Child Find, ages 3 to 5
Colorado · Local school districts and BOCES, as described by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
Our summary
Child Find is part of Colorado's public schools and looks for children ages 3 through 5, not yet in kindergarten, who may have a delay in development. It is at no cost to families.
- Free
- Anyone can refer
- Spanish phone line
CDE Preschool Team (questions) 303-501-0837 · Calls in Spanish 720-962-4033 · Charter School Institute (CSI) families 303-866-6021
What happens after you knock
- Steps can include gathering information from the family and past screenings, a screening, and an evaluation.
- A parent's consent is not needed to refer, but parents take part all through the evaluation.
- If the team, which includes the family, finds the child eligible for preschool special education, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed.
Dates to know
- Ages 3 through 5, any time before kindergarten.
- Under age 3, CDE sends families to Early Intervention Colorado.
No answer?
Call CDE's Preschool Team with questions: 303-501-0837.
For calls in Spanish: 720-962-4033.
PEAK Parent Center helps families and youth with disabilities take part in the IEP process: 719-531-9400.
If the answer is no
PEAK Parent Center helps families and youth with disabilities take part in the IEP process: 719-531-9400.
Want a person?
PEAK Parent CenterPEAK Parent Center helps families and youth with disabilities take part in the IEP process.In their words5 quotes ›
“Child Find for children ages 3 through 5 years old is part of the public school system in Colorado to identify children suspected of having a delay in development as early as possible.”ed.cde.state.co.us
“The purpose is to determine if there is an educational disability that requires special education and related services for the child to make progress in preschool.”ed.cde.state.co.us
“A child is eligible if they have a significant delay in one or more areas of development, such as learning, speaking or playing.”ed.cde.state.co.us
“Referrals to Child Find can be from any source.”ed.cde.state.co.us
“To make a referral for screening or evaluation for a child age 3 through 5 years old, contact Child Find in the Special Education Administrative Unit (AU) where the child lives.”ed.cde.state.co.us
Spanish: CDE lists a Spanish phone line: "Para llamadas en español, por favor llame al 720-962-4033."
Checked Nov 1, 2026 against ed.cde.state.co.us. Something changed? Tell us