The process starts HERE!

I’m concerned that my preschool aged child may have a disability. How do I get my child evaluated?

Contact 754-321-7200 or go to www.browardschools.com/esls to complete the Child Find referral online.

Where are evaluations of preschool aged children conducted?

Child Find and Preschool Diagnostic Services at Wingate Oaks Center: 1211 NW 33rd Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

Who conducts the evaluations for preschool aged children?

A team of professionals including school psychologists and speech language pathologists, as well as other educational specialists depending on the needs of the child

What special education services are available for preschool aged children?

Child Find assists in locating, identifying and obtaining services for children with disabilities or special needs.

The goal of Child Find is to assure that all children, birth through 21, who need special education and related services, receive free and appropriate educational services. Child Find is the entry point for Exceptional Student Education for birth-to-five-year-old children and their families in Broward County.

Children ages birth to three, who are in need of Early Steps services, are referred for Part C Services. These services are for infants and toddlers who have disabilities or development delays and their families. For more information regarding Early Steps Services and transition, click the links below: 

• • Early Steps Flyer
  • Early Steps Flyer 2
  • Your Journey Through Early Steps
  • Transition from Early Steps to Preschool

Child Find also provides free screenings for children ages 3-5 who may have special needs. The screenings are coordinated with the district’s preschool assessment teams. Click on the links below for additional information:

• • The Road Through Child Find - English
  • The Road Through Child Find - Spanish
  • The Road Through Child Find - Portuguese
  • The Road Through Child Find - Haitian Creole

If you are concerned about the development of a child under the age of five, you may call 754-321-7200 or complete the referral form at: www.browardschools.com/esls.

The Florida Department of Education Early Education and Pre-Kindergarten landing page. 

Technical Assistance Papers from FLDOE

• • Early Childhood Disabilities and Special Education
  • ESE Eligibility for Pre-K Children
  • Provision of Early Intervention Services Birth to 2