Project Child Find

Project Child Find is a free referral service and public awareness campaign to assist in the identification of unserved/underserved youth with a delay or disability from birth through 21 years of age. It also develops and distributes information to the public about early intervention services and special education programs throughout New Jersey. Project Child Find can be reached toll-free at 1-800-322-8174.

Infants and Toddlers (Birth to Three): Families concerned about their infant or toddler’s development can contact an Early Intervention Service Coordinator at the Special Child Health Service Case Management Unit. For Mercer County residents, the number to call is 1-888-NJEIINFO or 732-246-3461. When you call, a service coordinator will talk with you about your concerns and offer referral information if needed. If a developmental evaluation is indicated, the service coordinator will work with you to schedule a multidisciplinary evaluation of your child’s development levels and needs. This evaluation service is provided at no cost to parents. If appropriate, certain early intervention services may be recommended.

Preschool Children (Ages three to five): If you are concerned that your preschool child is developing or learning differently you can call the Ewing Public Schools, Special Services Department at 609-538-9800, extension 7176. A meeting will be arranged with you to discuss your concerns and to decide if an evaluation is necessary. If that is the case, and the findings support special education services, implementation of these recommendations and program planning would be completed with you. Your written consent would be required before any such services would begin. All these services are provided at no cost to parents.

School-Age Students (Ages 5-21): If you are concerned that your school-age child is developing or learning differently, you can talk with your child’s school guidance counselor, who may refer the matter to the Intervention and Referral Services Committee. You also have the right to request a child study team evaluation for consideration of special education and related services. Requests must be in writing and directed to: Maria Petsos, Director of Special Services, Ewing Public Schools, 220 Ewingville Road, Ewing, New Jersey 08638. An additional source of assistance would be the Mercer County Special Education Specialist: Ms. Christina Orozco, Mercer County Office of Education, 1075 Old Trenton Road, Hamilton, New Jersey 08690, or 609-588-5877 (Press 4).