Graphic with the Gifted Ed Solutions logo. Large bold text reads “Clear & Simple Talent Search.” A magnifying glass is centered in the image. A pink banner at the bottom says, “Child Find/Talent Search… It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.”

Clear & Simple Talent Search

systems| templates| Child Find or Talent Search| Inclusiveness
September 30, 2025•2 min read
Gifted Education Child Find or Talent Search strategies to make the process easier and sustainable for Gifted Teachers of Gifted and Talented Education Programs

Clear & Simple Talent Search (or Child Find)

A Practical Look at the FIND Framework and How October Jumpstarts My Year

If you’ve ever felt like Child Find sneaks up on you every spring with scattered referrals, tight deadlines, and last-minute scrambles, you’re not alone.

What I've found is most helpful for me is to lean on the FIND Framework and designate October as Gifted Child Find Month.

The FIND framework is a simple, step-by-step process that keeps Child Find clear, manageable, and equitable all year long. Having the designated Child Find Month helps zero in the focus, but the system itself is what makes the work sustainable.

FIND Framework for Child Find or Talent Search

The FIND Framework walks you through the four essentials:

  • Filter: Cast a wide, inclusive net for potential gifted learners. Think of it like opening the funnel wide.

  • Gather names through universal screeners or state test scores, teacher/parent referrals, and observations

  • Share information about gifted characteristics

  • Explain how to identify characteristics in underrepresented populations

  • Identify: Move from “possible” to “probable” with multiple data points. This is the refinement step.

  • Navigate: Guide families through the process with clarity and support. I love this step. This is the family onboarding process.

  • Develop : Turn eligibility into action

Instead of piecing things together or starting over every year, FIND is a repeatable system that works during a focus month and keeps working the rest of the year.

I love the FIND Framework because it isn't "one more thing" added to my list.
It creates a clear starting point and ensures consistent, equitable opportunities for all students.

Tools to Help You Implement FIND

You don’t have to build this system from scratch. Here are resources to make each stage easier:

✅ Data Tracker
✅ Child Find Checklist & Parent Meeting Agenda
✅ Digital Classroom Screener for Gifted Characteristics

Written by Michelle Robinson, founder of Gifted Ed Solutions. Helping gifted teachers get off “Gifted Island” and teach with joy again.

Drop a comment in theGES Facebook Group

Want Early Finisher Ideas for your Gen Ed Colleagues? You can find them HERE

Let’s share what’s working and help each other keep standing.

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