SEPTA | 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.
When other events are announced they will be posted with these at:
https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
Plan Ahead — Parents of Challenging Children: Preschool through Early Adolescence
10 Thursdays 8-9 pm, Oct. 6 to Dec. 15 $50-$350
Includes video course with > 10 hours of content in 3-5 min. videos
This course helps parents to identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what to do about it.
Information: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/
Plan Ahead— Wrightslaw Education Law and Advocacy Conference Simultaneous interpretation in ASL
Wed. & Thu. Nov. 16 &17, with Q&A on Mon. Nov. 21
Learn about special education law, rights, tests and measurements, SMART IEPs, and advocacy. $165-$210
Register: https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/22.11.md.htm
Planifique con anticipación — Wrightslaw conferencia sobre derecho y defensa de la educación — Interpretación simultánea al español $165-$210
Mier. y juev. 16 & 17 de noviembre
Aprenda sobre la ley de educación especial, los derechos, las pruebas y medidas, los IEP SMART y la defensa.
Registrarse: https://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/22.11.md.htm
Sensory-Friendly Hours at the U.S. Botanic Garden
Sun. Oct. 2, 5:30-7:00 pm, 245 First St. Wash. DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory disabilities may come to explore the exhibits and for sensory-friendly activities.
Register: email Maura.Nelson@aoc.gov with your family name and the number of individuals that will be visiting
Navigating Social Security and Department of Social Services Benefits
Tue. Oct. 4, 11 am
Learn how to apply for disability benefits, who’s eligible for the benefits, and how to work while maintaining benefit eligibility.
Register; https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CNKBFlWsTfi4lY7eXy4k9w
Why Is Time So Slippery? Understanding Time Blindness in People with ADHD
Tue. Oct. 4, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn how ADHD impacts the way individuals see time, plus strategies to manage time more effectively.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/time-blindness-adhd-productivity-management/?
Family Engagement: Your Voice Matters
Tue. Oct. 4, 6-7 pm
Learn the importance of ensuring that your family’s voice is heard in collaborations with schools.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/family-engagement-workshop-series-your-voice-matters/
Special Education: Anatomy of an IEP
Wed. Oct. 5, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn about the individual parts of an IEP, and how they are used to develop a customized education plan.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ap2upLW7Sk2IbdpQ0TYAzg#/registration
Dads: Stop The Power Struggles & Get The Respect You Want
Thu. Oct. 6, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn strategies to stop common power struggles, get your kids to listen to you, stop their disrespect, and handle chaos at home.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbS2ZUHF1ZgFspjbyQ2senCWnCAcpQg1COC5IWL-qSckK0jg/viewform
Social Emotional Learning Screener: What Every Family Needs to Know
Fri. Oct. 7, 10:00-11:30 am
Social and emotional abilitiess lead to success in school and beyond. Learn more about SEL in FCPS, the role of the Screener, and SEL at home.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiQUZDofD7MPNiF5-xVDXDQwEr-WFlMaxkY0ZPrTvaHQ8JUA/viewform
Estate Planning and Legal Authority
Fri. Oct. 7, 10:00-11:30 am
Legal authority refers to who may act on your behalf. Learn how to secure your financial future and that of your child.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kCxHOoJSQLiKUzUCozDDYA
Transition University — Self-Paced 5 Session Course
Mon. Oct. 10 to Tue. Nov. 29, 7.5 hours of material
Parents of K-12 students with disabilities can gain helpful information for long term educational planning.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-2022-transition-university-registration-409914062997
Preventing Abuse for Kids with Disabilities
Tue. Oct. 11, 3:30-4:30 pm
Explore practical strategies to prevent abuse and foster healthy relationships for all children, especially those with disabilities.
Register: https://vcurrtc.org/registration/webcast/index.cfm?webcastID=614
Family Engagement: ABCs of Collaboration
Tue. Oct. 11, 6-7 pm
Learn the importance of ensuring that all stakeholder’s voices are heard in collaborations with schools.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/family-engagement-workshop-series-your-voice-matters/
Effective Collaborating: Parent, Teacher, Student
Tue. Oct. 11, 7:30-9:00 pm
For both parents and teachers, this session will focus on how to provide the information that the other needs to benefit the child.
Register: https://effective_collaborating_parent_teacher_student.eventbrite.com
Collaboration: Building Successful Home and School Support Teams
Wed. Oct. 12, 10:00-11:30 am OR 7:00-8:30 pm
This event is part of the monthly ABA Parent Training.
Planning for Transitions: Between Grades and Out of School
Wed. Oct. 12, 1 pm
Learn the steps that parents can take both in and apart from IEP meetings to improve transition experiences for their children.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UGwqdshASEGR0VU0CFVDpw
Anatomy of an IEP
Wed. Oct. 12, 6-8 pm
Explore the sequence and contents of the sections of an Individualized Educational Plan, so that you can participate fully in shaping it.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kbLgiNKnQx6ESvptrbgKmw#/registration
A Healthy Mind and Body: The Modern Interplay of Psychotropic Medications, Medical Foods, and Physical Wellness
Wed. Oct. 12, 7:00-8:30 pm
Gain an overview of how using medical foods, supplements, a healthy lifestyle, and diet can augment children’s standard mental health care.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/2216609298907/WN_gY2dSe1CRGawGVdRARZ_UQ
Stop Banging Your Head Against the Wall: Options for Dispute Resolution in Special Education
Wed. Oct. 12, 7-8 pm
We will examine the rights of foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers regarding dispute resolution, various options, and pros and cons of each.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7078275853396411661
Promoting Digital Wellness
Fri. Oct. 14, 10:00-11:30 am
Understand how the online world makes technology irresistible, and how to build the skills kids need to safely navigate life online.
ADHD Resource Fair
Sat. Oct. 15, 9:00 am-12:30 pm, Vienna CC, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna
Meet businesses and organizations, and learn how their services can support you or a family member with ADHD.
Register: https://chadd_2022_resource_fair.eventbrite.com
Family Engagement: Strengthening Trust in Partnerships
Tue. Oct. 18, 6-7 pm
Learn the importance of ensuring that all stakeholder’s voices are heard in collaborations with schools.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/family-engagement-workshop-series-your-voice-matters/
Understanding Your Options: Diagnosis and Treatment for ADHD
Tue. Oct. 18, 7:30-9:00 pm
Learn about ADHD diagnosis, treatments proven to be beneficial, and how to choose the right clinician for medication management.
Register: https://understanding_your_options.eventbrite.com
When ADHD Triggers Emotional Outbursts: Scripts for Your Flashpoints
Wed. Oct. 19, 1 pm
Learn how to identify triggers and develop awareness and language tools to intervene with flooding, rejection sensitivity, and frustration.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/anger-management-outbursts-adhd-triggers/
Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Oct. 19, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn how to participate in developing IEP goals that will effectively guide instruction to help your child.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ap2upLW7Sk2IbdpQ0TYAzg#/registration
Developing Social & Emotional Skills: A Proven Route to Success
Wed. Oct. 19, 7:30-8:45 pm $10
Parents can help children develop skills to manage feelings and control their behavior, through everyday routines and family interactions.
The Power of the Parent in Conflict and Bullying
Thu. Oct. 20, 1:00-2:30, with extended access; Code: CONFLICT
Learn how bullying relationships form, effective solutions to end bullying, and how to handle youth conflict with school staff.
Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/syfwebinars/
More Than Sad: Parent Education
Sun. Nov. 21, 4-6 pm,
This program teaches caring adults about depression, demystifies treatment, and encourages those in need to seek help.
Register: https://mtsssc10022022.attendease.com
It's Complicated: When ADHD comes with Anxiety
Tue. Oct, 25, 7:30-9:00 pm
Explore the interplay between ADHD and an anxiety disorder, and gain strategies to more effectively manage symptoms.
Register: https://its_complicated_adhd_and_anxiety.eventbrite.com
ADHD Is a Whole-Life, Whole Body Experience
Wed. Oct. 26, 1 pm, with replay link
Increase your understanding of how ADHD affects all areas of the body and how accepting (not rejecting) ADHD can yield positive effects.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/effects-of-adhd-whole-life-body/
Meet the Author Series -- Reading Paige Saves the Day
Thu. Oct. 27, 7-8 pm
Include your children as the authors read this book and share their experiences with your family.
Managing Stress — in Spanish
Manejar los momentos estresantes de la vida
Miér. 28 de oct.10 am
Hablaremos sobre el estrés, qué es, cómo afecta a los adultos, y cómo afecta al rendimiento escolar de los niños.
Ongoing and On Demand
Gun Violence Prevention Resources
https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/gun-violence-prevention-resources
Back-to-School ADHD Master Class — Self-Guided Course
This 10-part multimedia course has modules on accommodations, executive functions, behavior challenges, learning differences, etc.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/download/adhd-school-master-class-ceus-teachers-parents/?
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
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/?
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
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://www.nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand
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 Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 6-7 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, April 24 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.
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
Foster the Family Support Group for foster and adoptive moms meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm in Falls Church. Childcare is provided. Register: https://www.fosterthefamilydc.org/supportgroups
Grupo de Chat para Padres: Unete 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 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
Hablemos education especial es un grupo de discusión de padres de habla hispana y de un estudiante autista. Se reúnen virtualmente el primer miércoles de cada mes de 7:00-7:45 pm Registrarse: https://xminds.org/event-4522635
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
Military Families Support Group meets the 1st Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for military families of all disabled dependents. Access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success OR Email director@asnv.org for details
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
NOVA Adopt Friends Parent Peer Support Group for adoptive parents meets on the 3rd Thursdays monthly 6:00-7:30 pm. Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5687947368
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 .
People of the Global Majority is a discussion group for BIPOC parents of children with autism. They meet virtually on the 1st Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-4534279
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
Small Steps Together is a discussion group for parents of preschool and elementary children with autism. They meet virtually on the 4th Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-4778134
Virginia Family Network Book Club for parents and caregivers of children living with mental health challenges meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7 pm. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org .
Virginia Family Network Parent Meetup is on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 8 pm for parents/caregivers of children with mental health challenges. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org .
