AJUSD is committed to identifying, locating, and evaluating all children with disabilities who reside within the district or attend charter or private schools located within its boundaries. In accordance with federal and state law — specifically 34 CFR § 300.220 and 34 CFR § 300.121 — AJUSD is legally required to conduct a comprehensive Child Find effort to ensure all children with disabilities are given access to appropriate educational services.

This includes identifying children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disability, so that a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) can be made available in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Who is Eligible?

Upon request, AJUSD will screen any resident child as young as 2 years 9 months of age to determine whether a referral for special education evaluation is appropriate. This includes students who may be struggling with:

• Learning and academic performance
• Communication and speech-language skills
• Vision or hearing concerns
• Behavior, emotional, or social difficulties
• Motor coordination or physical disabilities
• Adaptive/daily living skills

Preschool Screenings

AJUSD holds monthly screenings for preschool-aged children (ages 3–5, not yet in kindergarten) at the Early Learning Center (480) 677-7570. These screenings help determine whether a child may need further evaluation for special education eligibility.

Kindergarten – 12th Grade Screenings

All students enrolled in K–12 are screened within the first 45 calendar days of enrollment by their teacher in the following domains:

• Vision & Hearing
• Communication
• Academic/Cognitive Abilities
• Motor Skills
• Social/Behavioral Functioning
• Adaptive Skills

If concerns are identified, the student is referred to the school’s Student Intervention Team for tiered support. If additional support is needed, the team may refer the child for a full special education evaluation, with parental consent and supporting documentation.

After Evaluation

Students determined to be eligible for services under IDEA are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), which includes specially designed individualized instruction and services. This applies to all eligible children ages 3 to 21, regardless of the type or severity of the disability. All evaluations and services are confidential and provided at no cost to families.

Infants and Toddlers (Birth to Age 3)

Children younger than 3 years of age are referred to the Arizona Early Intervention Program AzEIP, which provides early intervention services and evaluations.

Open Enrollment for Students with IEPs

AJUSD accepts open enrollment applications from students who reside outside the district and have active Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Please note: As of this date, the Apache Junction Unified School District is at full capacity for open enrollment in Special Education programs and is not currently accepting new open enrollment students requiring special education services. This status is reviewed periodically and may change based on program capacity.

How to Make a Referral

If you suspect that your child has a disability—whether social, behavior, adaptive, academic, cognitive, physical, or developmental—and is not currently receiving special education services, please contact the school psychologist at your school, the principal. or classroom teacher.

You may also contact Apache Junction Unified School District Special Education Office: 480-982-1110

The Apache Junction Unified School District is committed to inclusive education and ensuring every student—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to succeed. By identifying students early through Child Find, AJUSD provides access to vital services that support educational growth and student well-being.