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/
VDOE Learning Acceleration Grants
Grants of $1500 or $3000 are available for tutoring of K-12 children in many school subjects and support services.
Apply: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/parents-students/for-parents/k-12-learning-acceleration-grants
VDOE Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
Reflect on your experiences during the past school year, and provide feedback to improve the system.
Access survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H92X3V3
Fare Free Fridays This Summer on VRE
June 2 to Sep. 1
Virginia Railway Express System Mapvre.org
Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting — for parents of children age 5-11
Wednesdays, June 14 to Sep. 27, 6-8 pm
Families increase their empathy, build self-esteem, find new ways to foster appropriate behavior, and learn to have fun together.
Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/parenting-education-programs
Talk. They Hear You. — In Spanish
Hablar. Ellos te escuchan.
Jueves, 1 junio, 10-11 am
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-6-1-23
Tech Team Thursday
Thu. June. 1, noon
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
The Impact of Screen Time on Neurodivergent Kids
Thu. June 1, noon
Consider the benefits and risks of video games, how to choose helpful technology, and how to balance activities.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ipDePljfR9e46r-0G2CvsA?
Pathways to the Community
Fri. June 2, 9 am-3 pm, 601 Catoctin Cir NE, Leesburg
Four safety presentations in the morning and the afternoon including for the internet, phone, traffic, and home safety.
Register: https://www.thearcofloudoun.org/event/pathways-to-the-community-06-02/
Latino-Hispanic Summit 2023 — in Spanish
Cumbre Latino-Hispana 2023
Viernes, 2 de Junio, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Los expertos brindarán información sobre los servicios de educación especial y las sesiones de empoderamiento se centrarán en explorar las perspectivas de nuestra comunidad.
Registrarse: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/registro-cumbre-latino-hispana-2023-617322106037
Setting the Stage for Summer Success
Fri. June 2, 10:00-11:30 am
Gain tools to keep your children organized and prevent or address common summer challenges.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/setting-stage-summer-success?
Financial Planning Under Unique Circumstances
Fri. June 2, 10:00 am-1:30 pm
Learn about the process of creating a special needs trust for your child with a disability.
Register for webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ne0-JI4vSa6dTVpl__vYtQ#/registration
Register for in-Person: https://arcofnva.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/arcofnva/eventRegistration.jsp?event=8187
First Responder & Safety Resource Fair
Sat. June 3, 9 am-noon, 14601 Lee Rd. Chantilly
Individuals with a disability can practice interacting with first responders, including a traffic stop or self identifying.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/events/first-responder-safety-fair
IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course
Mon. Jun. 5-Jun. 25, with access 24/7
Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings including many practical strategies.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iep-university-iepu-registration-590159993427
Read It Again: Using Books to Build Language at Home
Tue. June 6, 7:00-8:30, with replay link $25
Gain more comfort with your child’s AAC device, and build language and play skills at home.
Navigating Virginia's Medicaid Waivers
Wed. June 7, 10 am
Virginia uses Medicaid Waivers to fund services for people with developmental disabilities. Learn how the system works.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aGFaBHWuT8azl7y9TqWSpg#/registration
Talk. They Hear You.
Wed. Jun. 7, 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-6-7-23
Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
Wed. June 7, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the various dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1v8GFhcCS8iLJK__CJGEJw#/registration
Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs — in Spanish
Diez cosas que debe saber sobre un IEP
Miércoles, 7 de marzo, 7:00-8:30 pm
Comprender estas ideas puede ayudarlo a contribuir al IEP de su hijo.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R9Ym9Uo4QtWT19TmQE4_tg#/registration
ST Math
Thu. June 8, 7-8 pm
Learn how to get your K-6 student started using ST Math to continue learning independently this summer.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/st-math-webinar-families?
Autistic Authors Panel: Inspiration for Summer Reading
Thu. June 8, 7:00-8:30 pm
A panel of five autistic authors will discuss their writing processes, insights and choices of characters. With Q&A.
Register: https://xminds.org/event-5255847?
Talk Saves Lives
Thu. June 8, 7-8 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl06082023.attendease.com
Kindergarten: What Every Family Needs to Know
Fri. June 9, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about myths, what to expect, and how to support your child’s academic and emotional growth.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/kindergarten-what-every-family-needs-know?
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Sat. June10, 9 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
Plan Ahead — Horse Budz — for children ages 10-13
Sun. June 11, 11:00 am-12:30 pm, 18915 Lincoln Rd. Purcellville
This NON-RIDING therapeutic workshop is not a substitute for counseling. $95; Needs based funding may be available.
Pre-Register: https://www.thearcofloudoun.org/event/horse-budz-paying-attention-to-my-thoughts/
Plan Ahead — Metro Comes to The Arc of Northern Virginia
Tue. Jun. 13, noon-1:30 pm, 2755 Hartland Rd. #200 Falls Church
Make an appointment and submit paperwork in advance to meet with Metro for photos and processing applications.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/metro-comes-to-the-arc-of-northern-virginia-2023/
Cultivating a Strong Assistive Technology Program
Tue. June 13, 2 pm
Learn about the Arc of Ohio’s assistive technology program including its history and impact.
Register: https://thearc.org/about-us/webinars/
Building Language & Play Skills: Using What You’ve Got at Home
Tue. June 13, 7:00-8:30, with replay link $25
Gain more comfort with your child’s device.
More Than Sad —Training for Parents & Caring Adults
Tue. June 13, 7:00-8:30 pm,
This program teaches caring adults about depression, demystifies treatment, and encourages those in need to seek help.
Register: https://ncacmts06132023.attendease.com
Foster The Family Support Group for Dads
Thu. June 15, 8 pm Caboose Commons 2918 Eskridge Rd. Fairfax
Hear from other foster, adoptive and kinship Dads, and learn how Foster the Family can be a support.
Register: https://www.fosterthefamilydc.org/dads
Advocacy: They Have It. You Want it! Now What?
Tue. June 20, 10 am
Learn preferred terminology and advocacy strategies to navigate barriers to obtain disability services.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/workshops/#readiness-skills
Your Voice Is Important - In Spanish
Su Voz Vale
Miér. 21 de junio 15, 7-8 pm
Aprenda sobre la defensa, incluidos enfoques prácticos y efectivos para interactuar con la escuela de su hijo que beneficiarán a su hijo y su familia.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R9Ym9Uo4QtWT19TmQE4_tg#/registration
REVIVE! Training — in Spanish
¡REANIMAR! Capacitación
Martes 23 de junio, 1 pm
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
Talk Saves Lives
Sun. June 25, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl06252023.attendease.com
Talk. They Hear You.
Wed. Jun. 28, 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-6-28-23
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 registration fee.
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scholarships
Learning Your Way — Online Self-Paced Courses
24/7 Access, Feb. 15, 8 am to Jun. 30, 11 pm
Courses for foster, adoptive, and kinship care families on Special Education 101, Constructive Communication, and Trauma 101.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learning-your-way-spring-2022-tickets-233867141917
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/?
Family Coaching — 8-12 week program
Work weekly one-on-one with a coach to identify individualized goals and create a targeted family plan.
Register: https://a109092.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/e8afd273-4daa-4525-a1f1-b8ee33528344
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
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 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 2nd 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.
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
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
