Benton County Schools reaches out to identify, locate and evaluated all children with a disability residing in Benton County, and/or attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disability and who need special education or related services.

The Benton County Child Find program identifies children between the ages of three and twenty-one with special education needs including Developmental Delay, Specific Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Speech /Language Impairments, Other Health Impairments, Visual and Hearing Impairment, Orthopedic Impairments, Autism, Emotional Disturbance, Intellectually Gifted, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. Educational needs are determined through interviews and child evaluations.

If you suspect that your child needs additional educational support to achieve his or her educational potential, the Benton County School System strongly encourages you to contact us. The school system will provide a FREE screening and possible full evaluation of your child to determine any special needs and services for which your child might be eligible. The Benton County School System adheres to all federal and state requirements as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for the State of Tennessee Special Education Eligibility Standards.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law ensuring appropriate services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. Infants and toddlers with disabilities (ages birth through age two) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA, Part C. Children and youth (ages 3–21) receive special education and related services under IDEA, Part B.

In addition to meeting the legal requirements of IDEA, the commitment made by districts and schools to provide a high-quality education in an inclusive setting to all students with disabilities is crucial to their success.

An annual Child Find Initiative is held during the spring of each school year for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. The event date, time, and location are posted on the district’s website, local newspaper, local radio station, health care facilities, daycares, and other community agencies. Families may also complete the Developmental Screening Questionnaire (Chid Find Form) anytime and return it to the Benton County Board of Education, 197 Briarwood Avenue, Camden, TN 38320.