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.
Mental Health and Wellness Conference
Mon. Sep. 27 to Fri. Oct. 1, times vary
This conference is presented with Inova Act on Addiction, and Our Minds Matter, a student movement to change school culture around mental health.
Tools for Fostering Success at Home, In School, and Throughout Life
Mon. Sep. 27, 6-7 pm
A panel presentation to start the FCPS Mental Wellness Conference and Inova Act on Addiction Summit.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xZlquGx-Q4qK6XfNhE1pTg
More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education for Parents
Mon. Sep. 27, 7-8 pm
Learn to recognize signs of depression, how to talk about mental health with your child, and how to get help.
Register: https://morethansadsept272021.attendease.com
The Resilient Brain: Cultivating Courage & Curiosity to Expand a Child’s Capacity to Build Inner Strength
Tue. Sep. 28, 6:30-7:00 pm
Consider the possibility of helping children learn to say yes to the world and all that life has to offer, even during difficult times.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c6zymDtfQWyV1gZ4_YEDbQ
Getting a Handle on…ALL THIS! How to Thrive in Overwhelming and Uncertain Times
Thu. Sep. 30, 6-7 pm
Participants will be guided in how to use their head, heart, and hands to find practical ways to move forward in our challenging times.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C6JsBy4BQuSrMy8wCyD6uw
George Washington University Research Opportunity
Developmental Social Neuroscience Lab at GWU, 2115 G St. NW Wash. DC
Children ages 5-17 are being recruited to participate in both online and in-person studies. Compensation of $20/hour
Contact: andilab@gwu.edu.
Family Digital Wellness
Fri. Oct. 1, 10:00-11:30 am, with later access
Learn about problematic media use at various ages and how to help children and teens to adopt healthy behaviors.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMDOpO3rd2W_g3d6c1VQq6CABMdebdu5CriUYVvonidfnAxQ/viewform
Helping Kids Manage Their Anger
Fri. Oct. 1, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn why kids have trouble managing emotions and how you can help your kids manage their anger without looking your cool.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oWFhtOY1R32OLHACqa_AuQ
Traumatic Brain Injury — Blue Ridge LEND Lunch & Learn
Fri. Oct 1, noon-1 pm
Traumatic brain injury will be covered in the context of evidence-based, culturally competent, person- and family-centered care.
Register: https://virginia.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0odO2rpj8tH9NB3UNDGMLM-gNz9XDHSxDX
Tools for Resiliency During Unprecedented Times
Fri. Oct. 1, noon-1 pm
This presentation is part of the FCPS Mental Wellness Conference and Inova Act on Addiction Summit.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KUyIyc25Se2uwifRrQO-Kg
Day Camp for Bereaved Families with Children Ages 5-18
Sat. Oct. 2, Point of Hope Family Camp, Lorton
A parent or guardian plus one or more children who have recently experienced the death of a parent or sibling are invited.
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/d4iANa693q
Sensory Friendly “Archaeology Family Day” at Mount Vernon
Sat. Oct. 2, 9-11 am, Mount Vernon
Learn how archaeology has uncovered the past through family-friendly activities at the 12-Acre Field.
Tickets: https://www.mountvernon.org/en/ticketing $$ varies
Increasing Familiarity of Different Cultures in Multi-Racial Formed Families
Mon, Oct. 4, 7:00-8:30 pm
Learn about racial and cultural identity challenges, strategies, and resources for multiracial formed families from parent peers with lived experience.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5386500184993263630
Parent Child Journey Discussion Group — for Early Childhood Parents
Mondays, Oct. 4 to Dec. 6, 7-8 pm, via Zoom, with free video course
This course helps parents of children, age 3-7, to identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and what they can do about it.
Information: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/ $100-$350
Anxiety Management Parent Group — 8 session course
Tuesdays, Oct. 5 to Nov. 23, noon-1 pm, 60 day access to video course
Topics include diagnosis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, SPACE principles, parent accommodations and their reduction,
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ei7uu3ltd0d801ae&oseq=&c=&ch= $100-$300
Holistic Healing: The Whole-Person Treatment Approach to ADHD
Tue. Oct. 5, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn from a medical doctor about the benefits of integrative treatments, such as lifestyle and nutrition modification.
Register: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1475073&tp_key=d9c217a8ce
Joy is an Inside Job
Tue. Oct. 5, 7:00-8:30 pm
Gain a sense of how to develop a process of self care that inhibits burnout while still taking care of kids with special needs.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joy-is-an-inside-job-tickets-168187229531
ADHD Management Parent Group — 8 session course
Wednesdays, Oct. 6 to Nov. 24, noon-1 pm $100-$300
Discussion topics include medication, behavioral strategies and educational care. 60 days access to Dr. Dan's ADHD video course.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ei7upmfz1f99cbfb&oseq=&c=&ch=
Talking with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home
Wed. Oct 6, 7-8 pm
Learn communication strategies that support the healthy development of autonomy and self-drive that kids with learning-related challenges need.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/6816279311939/WN_lh-W558XR7WG9DGS2d7gtQ
Do You Think Your Child is Being Bullied? — In Spanish
¿Cree que su hijo es objeto de acoso escolar?
Mie. los 6 oct. 7 pm
Aprender cómo identificar y prevenir el acoso, hablar con su hijo sobre el acoso, y cómo obtener ayuda de profesionales cuando se necesite.
Registrarse: https://bit.ly/3zro0kx
Parent Child Journey Discussion Group for Middle Childhood Parents
Thursdays, Oct. 7 to Dec. 16, 7-8 pm, with free video course
This course helps parents of children, age 8-12, to identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and what they can do about it.
Information: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/ $100-$350
Dyslexia Virtual Open House
Fri. Oct 8, 10-11 am, with later access
Gain an overview of dyslexia supports in FCPS, an update on equitable access to literacy plans, and tips to help your child thrive in school.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScR1rSrhqKNo_xIuGBrgjos_mDzisvx5XY-v7Xf2SofXEOX1A/viewform
An Overview of Cerebral Palsy — Blue Ridge LEND Lunch & Learn
Fri. Oct. 8, noon-1 pm, details will be emailed Oct. 1
This overview will cover cerebral palsy in the context of evidence-based, culturally competent, person- and family-centered care.
Register: https://virginia.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0odO2rpj8tH9NB3UNDGMLM-gNz9XDHSxDX
Morning at the Museum — Cooper Hewitt
Sat. Oct. 9, 10:30-11:30 am
Students with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities will learn about the design process and make accessories for halloween.
Register: email CHAccess@si.edu
Transition University — Self-Paced Course of 5 Sessions
Sun. Oct 10 to Tue. Nov. 30,
Learn about the many options available to maximize your child’s independence and quality of life when they age out of school.
Register: https://tufall2021.eventbrite.com
Sibshops — for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs
Mon. Oct. 11, 10 am OR 1 pm
Children in grades 2-6 who have siblings with special needs play games with other siblings, share experiences, and receive peer support.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7njTUP0XvEsyaRhfUS7ARtjiRBFdNXQ65jCD83w8hbUtKjA/viewform
Navigating the Medicaid Waiver Process
Mon. Oct. 11, 7:00-7:45 pm
Find out about this program for home and community based health services for children and adults.
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Tue. Oct. 12 & Wed. Oct. 13, 9 am-noon $160-$210
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and effective advocacy.
Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm
Combating Stereotypes About Women, Men, and Children with ADHD
Tue. Oct. 12, 1 pm
Learn how to communicate about ADHD so as to counter mistaken ideas that can cause shame or guilt in the ADHD community.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-awareness-month-2021-hallowell-solden-podcast-376/?
ADHD and Reading Difficulties: Prevention and Problem Solving
Tue. Oct 12, 7:00-8:30 pm
Gain a sense of how ADHD can impede reading, what to watch for, and the kinds of interventions that may be needed.
Parenting Children of Color
Wednesdays, Oct. 13, & Dec. 15, 7-8 pm
Meet with other parents to discuss the unique issues in raising children of color with special needs. $20 per session
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eibojav79a6a9849&oseq=&c=&ch=
Understanding the Dynamics of Cyberbullying, Technology, and our Youth
Fri. Oct. 15, noon
Learn about cyberbullying, the motivations behind it, the warning signs to look for, and strategies to protect students with disabilities.
Teaching Problem Solving to Children and Adults with ADHD
Tue. Oct. 19, 7:00-8:30 pm
Learn how to teach problem solving to children, even those with hyperactivity, impulsivity, distractability, and executive function deficits.
The Dynamicas of Cyberbulling, Technology and Our Youth — In Spanish
La Dinámica del Acoso Cibernético, la Tecnología, y Nuestra Juventud
Mie. los 20 oct. 7 pm
Aprenda sobre el acoso cibernético, las motivaciones detrás de él, y las estrategias para proteger a los estudiantes con discapacidades.
Registrarse: https://bit.ly/2XB7nFQ
Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference 2021
Sat. Oct. 23, 9 am-12:30 pm
This event will include a key note and three sessions with choices to present the use of assistive technology for supporting student learning.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIH8hLIUpFagzkpqzJjM6CCWUTDrsXRXR1K62Jg3B6p6b-9g/viewform
Ask an Advocate: IEP 101
Wed., Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 pm, Autism FIRST 24805 Pinebrook Rd. Chantilly
Learn how goals, services and placement decisions are determined, plus paper trails, and tips for how to advocate for your child.
Register: https://autismfirstus.com/events/
National Drug Take Back Day
Sat. Oct. 23, 10 am-2 pm
Safely dispose of unused medications at District Police Stations in Fairfax County.
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/district/franconia
In and Out of IEP Meetings — In Spanish
Dentro y Fuera de las Reuniones del IEP
Mie. los 29 sep. 7 pm
Aprenda a planificar una reunión del IEP, qué esperar durante la reunión, cómo entablar relaciones allí y cómo defender a su hijo.
Registrarse: https://bit.ly/3gzOhq5
Ongoing and On Demand
Family Coaching — 8-12 week program
Work weekly one-on-one with a coach to identify individualized goals and create a targeted family plan.
Register: https://a109092.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/e8afd273-4daa-4525-a1f1-b8ee33528344
Fairfax County’s Pre-Notification 9-1-1 Program
Enroll now in this new public safety program for individuals with disabilities.
Details & Registration: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile.
Special Education During a Pandemic
Learn what the laws specify that schools should provide, and how you can best support your child.
Access: https://drroseann.com/special-education-during-a-pandemic/
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
Webinar, available 24/7
Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs
Accommodations for Recreational Classes and Camps with Fairfax County Parks
Accommodations include physical accessibility, ASL interpreters, assistive devices, sensitivity training for classmates, and staff training.
To request accommodations, email gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703 324-8563
Scholarships for Classes with Fairfax County Parks
Children of families that receive public assistance (medicaid, free school lunch, SNAP, TANF) are eligible to take one set of classes per quarter for a $15 registration fee.
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scholarships
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://publiccourseapi.nami.org/Learner/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F
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
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 Society of NoVA Support Group meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682; 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/
Cafés Virtuales Para Padres: Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm. Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación: BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov o 703-324-7720
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Susan, ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com or call 303-903-9972.
Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Wed. evening of the month. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 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: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eh2rnzqrk9vdghmb/a0179kbgrhnj1/questions
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.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a44abab29abf85-juvenile
Family F.I.R.S.T. Fridays Autism Support Group meets on the 1st Friday monthly, noon-12:45 at Gum Spring Library 24600 Millstream Dr. Stone Ridge
Formed Families Together consists of monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805
Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly.
In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly.
Grupo de Chat para Padres: Unete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al GRUPO: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw (Chat Group for Latino Parents: Join our new CHAT GROUP through the WhatsApp application and you will be able to keep up to date with everything that PEATC Latino is doing.)
Grupo de Educación y Apoyo a Padres en Española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 a.m. en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682
Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 2nd Wednesday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov .
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
NAMI Family Support Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays on Zoom for parents of children living with mental health challenges including ADHD, ASD, etc. https://zoom.us/j/94509229914
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: ela.mike@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859
Parent Café (for all Fairfax County parents and guardians) meets via Zoom in English on Mon., 7:45-9:15 pm, and en español, miércoles, 7:00-8:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
Parents in a Pandemic is for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges. They meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Tuesdays. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/jun-dates-for-virtual-parent-support-group-meetings/
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally. Contact: Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@poac-nova.org .
REACH Parent Support Group meets monthly to support parents of individuals with developmental disabilities who also have mental health or behavioral issues. Contact: Dr. Pourmand mojgan.pourmand@eastersealsucp.com
