Parent Information Relating to Special Education

Special Education Resources

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/

 

Opportunities for parents

Parent Information Relating to Special Education

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  
 

  • Hablar. Ellos te escuchan.  Talk. They Hear You.

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/
 

  • Cumbre Latino-Hispana 2023 Latino-Hispanic Summit 2023 — in Spanish

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.  

Register:  https://www.aaclearningjourney.com/learn/public/learning_plan/view/15/aac-for-families-summer-webinar-seriesfsws
 

  • 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
 

  • Diez cosas que debe saber sobre un IEP—Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs — in Spanish

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.

Register:  https://www.aaclearningjourney.com/learn/public/learning_plan/view/15/aac-for-families-summer-webinar-seriesfsws
 

  • 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
 

  • Su Voz Vale Your Voice Is Important -  In Spanish

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
 

  • ¡REANIMAR! Capacitación--REVIVE! Training — in Spanish

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
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  • 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 [email protected] 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.

 

  • African American Culturally Focused Virtual Parent Café meets Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm.  Register at least 24 hours in advance by email [email protected] or 703-324-7720 
  • Alpha Moms support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean.  Contact:  [email protected]
  • 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 [email protected] .
  • 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:   [email protected] 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,  [email protected]  
  • CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center  2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact:  [email protected] or call 703-799-2882.
  • D.A.D.S.  Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom.  Contact:  George [email protected] or call 703- 545-6089.
  • 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:  [email protected]
  • 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 [email protected] .
  • 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 [email protected]
  • 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 
  • 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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  [email protected] 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 [email protected] .
  • 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 [email protected]