All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.

In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.

Parent Survey on Children’s Mental Health Care

Help improve local therapies! Please fill out this survey if your child (age 1-17) is now receiving mental health therapy or counseling in Fairfax County. Gift card.

Survey: https://gmuchss.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WmHxDZPRVF5eo6

Accommodations for Summer 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

Camp registration: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/camps

Scholarships for Camps & 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

Early Intervention Overview — for Military Families

Tue. Feb. 1, 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Learn important terminology and a detailed overview of early intervention for a child’s developmental delay or disability.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Mon. Feb. 1, 3:00-4:30 pm

Learn to recognize the warning signs, how to intervene, and where to refer someone who is in crisis. Question, Persuade, Refer = QPR

Supporting Dyslexic Students in the Classroom

Wed. Feb. 2, noon-1 pm

A school will discuss their research-based program that provides explicit instruction and intervention to develop skills and confidence.

Register: https://www.mcleanschool.org/events/webinar-series-exploring-the-mclean-method-supporting-dyslexic-students-in-the-classroom/

Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students with Disabilities

Wednesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, & 23, 6:30-8:30 pm

A wide variety of topics, including parent perspectives on short and long term planning for elementary and middle school students with disabilities.

Anatomy of an IEP

Wed. Feb. 2, 6:30-7:30 pm

Focus on the separate parts of an IEP and how they work together to support students with disabilities.

REVIVE! Training

Wed. Feb. 2, 6:30-7:30 pm

Learn what to do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Supplies may be provided.

Sexual Health and Wellness — For Youth with Disabilities

7 Wednesdays, Feb. 2 to Apr. 20, 6:30-7:30 pm

Youth are coached in self-advocacy and decision-making via the topics of setting boundaries and pregnancy, STI, and abuse prevention.

ISO ADHD Specialists: How to Find the Best Professional to Diagnose and Treat Your Symptoms

Thu. Feb. 3, 1-2 pm, with replay link

Learn about useful criteria in selecting providers for the multiple needs of individuals with ADHD and how to forge a productive relationship.

Raising Your Challenging Child — Preschool–6th grade

Thursdays, Feb. 3 to Apr. 7, 8-9 pm, with video course. $0-&350

Parents discuss, and apply information from the 10-part video course to ease and improve their children’s family life and social functioning.

Gift-a-Palooza

Thu.-Sat. Feb. 3-5 $0-$97

Thirty plus speakers will address the issues, challenges, and joys of being a gifted and multi-exceptional individual over a lifetime.

ReelAbilities Film Festival: Northern Virginia

Feb. 3-17, locations vary $0-$14

View and discuss films dedicated to promoting an awareness and appreciation of the lives of people with life challenges and different abilities.

Tickets: www.thej.org/reelabilities

Futures Planning and Disability Benefits

Fri. Feb. 4, 10:00-11:30 am

Consider the importance of planning for family members with disabilities, including trusts and other critical services and programs.

All About IEPs

Sat. Feb 5, 10 am

This attorney-guided discussion will include educational rights, testing options, preparation for IEP team meetings, and parent input on IEP decisions. Q&A

Early Childhood Academy

Sat. Feb. 5 to Mar. 12, access 24/7

Parents will learn useful tips and ideas for supporting their child’s development and the resources available to ease the transition to preschool.

Transition University

Feb. 6-Mar. 28, access 24/7

This course is for parents of all ages of special education students who will need supportive care as adults.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention

Sun. Feb. 6, 4-5 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and by learning appropriate responses.

Medicaid Waiver Basics & Using Your Waiver for Fun and Recreation

Mon. Feb. 7, 11 am-noon

Virginia uses Medicaid Waivers to fund services for people with developmental disabilities. Learn how waivers can be used and how to apply.

Personal Care and Social-Emotional Health in These Uncertain Times — In Spanish

Cuidado Personal y Bienestar Socioemocional Durante estos Tiempos de Incertidumbre

Lun. 7 de Feb. 7- 8 pm

¡Este taller es una inversión en ti mismo! Cuando te conviertes en una prioridad, estás mejor equipado para manejar el estrés y estar disponible para los demás.

Registrarse: https://peatc.org/event/cuidado-personal-y-bienestar-socioemocional-durante-estos-tiempos-de-incertidumbre/

Disparities in Diagnoses and Service Access for Black Autistic Youth and their Families

Tue. Feb. 8, 2:00-2:45 pm

Learn about the historical and systemic factors that contribute to these disparities, and the short and long-term implications of them.

Special Education for Formed Families: Making It Work!

Tue. Feb. 8, 7-8 pm

Lean how to deal with unusual challenges for special education in these families, including delays, trauma, and who’s in charge.

Raising Financially Responsible Kids Today

Tue. Feb. 8, 7:00-8:30 pm

Come discuss ways to encourage your kids to adopt healthy financial habits that will serve them well in life.

Register: https://thesycamoreschoolva.org/events/raising-financially-responsible-kids-today/#mec-events-meta-group-booking-1627

Understanding Extended School Year Services (ESY)

Wed. Feb. 9, 6:30-7:30 pm

Gain information on how to navigate ESY roadblocks while advocating for services.

I’m Determined

& Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students with Disabilities

Wed. Feb 9, 6:30-8:30 pm

Learn how to use the I’m Determined program to guide your child to develop self-advocacy skills from an early age.

Motivating an “Unmotivated” Child or Teen with ADHD

Wed. Feb. 9, 7 pm, with replay link

Learn the reasons why your child struggles with motivation, and parenting strategies that you can use to support your child.

REVIVE! Training

Thu. Feb. 10, 11 am-noon

Learn what to do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Supplies may be provided.

Bonding Activities: Effective, Practical Relationship-Building Ideas for ADHD Families

Thu. Feb. 10, 1-2 pm, with replay link

Learn how to work with, not against, the core symptoms of ADHD to form a deeper connection with your child or teen

Decoding Behavior Summit

Fri.-Sun. Feb. 11-13, $0-$99

Twenty seven behavior, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and parenting experts will share effective, scientifically-supported approaches to challenging behavior.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Sat. Feb. 12, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn to recognize the warning signs, how to intervene, and where to refer someone who is in crisis. QPR = Question, Persuade, Refer

Helping Students Become Independent with Organization, Planning, and Time Management

Tue. Feb. 15, noon-1 pm

A private school will discuss the most common challenges with executive functioning and ways they address them in the classroom.

What Is Child Find?

Tue. Feb. 15, 6:30-8:00 pm

Learn about the process for determining whether a child has a disability that should be addressed.

Measurable IEP Goals

Wed. Feb. 16, 6:30-7:30 pm

Learn how to write goals that are specific and measurable enough to guide achievement.

Communication: A Foundation for Independence

Wed. Feb 16, 7:00-8:30 pm

For parents of students in preschool autism classrooms (PAC), Enhanced Autism Classrooms (EAC) and CAT B secondary classrooms.

Raising Resilience: Helping Our Children and Ourselves Bounce Back

Wed. Feb 16, 7:00-8:30 pm

This presentation will provide practical suggestions and strategies for building resilience in children, teens, and their families.

Spotlight on Therapeutic Recreation

Thu. Feb. 17, noon-1 pm

Learn about therapeutic recreation programs offered in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties and how to participate.

The Seven Core Issues in Adoption and The Multi-Racial Family

Thu. Feb. 17, 1:00-2:30 pm, with extended access $0-$15

This look at transracial adoption will include the roles that racism, white supremacy, and social injustice play in parenting.

REVIVE! Training

Fri. Feb. 18, 10-11 am

Learn what to do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Supplies may be provided.

Insights Into the ADHD Brain That Transform Lives

Tue. Feb. 22, 1-2 pm, with replay link

Learn tips and strategies to help avoid ADHD problems and how to analyze problems to devise work arounds.

Identifying and Reflecting on Bias in Policy

Tue. Feb. 22, 2:00-2:45 pm,

Learn about four types of bias, language that can be rooted in bias, and how it may impact access to services.

Accessing Special Education: Evaluation and Eligibility Basics

Tue. Feb. 22, 7-8 pm

Learn how to initiate an evaluation; what it entails; timelines to conduct an evaluation; and pros and cons of disability labels.

REVIVE! Training

Tue. Jan. 22, 1-2 pm

Learn what to do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Supplies may be provided.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Wed. Feb. 23, 2-3 pm

Learn what AAC is, who this communication option is appropriate for, the various types of AAC, and the long-term goals and outcomes.

Decoding the Alphabet Soup: Helpful Tips for Parents of LGBTQ+ Students

Wed. Feb. 23, 7:00-8:30 pm

This is a crash course on LGBTQ+ terminology, orientations, identities, and how best to support children as they explore their sexuality.

Ten Things to Know about IEPs — In Spanish

Diez cosas que necesita saber sobre los IEPs

Mie. 23 de Feb. 7-8 pm

¡Conocer estas diez cosas sobre los IEP le permitirá hacer su trabajo para ayudar a escribir el IEP de su hijo!

Registrarse: https://peatc.org/event/diez-cosas-que-necesita-saber-sobre-los-ieps/

Caregiver Night Out

Thu. Feb. 24, 6:30-9:00 pm $$

Respite care for children with ID/DD will be provided by ABA providers.

REVIVE! Training

Sat. Feb. 26, 9-10 am

Learn what to do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Supplies may be provided.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Tue. Feb. 22, 6:30-8:00 pm

Learn to recognize the warning signs, how to intervene, and where to refer someone who is in crisis. QPR = Question, Persuade, Refer

Bullying in the Digital Era

Fri. Feb. 25, 12:30-2:00 pm. $10-$35

Gain an understanding of what cyber bullying looks like, and learn parenting strategies and skills to help your child if victimized.

All About Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Sat. Feb. 26, 1 pm

A panel of parents, whose child uses an AAC device, will discuss types of AAC, their use at school, what to advocate for, and current legislation.

Growth Mindset to Push Through Frustration — for 4th & 5th graders

Sat. Feb. 26, 1:30-3:00 pm, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean

Students will learn what a growth mindset is, why it matters, what to do when they get stuck, and how to “push through” frustration.

REVIVE! Training

Sat. Feb. 26, 9-10 am

Learn what to do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Supplies may be provided.

Plan Ahead — Wrightslaw Two-Day Bootcamp $175-$265

Fri. & Sat. Mar. 11-12, 9 am-4:30 pm, Charleston Area WV

Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and strategies for effective advocacy.

Ongoing and On Demand

The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum $99 for 6 months

Build up your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services and supports your child needs at school.

Purchase: https://thearcatschool.org/advocacy-curriculum/?

Family Coaching — 8-12 week program

Work weekly one-on-one with a coach to identify individualized goals and create a targeted family plan.

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

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).

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. 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

Family Recovery & Support Group meets weekly via Zoom on Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm for family and friends of those receiving CSB services for addictions. Contact: Natalie.Holmes@fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group

Formed Families Together consists of monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805

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 am en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682

Heads Up and Talk It Out — Teen and Parent Recovery Groups

These are concurrent virtual groups for teens (ages 14-17) who are working through emotional, mental health or substance use challenges and their parents every Thursday 6-7 pm. Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/heads-up-talk-it-out

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

NAMI Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday monthly. Email namicva.org or call 804-285-1749

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 Wednesdays. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/november-december-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

Virginia Family Network Book Club meets monthly to discuss books selected for their value to parents and caregivers of children with mental health challenges. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org

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