School psychologists play an essential role in implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and supporting the "Child Find" mandate, which requires schools to identify, locate, and evaluate students who may have disabilities and need special education services.
Under IDEA, school psychologists conduct thorough assessments to determine whether a student qualifies for special education services. These evaluations include standardized testing, observations, and gathering input from teachers, families, and students. The goal is to assess areas such as cognitive abilities, academic skills, social-emotional functioning, and behavior to identify any disabilities that may impact a student's ability to learn in a typical educational setting.
In the spirit of Child Find, school psychologists are actively involved in identifying students who may have disabilities. This often includes screening efforts, collaborating with teachers to observe students who might display academic or behavioral challenges, and reviewing student records and performance data. Once a potential need is identified, school psychologists initiate the evaluation process, adhering to legal timelines and procedural safeguards required by IDEA.
They also work closely with families to explain their rights under IDEA and ensure parents are involved in the evaluation process and any subsequent development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Beyond assessment, school psychologists help design and implement educational and behavioral interventions tailored to each student’s needs, offering ongoing support and adjustments as needed to help students thrive within their learning environments.