Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) has special services available to eligible children and young adults identified with a disability. Federal and State laws require that school districts maintain a Child Find system for identifying, locating, and evaluating individuals with disabilities within its jurisdiction who are in need of special education or related services.

Child Find is a free referral and information service available through local education agencies (TISD) and Education Service Center Region VIII. Your child must have an educational need for services which cannot be provided in general education. The Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee must determine how the disability affects participation in age-appropriate activities.

Our Child Find efforts include advertising the availability of special education and related services through public notices, connections with private schools and daycare, staff training, community health fairs, and school meetings. Resources such as letters, posters, or brochures can be made available to pediatricians, community agencies, campuses, and other children's organizations.

Early Childhood:  If you are a parent of a 3-5 year old who is not enrolled at a TISD campus, please contact Kay Stickels at (903) 793-7561 ext. 1307.

School Age:  If you are a parent of a 3-21 year old who is enrolled at an TISD campus, please contact your child's campus administrator or teacher to begin the referral process.

Private School/Proportionate Share:  Each year Texarkana ISD must set aside a proportion of federal funds for children placed in private schools by their parents, and who have been identified with special needs. If you are a parent of a child enrolled in a private school who resides within TISD boundaries or attends a private school within TISD boundaries, please contact your residential campus (TISD residents) or the campus closest to your child's private school. Please note that proportionate share funds are limited and distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Referral Process:  Referrals may be initiated by parents, (ECI) Early Childhood Intervention agencies or campus staff. Students receiving services through ECI will be transitioned into the public school system starting as early as 120 days prior to their 3rd birthday. A physician or community agency may recommend that your child be referred for evaluation. However, the parent must initiate the request with the district.

Eligibility: Your child must have a disability as defined within federal and state guidelines. As a result of this disability, your child must demonstrate an educational need for services. Special services are available to eligible children and young adults who may be experiencing difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

• Auditory Impairment
• Autism
• Deaf-Blindness
• Emotional Disturbance
• Intellectual Disability
• Other Health Impairment
• Multiple Impairment
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Specific Learning Disability
• Speech/Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment