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

Plan Ahead — FCPS Family Summit —Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging

Sat. Mar. 15, 8:30 am-3:30 pm, South Lakes HS, Reston

This special education event will include keynote speakers, an exhibit hall, two breakout sessions, and student presentations.

Plan Ahead — Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training $180

Tue. & Wed. Mar.18 &19, 9 am-noon each day

Learn about special education law, rights, tests and measurements, SMART IEPs, and advocacy.

Early Childhood Academy — For Families of Young Children with Disabilities

Continuing to Fri. Mar. 14, a self-paced course

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

Transition University — Self-Paced Course of 5 Sessions

Continuing to Mon. Apr. 14, with access 24/7

Learn now how to maximize your child’s independence and quality of life when they age out of school 5-10 years from now.

The Basics of Medicaid Waivers

Mon. Mar. 3, noon

Medicaid Waivers fund services for people with developmental disabilities. Learn about those services and how to apply.

Violence Prevention Part 3: Responding to Threats of Harm to Others

Tue. Mar. 4, 10.00-11:30 am

Learn how FCPS assesses and responds to risks in schools and ways to keep kids safe in threatening situations elsewhere.

Living with ADHD: It’s Different for Women

Tue. Mar. 4, 1 pm, with replay link

A panel of five PhD women who treat and research ADHD in women will discuss the lived experience of women with ADHD.

What Families Need to Know About Assistive Technology

Tue. Mar. 4, 7 pm

Learn how you can help your children become more independent with the use of assistive technology.

Autism and Gastrointestinal Co-Morbidities

Wed. Mar. 5, 1 pm.

Gain a review of GI conditions that commonly occur with autism, and updates on advancements and treatments.

Anxiety in the Context of Autism: What Parents Need to Know

Fri. Mar. 7, 10:00-11:30 am

Autistic youth benefit from atypical parenting skills to relieve their anxiety. Learn which parenting skills are most effective for them.

Building Independence with the TFIL Team

Thu. Mar. 6, noon-1 pm

Learn how the Arc2Independence app can be customized to help your student navigate daily routines and challenges.

FANtastic Times Astronomy Festival — For individuals with disabilities and their families

Sat. Mar. 8, 6:00-8:30 pm, 925 Springvale Rd, Great Falls

An astronomy-themed sensory space, arts & crafts, games and sky tours at Turner Park Observatory.

Let’s Take a Hike — For Adoptive Families with K-8 Children

Sun. Mar. 9, 10 am-noon, Fountainhead Park, Fairfax Station

Come hike, complete some nature activities, make and share snacks, and connect with other adoptive families.

Building Strong Parent Advocates — Self-Paced Course

Mon. Mar. 10 to Mon. April.. 7, 6 hours of content

Build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while being empowered to be your child’s best advocate.

IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course

Mon. Mar. 10 to Mon. Apr. 7, with access 24/7

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

A Parenting Toolkit for Moms and Dads with ADHD

Tue. Mar. 11, 1 pm, with replay link

Learn about the unique needs of moms and dads with ADHD and their different preferred ways to help their kids.

Study Like a Champ: The 3 Best Study Hacks - Backed by Science

Wed. Mar. 12, noon-1 pm

Gain strategies that can help your child build effective habits, study smarter, and improve retention.

Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings

Wed. Mar. 12, 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.

The Impact of Disability on the Entire Family: Supporting Siblings

Wed. Mar. 12, 7:30-9:00 pm

Consider the challenges faced by siblings of kids with disabilities and strategies to support them.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-impact-of-disability-on-the-entire-family-supporting-siblings-tickets-1255152758689?

Understand Executive Function Milestones, Challenges, & Implement Effective Strategies at Home for Children in Upper Elementary (3-6)

Fri. Mar. 14, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn about the development of executive function skills, how to recognize challenges, and how to support learning.

FCPS Family Summit — Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging

Sat. Mar. 15, 8:30 am-3:30 pm, South Lakes HS, Reston

This special education event will include keynote speakers, an exhibit hall, two breakout sessions, and student presentations.

McLean School Cecily’s Conference $25

Sat. Mar. 15, 8:15 am-12:30 pm, Lochinver Ln. Potomac, MD

Keynote speaker, two workshops with a choice a speakers and networking. Includes breakfast & snacks.

How to Heal from Trauma Using Internal Family Systems

Tue. Mar. 18, 1 pm, with replay link

Learn about the interplay of ADHD and trauma, including common forms, reactions, and therapies.

Understanding & Addressing School Avoidance: Strategies for Success

Tue. Mar. 18, 7:00-8:30 pm

Learn why children avoid school, common behaviors, do’s and don’ts for addressing them, and relevant supports.

Motivation 101: A Blueprint for Unlocking Your Child's Motivation

Wed. Mar. 19, 12:30 pm, option to receive recording

Details to be announced

All About Extended School Year (ESY)

Thu. Mar. 20, 11 am-noon

Learn about the criteria for ESY, typical ESY schedules and environments, and what to ask in an IEP meeting.

Telling Your Child’s Story: When and How to Share Difficult Information with Your Child

Thu. Mar. 20. 1:00 -2:30 pm Free with coupon code DIFFICULT

Learn about your child’s needs, gain tools to increase your skill and confidence, and learn how to navigate pressure from others.

Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/resource/event/syf-webinar-telling-your-childs-story-when-and-how-to-share-difficult-information-with-your-child/

Understanding Trauma in Your Child — Part 3; In Spanish

Comprendiendo el Trauma en su Hijo — parte 3, en español

Viernes, 21 de marzo, 10:00-11:30 am

Aprendemos estrategias que puedan proteger a los niños del trauma, y cómo apoyar a los niños que pueden haber sufrido traumas.

Registrarse: https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

Arc2Independence Connect

Fri. Mar, 21, 11 am

Meet with other users of this app to get your questions answered, share your experience, and learn about new features.

Calming the Chaos: Teaching Emotional Regulation to Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students

March 25, 10:00 -11:30 am

Giftedness with disabilities makes life doubly difficult. Learn how to help 2e students manage emotions effectively,

TFIL Talks: Lessons from the Arc2Independence App

Tue. Mar. 25, 7 pm

Individuals with IDD or DD can learn how to use this app to help them with transportation, safety, or daily living.

Dispute Resolution

Wed. Mar 26, 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 one.

Plan Ahead — Spring Forward Family Fun Day $ varies

Sat. May 3, 8:30 am-2:00 pm, 10900 Univ. Blvd. Manassas

Families formed by adoption, foster, or kinship care will have age appropriate fun for kids and expert sessions for parents.

Register by April 4 for Early Bird prices: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-spring-forward-foster-adoptive-kinship-family-fun-day

Ongoing and On Demand

Digital Portfolios for Military Families

These portfolios can make moves easier by organizing medical, educational, financial, legal, state disability services, and emergency services information. https://peatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/FINAL-PEATC-Military-Portfolio.pdf?

PCSing with an Exceptional Family Member (EFM) Checklist

This two page timeline check list facilitates both preparation and arrival tasks. https://peatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PCSing-Checklist.pdf?

Guide to Summer Camps 2025

The FCPS Family Resource Center has assembled this guide which provides a large list of general purpose camps as well as individual lists of camps that specialize in particular disabilities. The guide carries NO recommendations or endorsements by FCPS.

Access: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/

media/pdf/SummerCampsGuide%202025.pdf

FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter

PEERS® for Preschoolers

Evidence-based social skills group for children with autism, ages 4-6 (8 per group). One 90 min. session weekly for 16 weeks starting February 2025 Information: https://firststepsbehavioraltherapy.com/peers%C2%AE-preschoolers 540) 200-8893 $ varies

Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) Toolkit

This Toolkit can help a family navigate an MDR process when a student with an IEP is considered for disciplinary action.

Access: https://peatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Manifestation-Determination-Review-MDR-Toolkit.pdf

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.

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

The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism

An introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including recommended programs, services, and tips for caregivers, Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm

Learn About Opioid Overdoses and How to Reverse Them

Access: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive

NAMI Basics — 6 session course

This course is for adults who 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-programs/for-families-and-loved-ones/childrens-challenging-behaviors/

Collaborative & Proactive Solutions — 2 Day Training

Gain an overview of the CPS model including the use of assessments and problem solving. $179

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

Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile

Fairfax County Community Connect

The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts. https://www.communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county

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

Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:00-11:30 am pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592 Contact: director@asnv.org

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

DADS of Special Needs Kids of Any Age meets monthly in the evening during the school year on the 3rd Tue. or Thur. in Falls Church, to eat and talk at a favored resturant. 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://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwKFIpb7CnnDy-DhQQXAmqq8kqrMLtT4ajtFquXHVYTUphTg/viewform

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/FFFkinSG

Formed Families Together meets monthly (except July) 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.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/9085dfe9-2b13-4683-b28e-492f084a9dc6

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

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 and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov .

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.

Family Support Group for Parents of Youth meets online monthly on the 3rd Monday at 7 pm. Register: bit.ly/PSGArlington Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com to arrange to chat when needed.

NAMI Family Support Group for Parents meets online the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays monthly 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org

NOVA Adopt Friends Parent Peer Support Group for adoptive parents meets on the 3rd Thursdays monthly 6:00-7:30 pm. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/resource/event/for-northern-virginia-families-nova-adopt-friends-virtual-parent-peer-support-group-8/

OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Monday 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 during the school year on the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am, usually at 6121 Franconia Rd, Alexandria. RSVP to supportgroup@poac-nova.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

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-5521265

Sowing Special Seeds is a group of families (with offspring who have special needs) who maintain gardens at South Run Rec Center. Meeting times vary. Contact: Brenda Zepf,

703-475-6277 or zepfmb@gmail.com

Support Group for LGBTQ+ Families meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at 7:00-8:30 pm. Facilitated by professionals. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/resource/event/an-online-support-group-for-lgbtq-families/

Virginia Family Network Book Club for parents and caregivers of children living with mental health challenges meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7-8 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 .

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