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Is Your Child Getting the Best Help for Learning?

Wondering if your child is getting the right support in school? It can be tricky to understand all the terms schools use, like Child Find, MTSS, SST, and Special Education.

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A Parent’s Guide to Child Find, MTSS, SST, and Special Education

Hello parents, guardians, and caregivers!

Navigating the education system can feel like deciphering a bowl of alphabet soup with all the acronyms and terminology. But don’t worry! Today, we’re breaking down four key terms that can help you better support and advocate for your child’s education:

  • Child Find
  • MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)
  • SST (Student Support Team)
  • Special Education (IEP Services)

Understanding these concepts will empower you to ensure your child receives the support they need.

What Is Child Find?

Think of Child Find as a safety net that ensures no child with a potential disability goes unnoticed. It’s a legal requirement that schools identify, locate, and evaluate children from birth to age 21 who may need special education services—even before they officially start school.

The ABCs of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)

MTSS is a three-tiered framework that ensures every child gets the support they need at the right level:

  1. ✅ Tier 1: All students receive high-quality instruction.
  2. ✅ Tier 2: Some students get additional targeted support in small groups.
  3. ✅ Tier 3: A few students receive intensive, individualized support for significant learning or behavioral challenges.

MTSS is proactive, identifying and addressing challenges before they become bigger issues.

The Super Supportive SST (Student Support Team)

Ever wish a dedicated team would come together to brainstorm how to help your child succeed? That’s exactly what the Student Support Team (SST) does!

  • 👥 This team, which may include teachers, administrators, and counselors, works together to develop strategies for students facing academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges.

If your child needs extra support, the SST steps in to create a plan before considering special education services.

Diving Into Special Education

If other support strategies aren’t enough, special education ensures individualized help. It’s not a one-size-fits-all program but a customized approach to meet a child’s unique learning needs.

If your child qualifies, they will receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP)—a legally binding plan designed just for them, outlining:

  • 📌 Educational goals
  • 📌 Specialized services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy)
  • 📌 Accommodations and modifications

How Do These Pieces Fit Together?

  1. 1️⃣ Spotting the Need: Child Find ensures every child’s needs are recognized and evaluated.
  2. 2️⃣ Providing the Right Support: MTSS offers a step-by-step approach to intervention.
  3. 3️⃣ Team-Based Problem Solving: SST brings educators together to strategize solutions.
  4. 4️⃣ Personalized Learning: If needed, Special Education provides individualized support through an IEP.

Wrap-Up: Becoming Your Child’s Advocate

As parents, understanding Child Find, MTSS, SST, and Special Education means you’re not just learning education jargon—you’re becoming a strong advocate for your child’s learning journey.

📞 Need guidance? We’re here to help! Call one of our specialists today at 1 (844) 387-5836 to ensure your child is getting the support they need at school!