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/

January

Plan Ahead — Active Parenting — For Parents of Children age 0-4

Mondays, Jan. 22 to May 13, 6-8 pm

Learn about child development, nurturing routines, infant massage, and ways to foster positive self-esteem.

Plan Ahead —Active Parenting — In Spanish

Planifique con anticipación — Crianza activa — Para padres de niños de 0 a 4 años

Martes, 23 de enero, al 14 de mayo, 6-8 pm

Aprenda sobre el desarrollo infantil, rutinas de crianza, masajes infantiles, y formas de fomentar la autoestima positiva.

Regestrarse: email ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov

Plan Ahead — Chat with an Attorney about Special Education

Wed. Jan. 24, 9:00 am–3:30 pm, 3060 Williams Dr. #300 Fairfax,

Free 45-minute appointments are available for parents to receive guidance from an attorney on special education topics.

Plan Ahead — Parents of Challenging Children: Preschool through Early Adolescence

Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 am, Jan. 30 to Apr. 2, $25-$350

This discussion course helps parents to identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it. Includes video course with >10 hours of content.

Information: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/

Plan Ahead — Parents of Challenging Children: Preschool through Early Adolescence

Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 pm, Feb. 1 to Apr. 4, 4201 Albemarle St, NW, Washington DC $200

This discussion course helps parents to identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it. Includes video course with >10 hours of content.

Information: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/

Building Independence with the TFIL Team

Thu. Jan. 4, noon-1 pm

Learn about the Arc2Independence app that can be customized to help your child navigate daily routines and challenges.

Meet the Author Series: Raising a Kid that Can

Fri. Jan. 5, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn about an easy to use resource for applicable strategies for children at every age and stage. Q&A included.

IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course

Sun. Jan. 8 to Mon. Jan 29, with access 24/7

Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings including many practical strategies.

FCPS Math Week

Mon.-Fri. Jan. 8-12,

This is a time to make math at home and make it fun with games and stories for all!

Directions: https://www.mindresearch.org/2022-fcps-math-week?

The Science and Power of Hope

Wed. Jan. 10, 1 pm, with replay link

Hope promotes wellbeing. Gain strategies to nurture your and your children’s hope and skills for their future.

Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults

Thu. & Fri. Jan.11 & 12, 9:00 am-12:30 pm, $25

Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.

Talk Saves Lives

Thu. Jan. 11, 7-8 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.

The Transition from Elementary to Middle School and from Middle School to High School for Twice Exceptional (2e) Students

Fri. Jan. 12, 10:00-11:30 am

Gain ideas from the FCPS 2e Specialist on how to help your child to successfully navigate these changes.

Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/transition-elementary-middle-school-and-middle-school-high-school-twice-exceptional-2e?

Dopamine Teens

Fri. Jan. 12, 11 am-noon
Consider how to help tweens and teens navigate technology that draws them from the rest of life. Q&A included.

How Seasonal Affective Disorder Uniquely Affects People with ADHD

Tue. Jan. 16, 1 pm, with replay link

Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Your Voice Matters: It's Key to the Process of Empowering Families to Engage

Tue. Jan. 16, 6-7 pm

Gain effective approaches to advocating for your children and developing a collaborative relationship with their school.

What is FASD?

Tues. Jan. 16, 7 - 8 pm

Gain an introduction to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD): definitions, symptoms, and ideas for support.

Helping Your Anxious Child

Two Wednesdays, Jan. 17 & 24, 10-11 am, $0-$200

January 17: Child-Centered Approaches

January 24: Parent-Centered Approaches

Includes video course to be previewed and a zoom discussion on diagnosis and treatment choices.

Communication: A Foundation for Independence

Wed. Jan. 17, 10:00-11:20 am or 7:00-8:30 pm

This training is for families of children with a developmental or intellectual disability.

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

Sensory Considerations for Social Communication

Wed. Jan. 17, 1 pm

From sensory and pain behavior to neurophysiology: learn about quantitative and qualitative studies in autism research.

8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success

Wed. Jan. 17, 6:30 pm, 4759 Reservoir Rd. NW, Washington

Gain unexpected advice about what to say, what not to say, and what to do to help kids in eight kinds of tense situations.

Strengthening Families — 8 week course

Thursdays Jan. 18-Feb. 29, 5:30-8:00 pm, Falls Church HS

Parents and youth (ages 10-14) can strengthen family bonds through discussion, games, roleplaying, and family projects. Raffles included.

Narcan Training — in Spanish

Entrenamiento Narcan

Viernes, 19 de enero, 2-3 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/revive

Early Childhood Academy — For Families of Young Children with Disabilities

Jan. 19 to Feb. 23— self paced course

Learn practical information to help you guide your child in developing skills to be successful in life.

Sibshops — For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs

Sat. Jan. 20, 9 am-noon, 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax

Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.

Register: Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBjJJ_bQWNbGSgU4PkE8kt6H_gP77-Y2B6eJY__fKlNhlkEw/viewform?utm_campaign+=

Understanding and Managing ADHD Medication — Part 1

Mon. Jan. 22 (& Tue. Jan. 30), 7-8 am Eastern Time

Consider why and how to treat ADHD with medication and how to run controlled trials. Bring your questions.

Understanding Special Education — In Spanish

Comprensión de la Educación Especial

Martes, 23 de enero, 6:30 pm

Puede aprender los pasos del proceso de educación especial y descubrir su papel importante en la educación de su hijo.

Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kNBVi1itSuCTt1kjFq9E8w#/registration

Habit Formation 101: Proven Strategies to Help Your Child Create Lasting Habits

Tue. Jan. 23, 1-2 pm, with replay link

Gain strategies to build habits that can ease the challenges of time management, initiating tasks and meeting academic deadlines.

The Emotional Lives of Girls with ADHD

Tue. Jan. 23, 1 pm, with replay link

Gain tools and strategies to enhance understanding and to help navigate the roller coaster ride of female ADHD.

Helping Your Anxious Child — Part 2

Wed. Jan. 24, 10-11 am, $0-$200

Includes a video course to be previewed and a zoom discussion of a parent-centered treatment option.

Special Education Workshop Series

Wednesdays: 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/6, 3/20, 6:30~7:45 pm

Learn about all the major features of the special education process in Virginia. Register for one or more presentations.

From Referral to Eligibility

Wed. Jan. 24, 6:30-7:30 pm

Learn about the initial stages of the special education process and how to initiate a referral in Virginia.

Strategies to Stop Bullying: What Parents Need to Do

Wed. Jan. 24, 7-8 pm

Learn about your school’s responsibility and your ability to address and prevent bullying at your child’s school.

How to Advocate for FASD Accommodations in Schools

Wed. Jan 24, 7-8 pm

An experienced mom / educator & trainer will share tips on how to advocate for a child with FASD.

Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults

Fri. Jan. 26, 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.

Talk Saves Lives

Sun. Jan. 28, 4-5 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.

Understanding and Managing ADHD Medication — Part 2

Tue. Jan. 30, 7-8 am Eastern Time

Delve into side effects, un-even coverage and discontinuation trials for ADHD medication. Q&A included.

Interventions for School-Aged Children with FASD

Wed. Jan. 31, 7-8 pm

Learn about evidence-based school interventions and mental health supports for prenatally exposed youth.

Effective Coping Strategies for Sensory Differences and Executive Function

Wed. Jan. 31, 1-2 pm

Consider strategies autistic adults develop to compensate for sensory sensitivities and executive function differences.

Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group

Tuesdays, Feb. 6 to Apr. 24, 6:00-8:30 pm

Hone your Dad Skills by meeting with other Dads to focus on self-awareness, self-care, parenting skills, and relationships.

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

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).

Children’s Challenging Behaviors

This 6-hour workshop focuses on children’s 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

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

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 2nd Wed. monthly, in Herndon. Register: https://autismfirstus.com/events/

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

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/

CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

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

Fairfax Kinship Support Group meets virtually on the 1st Thursday monthly at 6:30-8:00 pm. An in-person group meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at Fairfax County Community Centers at 6:15-8:00 pm. Dinner and childcare are provided. Register: https://bit.ly/FxKinSupport

Formed Families Together meets monthly as peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. A Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. An In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-peer-led-support-groups-2023-2024-tickets-637423850897?aff=oddtdtcreator

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 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

El Grupo de apoyo ASNV para padres y cuidadores en español 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 info@asnv.org

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

Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 3rd Thursday of the month for those raising the children of relatives or friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov

Military Families Support Group meets on the 2nd 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. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org

NAMI Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday monthly. https://namicva.org/event/online-family-support-group-for-parents-of-youths-and-adolescents/all/

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

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 Coffee Chat and Self-Care meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. 9:00-10:30 am to connect and to discuss self-care journeys. 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

Virtual Parent Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 2nd Tuesday of the month for parents and guardians of struggling children. To attend, email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov

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