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.

Register: https://peatc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9b5868a79d7b2d88d8732aa3c&id=a3c895f4c9&e=be4d54597a 

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. 

Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/sibshops-exciting-person-workshop-brothers-and-sisters-children-special-needs-4

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.

Access:  https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/special-education-instruction/applied-behavior-analysis-aba-program

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.

Register: https://peatc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9b5868a79d7b2d88d8732aa3c&id=a3c895f4c9&e=be4d54597a

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.

Register:  https://nvrc.org/fostering-better-communication-between-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-community-and-the-police/

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/