Parent Information Relating to Special Education

Special Education Resources

There are many programs at Wolftrap ES, as well as in FCPS, that support the implementation of evidence-based practices to increase the academic achievement and the social and emotional competence of students based on individual needs.

Please contact Susan Robb, Lead Special Ed Teacher at Wolftrap, with any questions.

 

The Special Education Process

Learn how the special education process works in order to effectively participate and collaborate with school staff members in making appropriate decisions regarding your child’s educational needs.

 

The Special Education Process occurs sequentially, over a period of time, with each step building upon the previous step(s). It is important for parents to understand how the special education process works, so they can effectively participate and collaborate with school staff members in making appropriate decisions regarding their child’s educational needs. Parents are an integral part of the decision-making team.

The Special Education Handbook for Parents (English) is also available in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

 

Important Elements of the Special Education Process

  • Referral: The process of informing a school that a student is experiencing some type of difficulty and/or may have special learning needs.
  • Evaluation: The process of completing psychological, sociocultural, educational and other assessments, as appropriate, in all areas of a suspected disability.
  • Eligibility: The process of determining whether your child meets specific criteria required to be found eligible as a child with a disability and in need of special education services. 
  • Individual Education Program (IEP) Development: A process that provides an opportunity for parents, the student (if appropriate), and educators to work together as team members to identify the student’s needs, to identify services that will be provided to meet those needs, and to describe the anticipated outcomes.
  • Reevaluation: The reevaluation process applies to students who have previously been identified as being eligible for special education services and must be conducted every three years.
  • Dismissal: The process undertaken by an eligibility committee to determine whether or not a student continues to qualify as a student with a disability and is no longer eligible for special education. 

 

Additional Elements of the Special Education Process

  • Least Restrictive Environment: Students who receive special education services are educated with their peers, to the greatest extent appropriate, while engaged in appropriate curriculum that allows for progress toward their IEP goals.
  • Related Services: Specialized services such as speech, occupational or physical therapy, counseling or orientation, and mobility services, that the IEP team may determine are necessary for a student with a disability to successfully participate in his or her special education program. 
  • Additional Services:
    • Adapted Physical Education (APE): APE is developmentally appropriate physical education that includes adapting or modifying the physical education curriculum to meet the individualized needs of students when their disabilities significantly impact the ability to participate in general physical education. 
    • Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Services: Students who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing may be serviced by itinerant services for students attending the base schools and intensive services in three modalities in three center programs. Programs focus on access to instruction, self-advocacy, and development of content knowledge. 
    • Vision Services: Students who are vision impaired may be serviced by itinerant supports for students attending their base school in addition to the option for center based VI programs. Programming is designed to provide specialized instruction and resources to teachers and students that include specialized print material and low vision aids. 
  • Extended School Year (ESY) Services: Special education and/or related services provided beyond the normal school year of a public agency to provide a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) to a student with a disability in accordance with the student’s IEP at no cost to the family. 
  • Assistive Technology Services (ATS): A section within the Office of Special Education Instruction that provides assistive technology support to FCPS students with disabilities who receive special education services and the staff members who support them. 
  • Positive Behavior Approaches (PBA): Two specific approaches, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Responsive Classroom©, have been promoted as practices used in the design of a school’s Positive Behavior Approach. Behavior Intervention Services provides comprehensive behavior intervention and support to school teams for students receiving general and special education services. In designated classrooms, Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is used to modify behaviors, teach new skills, and prepare students to function as independently as possible.  
  • Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP):  An FBA may be conducted and a BIP developed whenever a behavior demonstrated by a student significantly impedes the student’s learning and/or the learning of other students. 
  • Career and Transition Programs and Services (CTS): Transition planning is an ongoing and outcome-oriented process that is based on collaboration between students with disabilities, their families, the school, adult service personnel, and the community.
  • The Participation of Students Who Receive Special Education Services in Virginia’s Accountability System: All students with disabilities are required to participate in the state’s accountability system. More specifically, students with disabilities are expected to participate in all content area assessments that are available to students without disabilities.
  • Children placed in private schools by their parents: Students who are residents of Fairfax County but attend a private school in a different county should be referred to the public school closest to their private school in the county in which the private school is located.
  • Discipline and Students with Disabilities: The Student Rights and Responsibilities Booklet (Regulation 2601) is sent home at the beginning of each school year and contains a section titled, Guidance for Parents of Students with Disabilities regarding Virginia regulations related to student discipline. Students with disabilities may be disciplined in the same ways as students without disabilities in most situations. 
  • The Appeals Process: Options for dispute resolution or appeal are described in the Virginia Special Education Procedural Safeguards Notice, titled Your Family’s Special Education Rights. The Virginia Special Education Procedural Safeguards Notice and its translations are available on the Forms Related to Special Education webpage. View Dispute Resolution Options for Students with Disabilities.
  • Student Records: FCPS maintains student records in compliance with the laws of both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the federal government. 

The Fairfax County Public Schools Special Education Process includes more information.

Any listed opportunities below are FREE unless noted. 

Todos los 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
​​​​​​​

  • 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]