Free Preschool Screening in Illinois: How Child Find Works

Updated November 2026.

If you have questions about how your three or four-year-old is talking, moving, playing or learning, your local public school district can screen your child for free, even if your child goes to a private preschool or daycare. This is part of a federal requirement called Child Find, and every Illinois district has to do it.

Here is what a preschool screening is, what it checks, and how to go from a screening to support if your child needs it.

What is Child Find?

Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public school districts must locate, identify and evaluate children who may have disabilities, starting at age 3. In Illinois, the district where you live is responsible, no matter where your child spends the day.

For children under 3, the Illinois Early Intervention program handles evaluations. At age 3, responsibility moves to the school district. Early childhood special education in Illinois is still run through the Illinois State Board of Education and local districts, while other preschool programs moved to the new Department of Early Childhood in 2026.

What a preschool screening looks like

Most districts hold screening days several times a year, often in the fall and spring. A screening is a short check, usually 45 to 90 minutes, and it is designed to feel like play for your child.

Screeners usually look at:

• Speech and language: how your child talks, understands and answers questions
• Thinking skills: colors, shapes, counting, puzzles and following directions
• Motor skills: running, hopping, holding a crayon, cutting
• Social and emotional skills: playing with others, separating from a parent, handling turns
• Vision and hearing

You will usually fill out a questionnaire about your child's development and health. Some districts also use screening day to decide placement in their own preschool programs.

Screening vs. evaluation

A screening is a quick check to see whether a closer look is needed. An evaluation is the full, formal assessment that decides whether your child qualifies for special education services.

You do not have to wait for a screening day if you already have a concern. You can request an evaluation in writing at any time.

How to request a free evaluation

1. Contact your district's early childhood or student services office. Check the district website for "early childhood screening," "Child Find" or "special education."
2. Put your request in writing. A short email is fine. Say that you are requesting a full evaluation, describe your concerns, and include your child's name and date of birth.
3. Share what you know. Doctor's notes, Early Intervention reports and observations from your child's daycare teachers are all helpful.
4. Watch the timeline. The district must respond to your request and, if it agrees an evaluation is needed, get your consent and complete it within the time limits set by law.

The evaluation and any services that follow are free to families.

If your child qualifies

If the evaluation shows your child needs support, the team writes an Individualized Education Program (IEP) with goals and services. For preschoolers, that might include:

• Speech or language therapy
• Occupational or physical therapy
• A spot in the district's early childhood classroom
• Support delivered in another setting, depending on the district

Ask how services would fit with your child's daycare schedule. Some districts offer half-day programs, and transportation may be available. Many families keep their child in full-day care and add district services around it.

Coming from Early Intervention

If your child is already in Early Intervention, your service coordinator should start a transition plan several months before your child's third birthday. The school district joins a meeting, does its own evaluation, and decides whether your child qualifies for preschool services. Not every child in EI qualifies after age 3, and that can be good news.

How daycare and preschool teachers can help

• Ask your child's teacher what they notice in a group setting. A child who seems fine at home may struggle with group directions, or the other way around.
• Ask the teacher to write down a few specific examples. Dates and details make a request for evaluation stronger.
• Share the IEP with the daycare, if you choose, so teachers can use the same strategies.

If your child is in Early Intervention or needs a preschool spot, see what happens when Early Intervention ends at age 3 and Preschool for All Illinois.

Frequently asked questions

Is preschool screening free in Illinois?

Yes. Child Find screenings and evaluations by your public school district are free, even if your child attends a private program.

At what age can my child be screened by the school district?

From age 3. Children under 3 are evaluated through Illinois Early Intervention.

Does a screening mean my child has a problem?

No. Many children are screened as a routine check. Most do not need further evaluation.

Can my child get services while staying at daycare?

Often, yes. Ask your district how and where services can be delivered.

Preschool at Children's Land

In our preschool program for three-year-olds and pre-K program for four-year-olds, children learn through hands-on themes, STEAM activities, music and art in a full-day schedule. If you have a question about your child's development, talk with your child's teacher. Find a location or contact us.

Related reading: Early Intervention in Illinois: Toddler Speech Delay Help.