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. In addition, Project CHILD FIND develops and distributes information to the public about early intervention services and special education programs throughout New Jersey. Homeless and migrant families are encouraged to apply for early intervention services and special education programs.
Project CHILD FIND’s comprehensive efforts include:
1. Assisting families of infants and toddlers, from age 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
2. Assisting families of preschoolers, from age three through five, concerned about their child’s development by directing requests to their local school district.
3. Helping families access community services through referral.
4. Promoting community and public awareness of all children with disabilities by providing information.
5. 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. You can also visit them online at http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/childfind/ . 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 in February 2006.
