Exceptional Student Services

We take great pride in our Exceptional Student Services Department. We work together to identify and meet the needs of all of our students. Please use this page to find out more about our team and specific ways we can help both you and your child. You'll find specific information about our department, forms you may need, and important dates. 

Exceptional Student Services Philosophy

The Exceptional Student Services Department here at Riverside Elementary School District believes that all children can learn. All children have the right to a free appropriate public education, (regardless of disability) that helps them maximize their potential.

Please read more about our exceptional student services program in either English or Spanish. 

Child Find Program

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) requires that public school agencies identify, locate, and evaluate all children (from birth through age 21) with delays or developmental disabilities to receive the supports and services they need. This includes all children living within the geographic boundaries of the school district, those who are homeless or wards of the state, are attending private schools, or are homeschooled. 

Public schools and the Arizona Early Intervention Program are responsible for “finding” eligible children and providing services needed for them to reach their developmental milestones or meet their educational needs.

  • Early intervention supports and services assist families of eligible children by helping children ages birth to three years develop to their full potential. In Arizona, children receive early intervention services the Early Intervention Program (AzEIP).
  • Preschool exceptional student services for children three to five years provide special strategies to help eligible children reach their developmental milestones.
  • Exceptional student services for school-aged children in kindergarten through age twenty-one provide specialized instruction and services to assist children in the educational environment. 

For additional information about child find, please contact the following agencies:

Screening Dates

If you live within the Riverside Elementary School District No. 2 boundaries and are concerned that your preschool-aged child may have developmental delays, the following information may be helpful for you.

As part of our efforts to locate, evaluate, and serve all disabled children, the Riverside Elementary School District offers free developmental preschool screenings by appointment only.

Preschool screening dates are:

  • Wednesday,    August 21, 2024          From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday,    September 25, 2024   From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. 
  • Wednesday,    October 23, 2024        From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday,    November 20, 2024    From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday,    December 11, 2024    From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday,    January 22, 2025        From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. 
  • Wednesday     February 19, 2025      From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday,    March 26, 2025           From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday,    April 23, 2025              From 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

For screening information and appointments, please contact Maria Olazava in the Exceptional Student Services Department at (602) 477-8900, ext. 1337.

Prior to attending your scheduled screening appointment, please make sure to print and fill out the child find pre-screening form and the parent input form.

Child Find Notice

Child Find is a comprehensive developmental screening assessment process, which identifies children, three to 21 years of age who have disabilities that may hinder their learning.

If you live in the Riverside Elementary School District boundaries and are the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a private school within our district, home-schooled, or if you know of a child who might be in need of services for a disabling condition such as speech, learning disability, etc. Please call the Riverside Elementary School District Exceptional Student Services Department at (602) 477-8900, ext. 1337.

Free exceptional student services are available to eligible students. For more information, visit the Child Find Website or call (602) 477-8900, ext. 1337.

Please see our special education information and resources document for more information.

Preschool Calendar

Preschool Calendar

    Section 504/ADA Nondiscrimination Policy

    Riverside Elementary School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

    Please view our forms below for more information regarding 504/ADA information:

    Exceptional Student Services Records Request

    In an effort to keep everything paperless, we request that all school districts and/or charter schools include their email address on their fax sheet. Please submit your request via fax at (602) 272-8378 or via email. 

    If you have any questions, please contact our department at (602) 477-8900, ext. 1337.