Program Description

FCS Preschool Special Education Request for Child Find Assistance process is available to all students who reside within the Forsyth County boundaries. Students can participate in this process from the time they are nearing their 3rd birthday through the spring before they are age eligible for Kindergarten (5 by Sept. 1).

It is the responsibility of FCS to locate, identify, and evaluate any children with known or suspected disabilities (Child Find). We provide service to students found eligible for Special Education according to GA Department Of Education Special Education Implementation. Our educational supports for students who meet eligibility criteria are offered within FCS buildings or out in the community, depending on your child's needs. These supports range from weekly speech, occupational, or physical therapies delivered at the zoned elementary school, a weekly one-hour co-taught social and speech group (BLAST), collaborative support within your child's general education preschool setting to full or half-time Preschool Special Education classes located in elementary school locations.

All special education services are provided free of charge to students within the FCS district. 

To begin the process, please complete the following:

Step 1: Complete the Request for Child Find Assistance Questionnaire.  Email any questions to Mardy Hendon at Mhendon@forsyth.k12.ga.us

If you have any of the following documents, please send them with the Request for Child Find Assistance Questionnaire:

• Hearing or Vision Screening
• Audiological
• Ophthalmologist
• Developmental Pediatrician
• Psychological
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical-Therapy

If your child has been previously identified as a special education student either from within Georgia or from a different State, we will need a copy of the most recent IEP (Individualized Education Program) as well as the special education eligibility or any evaluation documents.

Please email any prior special education documents to Mardy Hendon at mhendon@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Step 2: Complete the Online Registration.  A link to the registration center can be found here, or you can call directly to the Centralized Registration Department at 678-947-0863.  You are registering for an EVALUATION ONLY at this stage, not services.

Select the 2025-2026-2 school year and the grade: Pre-K.

Step 3: Gather the following documents to provide at your in-person registration appointment:

• Valid Parent/Legal Guardian Photo ID (not expired)
• Proof of Residency in Forsyth County
• Child's Proof of Age (e.g., Birth Cirtificate)
• Immunization Certificate
• GA Form 3300 (Hearing, Vision, Dental, Nutrition)
• Child's Social Security Card or Waiver Form
• If Applicable: Judge-SIgned Custody Documents

Step 4: Schedule your in-person registration appointment.  Once you’ve gathered all documents, schedule an appointment with Registration by calling 678-947-0863.

Please note that the Preschool Evaluation is a separate department from Registration. It is important to complete student registration in a timely manner to avoid delays in the evaluation process or for your child to begin any recommended special education services.

You will have sufficient time to complete Steps 3 and 4 while the evaluation is in progress. The Evaluation team has 60 calendar days to complete all assessments from the evaluation consent date.

Children can be referred for evaluation through a parent, childcare provider, pediatrician, or private therapist. However, the parent must complete the Request for Child Find Assistance questionnaire and complete the student registration process.

For questions please contact Kristi Quinn, Preschool Coordinator Kquinn@forsyth.k12.ga.us 770-887-2461 EXT 310138

For questions please contact Mardy Hendon, Preschool Administrative Assistant MHendon@forsyth.k12.ga.us 770-887-2461 EXT 310100

Thank you for inquiring about Forsyth County Schools Early Childhood Special Education (SPROUTS) program.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources that can help you determine whether your child is meeting Developmental Milestones as anticipated. Acting early is key to your child's long-term success.

• CDC Developmental Milestone Checklists and App: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
• GA Early Learning and Developmental Standards: http://www.gelds.decal.ga.gov/
• Speech – Language Development: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development