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/
November
Special Topics in Raising Your Challenging Child Buffet
One or more Wednesdays, Nov. 1-15, 9:30-10:30 am, $ varies
Video course plus group discussion on common problems for neurodiverse children.
Nov. 1: Helping Your Child Experience Social Success
Nov. 8: Helping Your Child Learn Healthy Eating Habits
Nov, 15: Helping Your Child with Sleep Problems
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Understanding Special Education — In Spanish
Comprensión de la Educación Especial
Miércoles, 1 de noviembre, 6-8 pm, 9950 Wellington Rd.
Manassas
Aprender los pasos del proceso de educación especial, y se familiarícese con su papel como padres en el desarrollo del IEP.
Registrase: https://peatc.org/event/comprension-de-la-educacion-especial-4/
Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Nov 1, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the benefits of high expectations, how goals can be measurable, and why monitoring progress is so important.
Meet the Tech for Independent Living Team
Thu. Nov. 2, noon-1 pm
Learn about a free service that creates custom apps to help your child with activities of daily living and safety.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtce6qqD8jHNz6UyPkRgItKT7nmk3ecB6h#/registration
SSI and VA's Medicaid Waivers
Thu. Nov. 2, 6:30 pm
Learn the basics on federal and Virginia government benefits for disabled children or adults including how to apply.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2H4vVNFiQQGSsdQL6PG7qw?
Placing Real Estate in a Special Needs Trust
Fri. Nov. 3, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Learn to integrate real estate with trust assets, and the rights laws for disabled people in residences in VA, MD, and DC.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_suwNGmzXRDOtz9et0yEyDA#/registration
Morning Under the Dome — U.S. Capitol
Sat. Nov. 4, 8:00-9:30 am, First St. & East Capitol St. Washington, DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory disabilities may come explore the Capitol and sensory-friendly activities. Register: RSVP to Maura Nelson at Maura.Nelson@aoc.gov with your family name and the number of individuals
Practice Police & First Responder Interactions
Sat. Nov. 4, 11 am-2 pm, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd. Arlington
Practice: police traffic stops, traffic accident responses, and talking with fire and rescue services. Learn about tech safety resources.
Register: https://arcofnva.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/arcofnva/eventRegistration.jsp?event=8274&
Sibshops — For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Mon. Nov. 6, 9 am-noon, Providence CC, 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
Helping Your Child Learn Healthy Eating Habits
Wed. Nov. 8, 9:30-10:30 am
Video course will be available with registration and the group discussion will be held on Nov. 8. $ varies
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Resources for Undocumented Parents with Children with Disabilities — In Spanish
Recursos para padres indocumentados con hijos con discapacidades
Jueves, 9 de noviembre, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, en vivo, en línea - Y- 3060 Williams Dr. #300, Fairfax
Venga a obtener recursos que están disponibles para familias de niños con discapacidades que no tienen estatus legal en los Estados Unidos.
Registrarse por Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Eu2PK6XFTKKSmFAed4pc0g#/registration
Registrarse para asistir en persona: https://arcofnva.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/arcofnva/eventRegistration.jsp?
Executive Function Strategies to Externalize Time, Memory, Motivation
Thu. Nov. 9, 1 pm, with replay link
Gain strategies to help those with ADHD to reduce distractions, to make time more obvious, and to stay motivated.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/executive-function-strategies-time-memory-adhd/?
How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Ways to Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child’s School Performance (& How to Help!)
Thu. Nov. 9, 1 pm
Consider how to talk with your child about their school work, and what to do about it while benefiting your relationship.
Register: https://ectutoring.com/webinar-series
Talk Saves Lives
Thu. Nov. 9, 7-8 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl11092023.attendease.com
Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress
Fri. Nov. 10, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn more about stress: how to recognize it in children, common sources, and strategies to lower stress.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/coping-strategies-anxiety-depression-and-stress-part-2
Steps for Systematically Teaching New Behaviors
Wed. Nov. 15, 10:00-11:20 am, OR 7:00-8:20 pm
This presentation supports the FCPS applied behavior analysis program (ABA) for students with autism.
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
Wed. Nov. 15, 6:30~7:45 pm
Learn what to expect at an IEP meeting, how to prepare for it, and how to work together afterwards to support your student.
Helping Your Child with Sleep Problems
Wed. Nov. 15, 9:30-10:30 am, $ varies
Video course will be available with registration and the group discussion will be held on Nov. 15.
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs — in Spanish
Diez cosas que debe saber sobre un IEP
Miércoles, 15 de noviembre, 6:30~7:45 pm
Comprender estas ideas puede ayudarlo a contribuir al IEP de su hijo.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6homjgCPTr-sCA918T9qnw#/registration
Supporting Attention and Executive Functioning from Early Childhood to Young Adulthood
Wed. Nov. 15, 7 pm
Characteristics and misconceptions of ADHD will be covered as well as ways to support individuals up to early adulthood.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/8116946122751/WN_woHgEpwLRBC30D8mj8xMGQ#/registration
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Thu. Nov. 16, 9:00 am-3:30 pm, $25
Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.
Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/ereg/Registration.aspx?groupID=47
Fostering Better Communication Between the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community and the Police
Thu. Nov. 16, 7 pm
Learn about standard police procedures, recommendations for the deaf, and offer suggestions to help the police. Q&A included.
Executive Functioning — Helping your kids with organization, emotional regulation, and flexibility — In Spanish
Funcionamiento Ejecutivo - Ayudando a tus hijos con la organización, la regulación emocional , y la flexibilidad
Viernes, 17 de noviembre, 10:00-11:30 am
Aprenda qué son las funciones ejecutivas, por qué son importantes, y sobre el TDAH.
Registrarse: https://www.fcps.edu/event/parte-1-funcionamiento-ejecutivo-ayudando-tus-hijos-con-la-organizacion-la-regulacion
Talk Saves Lives
Sun. Nov. 19, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl11192023.attendease.com
At Ease: Low-Sensory Afternoon at the Museum of the Army
Sat. Nov. 18, 4-6 pm, 1775 Liberty Ave. Fort Belvoir
Explore the museum with a sensory-friendly and hands- on special educational program.
Register: https://tickets.thenmusa.org/Info.aspx?EventID=43
Mental Health in a Post-COVID World
Wed. Nov. 29, 11 am
Consider the new landscape of mental health needs, and how to access mental health care for people with disabilities.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/workshops/#chat-with-attorney-oct
Parenting Styles That Work for Neurodivergent Children: How to Adopt a Strengths-Based Approach to Parenting
Wed. Nov. 29, 1 pm, with replay link
Gain evidence based strategies for parenting neurodivergent youth in ways to help them build confidence and flourish.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/best-parenting-styles-neurodivergent-children/
Ongoing and On Demand
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 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
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
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.
Support Groups for Parents
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays. Contact: Amanda amandam@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
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/