Parent Resources
Parent INformation Relating to special education
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
Todos estos eventos son gratuitos excepto donde se indique.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
When other events are announced they will be posted with these at:
https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
When other events are announced they will be posted with these at:
https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group
Tuesdays, Feb. 6 to Apr. 25, 6:00-8:30 pm
Hone your Father Skills by meeting with other Dads to focus on self-awareness, self-care, parenting skills and relationships.
Pre-Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement
Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting Class —Families with children ages 5-11
Wednesdays, Feb. 7, to May 22, 6-8 pm
Families increase their empathy, find new ways to foster appropriate behavior, build self-esteem, and learn to have fun together.
Register: email ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov or phone Erika Recon Diaz 703-324-5004
Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting Class — In Spanish
Planifica con anticipación — Clase de crianza cariñosa — familias con niños 5 -11 años
Lunes, 19 de febrero al 20 de mayo, 5:30-8:00 pm, 2855 Annandale Rd. Falls Church
Las familias aumentan su empatía, encuentran nuevas formas de fomentar un comportamiento apropiado, desarrollar la autoestima y aprender a divertirse juntos.
Registrarse: ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov o teléfono Alba Quinones 703-324-7310
Plan Ahead — Chat with an Attorney about Special Education
Wed. Feb. 21. 9:00 am–3:30 pm, 3060 Williams Dr. #300
Fairfax,
Free 45-minute appointments are available for parents to receive guidance from an attorney on special education topics.
Register: https://form.jotform.com/233535822227152
Early Childhood Academy — For Families of Young Children with Disabilities
Jan. 19 to Feb. 23, a self-paced course
Learn practical information to help you guide your child in developing skills to be successful in life.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1079008
Building Independence with the TFIL Team
Thu. Feb, 1, noon-1 pm
Learn about the Arc2Independence app that can be customized to help your child navigate daily routines and challenges.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtce6qqD8jHNz6UyPkRgItKT7nmk3ecB6h#/registration
ReelAbilities: The Creatives — Short Films & Art
Thu. Feb. 1, 7 pm, 8900 Little River Tnpk. Fairfax
These films focus on individuals with disabilities in art, comedy, entrepreneurship, filmmaking, and theater. $ varies
Tickets: https://reelopening2024.brownpapertickets.com
Mind in The Making with Ellen Galinsky
Fri. Feb. 2, 10-11 am
Learn everyday ways that your family can build your child’s skills, confidence, and ability to learn.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBc7dJOeC5ghp1xL-QS2FSXmYUfcTyMVcu3BYALB6oMHH7Kw/viewform
Morning at the Museum —National Museum of African American History and Culture
Sat. Feb. 3, 8-10 am, 1400 Constitution Ave. Washington, DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities may explore the exhibits and sensory-friendly activities.
Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/35310394
Arlington SEPTA Summer Camp & Activities Fair
Sat. Feb. 3, 1-4 pm, W. Reed CC, 2909 16th St. S. Arlington
VA/MD/DC area providers of summer camps, inclusion & adapted activities, therapies, groups, and special events.
Snacks and activities will be available for kids.
Register: https://forms.gle/5KcQkZbxjzD2TrRv8
ReelAbilities Film & Discussion: Okay! $ varies
Sun. Feb. 4, 10 am-noon, OR 4-6 pm 3800 Glenbrook Rd, Fairfax
Four talented autistic musicians come together as the ASD Band and break stereotypes as they write, record, and perform their first album.
Tickets: https://www.olamtikvah.org/event/reelabilities-film-festival2.html
IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course
Mon. Feb. 5 to Mon. Feb. 26, with access 24/7
Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings including many practical strategies.
Register:: https://peatc.org/event/iep-university-iepu-77
Building Strong Parent Advocates — Self-Paced Course
Mon. Feb. 5 to Mon. Feb. 26, 6 hours of content
Build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while being empowered to be your child’s best advocate.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1109372
From Referral to Eligibility — in Spanish
De la referencia a la eligibilidad
Martes, 6 de febrero, 6:30-8:00 pm
Conozca las etapas iniciales de la educación especial en Virginia.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KdiKGWcrRdSRwOECufsj6w?
Gender and Autism
Wed. Feb. 7, 1 pm
Learn about emerging research on the factors hindering the identification of autistic females.
Register: https://autism.org/gender-and-autism/
Special Education Series — In Spanish
Serie de Educación Especial
Martes o jueves, 7 y 22 febrero, 5 y 14 marzo, y 16 abril, a 6:30-8:00 pm
Conozca todas las características principales del proceso de educación especial en Virginia. Regístrese para una o más presentaciones.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KdiKGWcrRdSRwOECufsj6w?
Anatomy of an IEP
Wed. Feb. 7, 6:30-7:30 pm
Learn about the sequence and contents of the separate sections of an Individualized Educational Plan.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VdwCCnd9QNWtq3_nGEQx2g?
FCCPTA Meeting with School Board Meet and Greet
Wed. Feb. 7, 7-9 pm, 8115 Gatehouse Rd. Falls Church
The FCCPTA business meeting will be followed by an opportunity to meet with 6 new and 6 returning school board members.
Register by Mon. Feb. 5: https://www.fccpta.org/events/fccpta-quarterly-general-membership-meeting-8
FASD and Law Enforcement: Moving from a Reactive to a Proactive Focus
Wed. Feb.7, 7-8 pm:
Consider how to decrease the chance of an arrest and how to ensure the disability is known.
Register: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/d02a0432-ae70-4cab-9a5e-8a14b2d376d4
Lunch. Learn. Inspire.
Thu. Feb. 8, 11 am-1 pm
Share challenges you’ve noticed for someone with a developmental disability and benefit from the ensuing discussion.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpf-uurjgvEt1sQTq6xQ7wX6OxF04eBvAg#/registration
Squeezed in the Sandwich Generation: How to Manage ADHD in Yourself, Your Children, and Your Elderly Parents
Thu. Feb. 8. 1 pm, with replay access
Consider strategies and tools to mitigate the challenges and how self-compassion can lead to more effective coping.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/sandwich-generation-stress-how-to-manage-adhd/?
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Thu. Feb. 8, 7-8 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl02082024.attendease.com
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Fri. Feb. 9, 8:30 am-3:30 pm, 2334 Gallows Rd. Dunn Moring
Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.
Individual Education Programs (IEP) 101: Empowering You to Get the Educational Programming, Accommodations, and Supports Your Child Needs
Sat. Feb. 10, 10 am-1 pm, 6140 Rolling Rd. West Springfield
Parents of Autistic Children will host a panel of parents and experts on parental rights, behaviors, goals, and other IEP issues.
Questions? email: president@poac-nova.org
VA Hands & Voices Valentine's Day with Your Children
Sat, Feb. 10, 10:15-11:45 am, Tysons-Pimmet Library
Come meet parents with deaf children; enjoy snacks and activities.
Register; https://vahv_library_meet_up.eventbrite.com/
ReelAbilities Film & Discussion: Being Michelle
Sat. Feb. 10, 1-4, 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton $ varies
A deaf autistic woman survives incarceration with the help of a blind life coach who teaches at the prison. (ASL & English)
Tickets: https://nvrc.org/nvrc-film-fest-2024-with-reelabilities/
Sensory Friendly Hours at the National Children’s Museum
Feb. 11, 9:30-11:30 am, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. Wash. DC
The museum will provide expanded accessibility, lower guest numbers, and pre-visit guides. $19
Tickets: https://nationalchildrensmuseum.org/tickets/
Is Your Child a Victim of Bullying? — In Spanish
¿Es su hijo víctima de acoso escolar?
Viernes, 12 de febrero, 6:30-7:30 pm
Aprender cómo identificar y prevenir el acoso, hablar con sus hijos sobre el acoso y cómo obtener ayuda cuando sea necesario.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4tytXhE1S3qA6M-ELlJ-Yg?
How to ADHD: An Insider’s Guide to Working with Your ADHD Brain (Not Against It!)
Tue. Feb. 13, 1 pm, with replay link
The author will discuss topics from her book, such as attending to time, improving sleep, and the cost of not treating ADHD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/how-to-adhd-jessica-mccabes
Loving Formed Families Forward — Virtual Open House
Tue. Feb. 13, 1:00-1:45 pm
Join the staff and special guests for an overview of services and supports for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Register: https://formedfamiliesforward.org/event/fff-virtual-open-house/
SSI and VA’s Medicaid Waivers
Tue. Feb. 13, 5-7 pm
Learn how to use these important benefits which can be tricky to navigate.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3sZxucgmRueF7kHp8YEp6g?
Onward to Preschool: Taking the Big Step from Early Intervention!
Tue. Feb 13, 6:30 pm
Learn what to expect from educators and coordinators as your child moves from early intervention, ITC, to preschool.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J6vfA13KT7ykoT41J9dOTQ#/registration
Teaching Self-Help and Independent Skills
Wed. Feb. 14, 10:00-11:20 am, OR 7:00-8:30 pm
This training is for FCPS families of children with a developmental or intellectual disability.
AAC Early Starts Conference
Thu. & Fri. Feb. 15 & 16, 11 am-9 pm ET
Online conference with over 20 experts, AAC users, and caregivers sharing their knowledge and experiences.
Register: https://www.aaccessible.org/so/c0OqyPYCz?languageTag=en&cid=663d22c7-3c60-4186-8086-d49d122092e8
Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication — Elem. Sch. Parents
Fri. Feb. 16, 10:00-11:30 am
FCPS Behavior Intervention Services staff will share practical tips on easing communication and behavior at home.
Opioid Overdose and Naloxone EducationTraining — in Spanish
Entrenamiento Narcan
Jueves, 16 de febrero, 6-7 pm
Aprenda qué hacer en una situación de sobredosis, cómo administrar naloxona y qué hacer después. Se pueden proporcionar suministros.
Registrarse: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive
From Inclusion to Belonging Conference
Sat. Feb. 17, 8:30 am-3:00 pm, Potomac Shores, VA
Keynote and breakout sessions focused on supporting mental health for those with DD/IDD. $ varies
Register: https://www.portocharities.org/conference
Summer Camp Presentation by Fairfax County Park Authority
Tue. Feb. 20, 7-9 pm
After a short business meeting, the Special Education PTA (SEPTA) will host a presentation on summer camps.
Register: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org
Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Feb. 21, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn about the benefits of high expectations, what are measurable goals, and why monitoring progress is so important.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VdwCCnd9QNWtq3_nGEQx2g?
Strengths of the Dyslexic Mind
Wed. Feb. 21, 7 pm
Co-authors of The Dyslexic Advantage will discuss their perspectives of the strengths developed in some cases of dyslexia.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/1416946136431/WN_LQOQ3-S7Rg-46rTS-tn4vg#/registration
ReelAbilities Film: Imperfect $ varies
Wed. Feb. 21, 8 pm, 2310 Colts Neck Rd. Reston
Follow the lives of an award-winning theater group with disabilities doing a production of Chicago.
Tickets: https://restoncommunitycenter.com/event/centerstage-cinema-equity-matters-imperfect/
Using Sensory Integration Strategies to Increase Understanding and Peace at Home
Thu. Feb. 22, 1:00-2:30 pm, with extended access
Learn how understanding and using the sensory system can help kids and families stay calm and connected.
Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/resource/event/syf-webinar-using-sensory-integration-strategies/ $15-$0 with Coupon Code: SENSORY
Anatomy of an IEP — In Spanish
Anatomía de un IEP
Jueves, 22 de febrero, 6:30-8:00 pm
Conozca la secuencia y contenidos de los distintos apartados de un Plan Educativo Individualizado (IEP).
Registrarse: https://peatc.org/event/anatomia-de-un-iep/
How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Ways to Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child’s School Performance and How to Help
Fri. Feb. 23, 10:00-11:30 am
Consider how to find out more about the Why? Then learn how to help your child move forward.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKk0eu9JLSM-zN1Hm9dGFIWsw-fcaVDVKA5WAZMVzulxXiAA/viewform?
Ongoing & On-Demand Programs
ADHD @ School: Top 10 Hurdles to Learning with ADHD
This 10-part self-guided course equips caregivers and students with effective solutions to the specific academic and behavioral challenges associated with ADHD
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/download/adhd-new-school-year-for-parents/
The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum $99 for 6 months
Build your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services your child needs. Scholarship: https://thearcus.surveymonkey.com/r/H7WNHB7
Purchase: https://thearcatschool.org/advocacy-curriculum/?
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
24/7 Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs
NAMI Basics
This 6-session course is for adults who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD).
Register: https://www.nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand
Children’s Challenging Behaviors
This 6-hour workshop focuses on children’s challenging behaviors, mental health conditions, special education, and advocacy skills. Register: https://nami-northernvirginia.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/childrens-challenging-behaviors/
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and strategies for effective advocacy. $50-$90
Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm
Advanced Training in Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
Participants will learn how to use the ALSUP assessment and how to solve problems collaboratively. $149
Access: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/2dayjan22
Access to Success — Online Self-Paced 8-class Course for Students with Disabilities
High school and college students can learn about their disability rights and how to obtain accommodations in college. Use the mp3 files for audio.
Access: https://rtcil.ku.edu/ats-home
The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism
From the VCU Autism Center for Excellence & Virginia Autism Council. An introduction on Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including tips for caregivers, characteristics, interventions and recommended programs and services.
Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm
Two 9-1-1 Pre-Notification Programs Are Now Available
Both allow prior registration so that first responders will be aware of the special needs of individuals at the scene.
Fairfax County Emergency Health Profiles
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile
Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.
Fairfax County Community Connect
https://www.communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county
The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts.
ongoing Community Support Groups for Parents
All these support groups are open to newcomers, and they are free, except where noted. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is to be respected.
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays. Contact: Amanda amandam@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
African American Culturally Focused Virtual Parent Café meets Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Arlington Epilepsy Support Group, a list-serve, can be accessed at ARLepilepsy@googlegroups.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
Autism F.I.R.S.T. Family Support Group meets on the 1st Wed. monthly, in Chantilly or Herndon. Register: https://autismfirstus.com/events/
Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7-8 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents
Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 9:00-10:30 am Via Zoom. Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices. Contact: https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/