Child Find is a free public-school-supported program that helps identify young children who may need extra support with speech, language, hearing, learning, behavior, or development.

The call: If your child is 3–5 and not enrolled in public school, Child Find is the right first call for a no-cost screening—there is no insurance requirement and you do not need a doctor’s referral.

Real-time local factors

• In Pensacola/Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, FDLRS Emerald Coast Child Find provides free developmental, speech, language, hearing, and vision screenings.
• It is for children roughly 34 months through age 5 who are not in public school.
• A parent, doctor, daycare, therapist, or another caregiver can make the referral.
• After screening, they explain whether your child may need a more complete evaluation or services through the school district.
• Request it online at FDLRS Emerald Coast Child Find or call (850) 469-5423 / 1-888-445-9662. Pensacola office: 30 E. Texar Dr., Pensacola, FL 32503.

Runners-up

• Early Steps if your child is under 3; it is Florida’s early-intervention program for infants and toddlers. Western Panhandle Early Steps serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
• Your child’s school counselor if he is already in public school; ask for a speech/language evaluation.
• Pediatrician/audiology if you have any concern about hearing, frequent ear infections, or he stopped using words he previously had.

What flips this: His age and school enrollment—Child Find is generally the route for preschool-age children not yet in public school.

👉 Is he under 3, or is he already preschool age?