children who may have disabilities are identified and evaluated to determine their eligibility for special education and related services. This includes students experiencing homelessness.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public schools are responsible for identifying, locating, and evaluating children who may need special education services.
Who Can Request an Evaluation?
Parents, guardians, teachers, school staff, and other individuals who reasonably believe a child may have a disability can initiate a referral for a special education evaluation.
School staff members who suspect that a student may have a disability have a legal responsibility to refer the student to the district. Before making a referral, the staff member must inform the student's parent or guardian.
Parents and guardians may also request an evaluation at any time. Students are not required to complete interventions through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) before a special education evaluation can be requested.
How Does the Referral Process Work?
A request for a special education evaluation is known as a referral.
When the Charter Institute at Erskine receives a referral, the district appoints an Evaluation Planning team to review the student's needs and determine the appropriate next steps in the evaluation process.
If an initial evaluation is warranted, informed parental consent must be obtained before the evaluation is conducted. Following the evaluation, the appropriate team determines whether the student meets eligibility requirements for special education and related services.
Submitting a referral does not automatically mean that a student will qualify for special education services.
How Can I Request an Evaluation?
Parents, guardians, and other individuals who believe a child may have a disability can submit a referral to Cogito Academy or the Charter Institute at Erskine.
In accordance with the Institute's published Child Find procedures, referrals must be submitted in writing and include an explanation of why the individual believes the child may have a disability.
Families who need assistance submitting a referral or have questions about the evaluation process are encouraged to contact our Special Education Director.
Child Find Contact Information:
Anita McDow
Special Education Director
Cogito Academy
Phone: 803-402-4700
Email: anita.mcdow@cogitolancaster.education