Child Search is a service required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It helps identify young children who may need extra support with learning, development, or communication — or who may qualify for gifted services. NOLA Public Schools’ Child Search Office assumes the responsibility for locating and evaluating children, ages 3-5 years, in Orleans Parish.
Who should request Child Search?
You may want to request Child Search if your child:
- Is having difficulty learning, communicating, or developing.
- Has a suspected disability.
- Has advanced skills and may qualify for gifted services.
What services are available?
With parent consent, Child Search may include:
- Free developmental screening.
- Comprehensive evaluation, if recommended.
- Connection to services, which may include: free special education instruction, speech services, occupational therapy services, physical therapy services, school health and school nurse services, and/or social work services.
How to get started?
Complete the request form below to schedule a Child Search appointment.
If you need assistance, call 504-304-4988.
Already have an evaluation?
Administrative Reviews of Private Evaluations
If your child has a current evaluation (within one year of today’s date) from a private vendor, please bring a copy of the complete evaluation and the Request for Administrative Review Form to the attention of the Assistant Director of ECS, at 2401 Westbend Parkway, Suite 2060, New Orleans, Louisiana 70114 , or email a copy to ecs@opsb.us.
