Project CHILD FIND is a free referral service and public awareness campaign to assist in the identification of unserved/underserved youth with a delay or disability from birth through twenty-one years of age. The public school system provides services for preschool children between the ages of 3 and 5. Preschoolers who demonstrate delays in the development of motor, communication, social emotional or cognitive skills may be eligible for special education and related services.
In addition, Project CHILD FIND develops and distributes information to the public about early intervention services and special education programs throughout New Jersey.
Project CHILD FIND'S comprehensive efforts include:
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Assisting families of infants and toddlers, birth through two, concerned about their child’s development by directing all requests regarding early intervention to the family’s local Special Child Health Case Management Unit. If you need the number for your Special Child Health Case Management Unit, call: Project CHILD FIND 1-800-322-8174.
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Assisting families of preschoolers, three through five, concerned about their child’s development by directing requests to their local school district.
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Helping families access community services through referral.
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Promoting community and public awareness of all children with disabilities by providing information.
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Assisting local school district boards of education to identify unserved children from age three through twenty-one who are in need of special education and related services.
Information through Project CHILD FIND may be obtained by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-322-8174, which is in service 7 days a week, 24-hours a day. All calls received are confidential.
Project CHILD FIND was established by the New Jersey Department of Education through I.D.E.A., Part B funds from the U.S. Department of Education.
RESOURCES - LINKS
Project Child Find Fact Sheet (click)
Project Child Find Fact Sheet SPANISH (click)
Child Development Checklist (click)
Link to Early Intervention of NJ: Click HERE
Children's Specialized Early Developmental Screening Information:
Children's Specialized Free Developmental Screening (click)
Children's Specialized developmental screenings FAQ (click)