Under IDEA's Child Find mandate, which group is primarily included in the obligation?

• A. Children ages 3 through 21 who may have a disability
• B. Only students already identified with a disability
• C. Only students who attend public schools
• D. Only students who have a medical diagnosis

Answer: (A)

Public agencies must identify and locate children who may have disabilities so they can be evaluated for special education and related services. This obligation targets individuals who might need support, not just those already diagnosed or labeled.

The group described—children ages 3 through 21 who may have a disability—best fits this requirement, since the purpose is to find students who may need services and ensure timely evaluation and placement if appropriate. It isn’t limited to those currently in public schools, nor to those with a medical diagnosis, and it isn’t restricted to students previously identified.

So, the correct focus is on identifying all children within the 3–21 age range who may have a disability, to determine if they need special education.