Parent Information Relating to Special Education
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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/
Research Study on Brain Development in Children with Autism
George Washington University and George Mason University are seeking children with autism, ages 5-17. Up to $90 for participation.
Register: Contact Chelsea Armour at aarmour@childrensnational.org or andilab@email.gwu.edu
Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group
Mondays, May 8 to Aug. 31, 6:00-8:30 pm
Hone your Father Skills by meeting with other Dads to focus on self-awareness, self-care, parenting skills and relationship skills.
Pre-Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement
REVIVE! Training
Multiple dates & times
Be prepared for an overdose! Learn how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Receive supplies.
Register: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive
Commonwealth Autism Conference: Navigating the Autism Journey
Tue. & Wed. May 2-3, Richmond
This conference will include keynotes, multiple breakout sessions, and an exhibit hall. $95-$350 some scholarships
Register: https://www.cahumanservices.org/resources/annual-autism-conference/
What is the Fentanyl Crisis & How to Protect Your Family
Tue. May 2, 7 pm
Learn about fentanyl, why it is such a problem, and steps to take to protect those at risk.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81623386955#success
From Referral to Eligibility: A Deeper Dive
Wed. May 3, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the initial stages of special education in Virginia.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1v8GFhcCS8iLJK__CJGEJw#/registration
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions $119-$199
Thu. & Fri. May 4 & 5, 9:45 am-5:15 pm, with replay link
Gain an overview of the CPS model including the use of assessments and problem solving.
BFRB + ADHD: Helping Your Child with Hair Pulling and Skin Picking
Thu. May 4, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn about diagnosis and treatment for body-focused repetitive behaviors such as hair pulling and skin picking.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/trichotillomania-hair-pulling-skin-picking-bfrb-adhd-children/?
May Is for Mental Health
Fri. May 5, 10:00-11:30 pm, with replay link
Learn about common mental health problems, typical diagnoses, warning signs, and resources to support mental health.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hyb31MmPSyGWrdeT61uNkQ#/registration
Let’s Talk About Grief
Fri. May 5, 10-11 am
Consider what to expect, what to say, and how to support a child or teen who has lost a loved one.
Positive Parenting Class -- in Spanish
Clase de Paternidad Positiva — para padres de niños de 0 a 6 años
Sábado, 6 de mayo, 9 am-3 pm, 13505 Hillendale Dr, Woodbridge
Se siente preocupado por el comportamiento de su hijo? Padres aprenderán técnicas positivas de como lidiar con comportamientos difíciles, y como manejar el estrés.
Registrarse: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKX142EnktCeGBXuSpIe4T5kxoN283S86HIOQg_1jj_Vxv7w/viewform
Tech for independent Living: Information Session
Thu. Apr. 6, noon
Learn about a free service that creates custom apps to help your child with activities of daily living and safety.
Register: https://www.thearcofloudoun.org/event/tech-for-independent-living/
Social Security: Application Process for SSI and SSDI — in Spanish
Seguro Social: proceso de solicitud de SSI y SSDI
Lunes, 8 de mayo, mediodía-1 pm
Aprender acerca la elegibilidad para la Seguridad de Ingreso Suplementario (SSI) para adultos con discapacidades y el proceso de solicitud.
Registrarse: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V2MCZvlqTlyEyX5tKPk7nQ#/registration
Self-care: How to Take Care of Yourself so You Can Take Better Care of Others
Tue. May 9, 7 pm
Gain ways to practice self-care, potential obstacles, and how to craft a wellness plan to manage stress.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcu2prDkqHdI5vKrOQhlYt_4HJjZD-XaI#/registration
Talk. They Hear You
Wed. May 10, 6:30-7:30 pm,
Gain familiarity with why and how to talk with your children early and often about alcohol and other drugs.
Register: bit.ly/TTHY-5-10-23
Anatomy of an IEP
Wed. May 10, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the sequence and contents of the separate sections of an Individualized Educational Plan.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1v8GFhcCS8iLJK__CJGEJw#/registration
From Referral to Eligibility — in Spanish
De la referencia a la eligibilidad
Miércoles, 10 de mayo, 7:00–8:15 pm
Conozca las etapas iniciales de la educación especial en Virginia.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R9Ym9Uo4QtWT19TmQE4_tg#/registration
Early Childhood Academy — For families of young children with disabilities
May 10 to June 23 — self paced course
Families of children with disabilities ages 0-6, can learn practical ways to support your child’s learning.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/early-childhood-academy-eca-2/
Equitable Access to Literacy: Keys to Success —Elementary
Thu. May 11, 6:30-8:00 pm
Find out about the science of reading, the Virginia Literacy Act and how the Equitable Access to Literacy plan is being implemented.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/equitable-access-literacy-keys-literacy-success-elementary?
Portrait of a Graduate: The Keys to Success in Life
Fri. May 12, 10:00-11:30 am
Gain tangible strategies for supporting your children in growing and owning Portrait of a Graduate Skills.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/portrait-graduate-keys-success-life-webinar-families
More Than Sad
Tue. May 16, 7:00-8:30 pm,
This program teaches caring adults about depression, demystifies treatment, and encourages those in need to seek help.
Register: https://ncacmts05162023.attendease.com
Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. May. 17, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the benefits of high expectations, what measurable goals are, and why monitoring progress is so important.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1v8GFhcCS8iLJK__CJGEJw#/registration
Talk. They Hear You. — In Spanish
Hablar. Ellos te escuchan.
Jueves, 18 mayo, 11 am-mediodía
Siéntase cómodo con por qué y cómo hablar con sus hijos temprano y con frecuencia sobre el alcohol y otras drogas.
Registrarse: bit.ly/TTHY-ES-5-18-23
Meet the Author — 1-2-3 MAGIC
Fri. May 19, 10-11 am
Learn about the main components of the program: the counting, time out, and common mistakes to avoid.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/meet-author-series-1-2-3-magic-basics-webinar-families
Sibshops— For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Sat. May 20, 9 am-noon, 2500 James Madison Dr.
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention
Sun. May 21, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and by learning appropriate responses.
Register: https://ncactsl05212023.attendease.com
REVIVE! Training — in Spanish
¡REANIMAR! Capacitación
Martes 23 de mayo, 11 am
Aprenda qué hacer en una situación de sobredosis, cómo administrar naloxona y qué hacer después. Se pueden proporcionar suministros.
Registrarse: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revivm
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings — In Spanish
Dentro y Fuera de las Reuniones del IEP
Miércoles, 24 de mayo, 7:00–8:15 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://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R9Ym9Uo4QtWT19TmQE4_tg#/registration
Talk. They Hear You
Thu. May 25, 1-2 pm
Gain familiarity with why and how to talk with your children early and often about alcohol and other drugs.
Register: bit.ly/TTHY-5-25-23
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
Wed. May, 31, 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://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1v8GFhcCS8iLJK__CJGEJw#/registration
Ongoing and On Demand
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 fee.
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scholarships
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.
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/?
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
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 Wednesday of the month, 7-8 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592
Autism Society of NoVA padres y proveedores de cuidado del grupo de apoyo en españo se reúne el segundo sábado de cada mes de 1 a 2 pm en ServiceSource, 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton. Estacione en la parte de atrás. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a director@asnv.org .
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.
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: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Embark in the DC Metro Parent Support Group is for parents of children and youth with mental health challenges. It meets virtually on alternate Thursdays, noon-1 pm. Register: https://www.embarkbh.com/event/dc-metro-virtual-parent-support-group/
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
Formed Families Together hosts 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 educación y apoyo a padres en español 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
Grupo de apoyo para madres de habla hispana de niños con autismo se reúne mensualmente en línea y está patrocinado por Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Contacto: mariposas.autismo@gmail.com
Hablemos educación 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
Infinity ABA Parent Connect, for families with a child with autism, meets online on the 2nd Thursday monthly at 7:00-8:30 pm. Guest speakers, discussions, and resources. Register: https://www.infinityaba.com/events/
Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 1st 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 3rd Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for 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 of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets in-person the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am. RSVP to supportgroup@poac-nova.org to learn the current location.
Parents of Autistic Teens meets some Sat. of each month. Contact: Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or Admin@ASNV.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 health
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
