SEPTA | 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.
Ongoing and On Demand events and courses follow this monthly list of events.
When other events are announced they will be posted with these at:
https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
March
The US Dept. of Ed. has issued clarifying guidance that schools are obligated to provide assistive technology for students with IEPs who can benefit, and that AT support includes access to it at home as well as training for students and their teachers, providers, and a family member if needed. The full range of assistive technology is covered, from visual schedules, timers, and pencil grips to software, AAC and other devices.
Dear Colleague Letter:
Myths and Facts Document:
Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting Class —Families with children ages 5-11
Thursdays, Mar. 7, to June 20, 5:30-8:00 pm, 7434 Bath St. Springfield
Families increase in empathy, find new ways to foster appropriate behavior, and learn to have fun together. With dinner & childcare.
Register: email ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov or phone Augustina Bravo 703-324-7196
Plan Ahead — Spring Forward: Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Family Fun Day
Sat, Apr. 13, 8:30 am-2:00 pm, 10900 University Blvd, Manassas, $ varies
Foster, adoptive and kinship families will have age appropriate fun for kids and youth and expert sessions for parents. Early Bird prices until Mar. 16
FBA/BIP Essentials for Families
Fri. Mar. 1, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn how Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans can help kids with behavior challenges.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbKWTVbhX2-ThSHH8HtasRslxx_qYOGQD_OLz3jxJXybebSw/viewform?
Sibshops— For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Sat. Mar. 2, 9 am-noon, 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course
Mon. Mar. 4 to Mon. Mar. 25, with access 24/7
Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings including many practical strategies.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1152747?
Building Strong Parent Advocates — Self-Paced Course
Mon. Mar. 4 to Mon. Mar. 25, with access 24/7
Build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while being empowered to be your child’s best advocate.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1141257?
Assistive Technology and Reasonable Accommodation — in Spanish
Tecnología de Asistencia y Adaptaciones Razonables
Lunes, 4 de marzo, 6 pm
Aprenda cómo participar en la elección de procesos y materiales que ayudarán a su hijo a aprender en el hogar y en la escuela.
Registrate: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wPSyuuarQs6PZAkbffp2ng#/registration
A Place to Play: Working Towards Fairness of Place for All Children
Tue. Mar. 5, noon
Learn from a panel about the importance of play spaces and community-led solutions to address gaps in equity.
Register: https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A4tAysNUQz653solHDM5Vw#/registration
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings — In Spanish
Dentro y Fuera de las Reuniones del IEP
Martes, 5 de marzo, 6:30-8:00 pm
Aprenda qué esperar de una reunión del IEP, cómo prepararse para ella, y cómo trabajar juntos después para apoyar a su estudiante.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KdiKGWcrRdSRwOECufsj6w?
Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Training
Wed. Mar. 6, 1 pm, & other dates and 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
The Gut, Autism, and Mental Health
Wed. Mar. 6, 1 pm
Learn about the relationship between the gut-brain axis, mental health, and autism.
Register: https://autism.org/gut-autism/
Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Mar. 6, 6:30-8:00 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_VdwCCnd9QNWtq3_nGEQx2g?
How to Talk So Schools Will Listen (And Listen So Schools Will Talk)
Wed. Mar. 6, 6:30-8:00 pm
Discover communication techniques, prevent barriers to communication, and build agreements around difficult problems.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VdwCCnd9QNWtq3_nGEQx2g?
Health Equity in ADHD: Addressing Racial Disparities in Diagnosis & Treatment
Thu. Mar. 7, 3:30 pm
Learn what parents of kids with ADHD need to know to find appropriate providers and ensure proper care and treatment
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/health-equity-adhd-diagnosis-treatment/
Nurturing Parenting Class —Families with children ages 5-11
Thursdays, Mar. 7 to Jun. 20, 5:30-8:00 pm, 7434 Bath St. Springfield
Families increase their empathy, find new ways to foster appropriate behavior, build self-esteem, and learn to have fun together.
Register: email ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov or phone Augustina Bravo 703-324-7196
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Regulations
Thu. Mar. 7, 6:00-7:30 pm
Learn about the HCBS Final Rule, person-centered plans, the modifications process, provider requirements, and more.
Understanding Special Education — for Military Families
Thu. Mar. 7, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn the steps of the special education process, and gain practical strategies for participating effectively in IEP meetings.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rr5r8gtJRByAcw1qmfRVQQ#/registration
Morning at the Museum — National Museum of American History
Sat. March 9, 8:30-10:00 am, 1300 Constitution Ave. Washington, DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities may explore the exhibits and sensory-friendly activities.
Summer Resource Fair for Families of Students with Disabilities
Sat. Mar. 9, 9 am-noon, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn
Explore summer camps, classes, and activities offered through government agencies and nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
Register: https://bit.ly/3OCjCtb
Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs — in Spanish
Diez cosas que debe saber sobre un IEP
Miércoles, 13 de marzo, 6:30-8:00 pm
A child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) which their parents help develop! Learn how to help.
Registrate: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KdiKGWcrRdSRwOECufsj6w?
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Thu. Mar. 14, 7-8 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl03142024.attendease.com
Discover Independence with the TFIL Team — in Spanish
¡Descubre la Independencia con el Equipo TFIL para Hablantes de Español!
Jueves, 14 de Marzo, 7 pm
Descubra cómo la aplicación Arc2Independence puede ayudar a su hijo a ganar más independencia de forma segura.
Registrarse: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdeuvqzksGN1-8M0O3ulLpQnWB67f2lsH#/registration
Taming Tantrums and More — For Elementary Families
Fri. Mar. 15, 10:00-11:30 am
Gain strategies to turn meltdowns into moments that help you feel 'ta-da!'
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/behavior-solutions-series-taming-tantrums-and-more-elementary-families?
Opioid Overdose and Naloxone EducationTraining — in Spanish
Entrenamiento Narcan
Viernes, 15 de marzo, 2 pm
Aprenda qué hacer en una situación de sobredosis, cómo administrar naloxona y qué hacer después. Se pueden proporcionar suministros.
Registrarse: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive
Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
Wed. Mar. 20, 6:30-8:00 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_VdwCCnd9QNWtq3_nGEQx2g?
What I've Learned About Bullying: Autistic Self-Advocate Stephen Shore Speaks Out
Tue. Mar. 19, 7:00-8:30
Dr.Shore, an autistic professor of special education, has held board positions at several autism organizations.
Register: https://xminds.org/event-5605255
How Games Can Help Teach Social Skills
Wed. Mar. 20, 1 pm
Playing games is a key part of child development. Fostering game skills can help autistic kids engage with peers.
Register: https://autism.org/how-games-can-help-teach-social-skills/
How to Address "Common" Issues Facing LGBTQ+ Families and Keeping Up Contemporary LGBTQ+ Language $0-$15
Thu. Mar. 21, 1:00-2:30 pm, Use coupon code EXPLORE
Gain an understanding of concepts that accompany the lives of LGBTQ+ youth, and wisdom to care for these youth.
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Sun. Mar. 24, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl03242024.attendease.com
New Stewards of Children Child Protection Training
Mon. Mar. 25, noon
Learn 5 Steps to Protecting Children™ and how to apply them to better protect children from child sexual abuse.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvf-GsrDMuHtRDqxNUxswJW49aIu2zcWUw#/registration
Plan ahead — Dad’s Parenting Group — In Spanish
Planifique con anticipación — Grupo de crianza de papa
Miércoles, 3 de abril. a 26 de junio, 6:30-8:30 pm
Se enfoca en cinco características que todos los padres necesitan para ser padres efectivos: conciencia de sí mismo, autocuidado, habilidades de paternidad, paternidad, y relaciones.
Pre-Registrate: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement
Ongoing and On Demand
Sensory Rooms at Fairfax County Community Centers
These calming and relaxing rooms provide interactive ways to promote physical and intellectual development.
Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs_tracers/up/ProgramListing.aspx?pDGID=2#2
Lorton Community Center Sensory Room Schedule
Sully Community Center Sensory Room Schedule: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/sites/neighborhood-community-services/files/Assets/documents/Calendars/Sully%20Community%20Center%20Calendar.pdf
Jim Scott (Providence) Community Center Sensory Room Schedule
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: 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
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 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
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 https://groups.google.com/g/arlepilepsy/about
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 monthly on Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00 am at 131 Elden St. #302, 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
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
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-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 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
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 3rd Thursday 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 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.
Family Support Group for Parents of Youth meets the 1st and 3rd Sundays monthly 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
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets in-person the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am, 6121 Franconia Rd. Alexandria. RSVP to supportgroup@poac-nova.org
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
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
Transition Parent Support Group is for families whose youth will be aging out (or have aged out) of school. Parents meet on Saturdays, 10 am-noon at 3060 Williams Dr. #300, Fairfax. Register: https://arcofnva.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/arcofnva/eventRegistration.jsp?
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 .
