Parent Information Relating to Special Education
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All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
The FCPS Parent Resource Center is still open, and it continues to provide direct assistance to families, educators, and community members. The staff there can help you find answers and solve problems. prc@fcps.edu 703-204-3941
Neighborhood Community Services is providing NCS Connects, an online resource for youth, teens, and parents this summer. Adapted resources are included at Exploration Station: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/ncs-connects
2020 Special Needs Summer Camp Guide — with Covid-19 Updates
Some summer camps are still available for children with special needs. This Guide, compiled by FCPS, includes private camps, in-person and virtual.
Request a copy by email: prc@fcps.edu
FCPS school counselors, psychologists and social workers are available during summer – Any FCPS parent may schedule a 30-minute phone consultation for themselves or their middle or high school student. Consultations will provide support and strategies to students who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, behavior, or peer or family interactions.
S.O.S. A Parent’s Guide to Daily Routines, Screen Limits & Safe Social Outings
Wed. July 1, 1 pm, With Replay Option
Hear practical advice on creating effective summer routines, managing screen time, and arranging safe peer interactions.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/summer-activities-adhd-children-pandemic/?
ADHD Medication Part II: Side Effects, Uneven Coverage and Discontinuation Trials
Thu. Jul. 2, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With Replay Link $ varies
Learn from a behavioral pediatrician about managing ADHD medications, including side effects, uneven coverage. and stopping smoothly.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh1pgfwfbbf8ab11&oseq=&c=&ch=
Una Introducción a la Prevención del Suicidio
Lunes, 6 de julio, 6:30–8:30 pm Via Zoom
Los participantes conocerán los factores de riesgo del suicidio, cómo reconocer las advertencias de otras personas y cómo mantener a salvo a nuestros seres queridos.
Regístrese: https://ncactsl07062020.attendease.com/register/registration/form
Summer Story Time at the PRC: Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs
Tuesdays and Thursdays July 7 - July 28, 10:00–10:45 am. Online
These events are for children ages 5-8 and a parent! Books and activities will be shared to support the executive functioning skills of your child, including at home.
Register for one or all sessions.
July 7: Focus and Self Control
July 9: Perspective Taking
July 14: Communicating
July 16: Making Connections
July 21: Critical thinking
July 23: Taking on Challenges
July 28: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning
Financial Planning for Your Future 101
Thu. Jul. 9, 1:00 pm, via Zoom
Learn about goal based financial planning, budgeting, risk management, investments, estate planning, and the SECURE Act.
Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/free-webinar-financial-planning-for-your-future-101/
Learning to Manage Anxiety, Part I: A Systems Approach to Exposure Therapy
Thu. Jul. 9, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With replay link $ varies
After reviewing some background concepts and specific strategies, Dr. Dan will lead a group discussion of individualized approaches to implementation.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh1pio4ke9db8a50&oseq=&c=&ch=
The Juggle: Building Your Resilience through Self-Care
Fri. July 10, 10:00-11:30 am, Webinar
This workshop will acknowledge and celebrate parents/caregivers and introduce practical strategies to build resilience based on brain science.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV66P2uPxg84HlVoX_MAAwlxqzRFi-0WVX9mm-UibHtk0KVA/viewform
Capacity Building for IEP Teams
Sun. Jul. 12-26, 3 hours — Available 24/7 Online
Learn practical strategies to help future IEP meetings be more positive, productive, and collaborative for parents and educators.
Register: https://bit.ly/2yIe0JC
Learning to Manage Anxiety, Part II: Practical Strategies
Thu. Jul. 16, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With replay link $ varies
After reviewing some background concepts and specific strategies, Dr. Dan will lead a group discussion of individualized approaches to implementation.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh1pjoze2ed12a08&oseq=&c=&ch=
Talk Saves Lives — LGBT Module
Sun. Jul. 19, 4:00-5:30 pm, Online
Suicide can be prevented. Learn about suicide prevention, including common risk factors, warning signs, and how to stay safe.
Register: https://ncactsl07192020.attendease.com/register/registration/select
When Behavior Impedes Learning: A Parent's Guide to Advocating Objectively and Effectively at School
Thu. July 23, 1 pm, With Replay Option
Learn about functional behavior assessments (FBA) and how to use one to craft a behavior intervention plan (BIP) to help a child improve behavior.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/functional-behavior-assessment-adhd/?
Coexisting ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism
Thu. Jul. 23, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With replay link $ varies
After reviewing some background concepts and specific strategies, Dr. Dan will lead a group discussion of individualized approaches to implementation.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh1pjp9f74620816&oseq=&c=&ch=
Screening: Deej — #NoBodyIsDisposable Film Series
Thu. July 23, 8-10 pm,
Deej, a movie about a nonspeaking child with autism who doesn’t give up his pursuit of learning and college, will be followed by a discussion with advocates.
Register: https://tinyurl.com/DeejNoBodyIsDisposable ASL/Captioning provided.
Disability Visibility Project — Book Launch
Sat. July 25, 7 pm, Webinar
Readings from these first-person stories by disabled people will be combined with a panel discussion with five of the book’s contributors.
Register: http://tinyurl.com/dvbooklaunch
“You’re So Emotional!” Why ADHD Brains Wrestle with Emotional Regulation
Tue. July 28, 1 pm, Webinar with replay link
Learn about recent research on emotional dysregulation due to ADHD, current understanding, and effective treatments.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/emotional-regulation-adhd-anger-management/?
Helping Your Child Experience Social Success
Thu. Jul. 30, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With replay link $ varies
After reviewing some background concepts and specific strategies, Dr. Dan will lead a group discussion of individualized approaches to implementation.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh1pkngsa3c0585d&oseq=&c=&ch=
Plan Ahead — Transition Series 2020 $25-$50
Sat. Sep. 26 & Oct. 17, 8:30 am-3:00 pm, Marymount U. Arlington
Students with developmental disabilities and/or their parents can learn how to plan ahead for the transition to many aspects of life after school.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/transition-series/
On Demand
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.
Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm. $50-90
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
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP is in Tip-Top Shape
Webinar On demand, available 24/7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs
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 respected.
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly typically in the past in Falls Church. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
Autism Society of Northern Virginia Virtual Support Group 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month,1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom. Meeting ID: 83085728013
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/
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Burke CHADD Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and Family Members Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. Contact Kim Griffin: kimberlyrgriffin@yahoo.com
Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Tue. morning of the month in Sterling. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
West Fairfax CHADD Evening Parent Support Group 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.
West Fairfax CHADD Morning Parent Support Group 1st Tues. of each month, time TBA, Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.
Dr. Dan’s Support Group for Parents Raising Challenging Children meets via Zoom on Mondays, 1-2 pm, Register: www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. Sign up for a phone consultation at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/juveniledomesticrelations/juvenile-intake .
Meditation and Mindfulness: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday; 12:15 p.m.: https://www.si.edu/Events?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D143846035%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families. Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com
OCD Family Support Group 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: familygroupocd@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859.
Parents in a Pandemic is a group for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges. They currently meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Tuesdays. Contact Diane Manning dmonnig@thearcofnova.org .
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally. Contact: Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@poac-nova.org .
Parents of Autistic Teens meets the 2nd Sat. of each month in Oakton. Contact: Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or Admin@ASNV.org
