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February 2020
ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS
February Workshops at the Parent Resource Center (PRC)
All workshops are held at the Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334 Gallows Road, Entrance 1 - Room 100, Dunn Loring, VA, unless otherwise noted. You may view additional information on upcoming workshops and register for workshops online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center/workshops-parents-educators-and-community.
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Preschool Transition to Kindergarten for Students with Disabilities The transition to Kindergarten is a big one for kids and can be even more so for children with disabilities. Please join us to discuss now parents can collaborate with FCPS to ensure their students have a smooth transition to Kindergarten
Presentation highlights:
- How are special education services provided in Kindergarten?
- What does the continuum of services look like?
- Overview of the reevaluation process.
- What happens at the transition IEP?
- Transportation for school age children.
Presented by Kurt Soderstrom and Laurie Andrews, FCPS Special Education Preschool teachers.
Friday, February 7, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Preschool Transition to Kindergarten for Students with Disabilities
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Fostering Protective Factors in Children and Adolescents to Promote Social-Emotional Wellness
Every adult can foster protective factors and build resiliency in children and adolescents.
Topics include:
- What does the Fairfax County Youth Survey data show us?
- Identifying protective factors and assets (Three to Succeed).
- Strategies for building protective factors and assets.
- Understanding resilience and how to increase your child’s ability to respond to challenges.
Presented by Ryan Dickerson, FCPS Psychologist and Jenn Spears, FCPS Mental Wellness Specialist.
Thursday, February 13, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Fostering Protective Factors in Children and Adolescents to Promote Social-Emotional Wellness
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Join Dr. Lisa M. Cullins, attending physician in the Emotion and Development Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health, for this highly informative workshop. She will provide current research on:
- Diagnostic criteria.
- Signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as manifested in children and adolescents.
- Treatment options, resources, and collaborations.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents
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Parenting Your Teen While Keeping Your Sanity Learn important strategies to help form a positive relationship with your teen.
Topics include:
- Understanding the development of the teen brain.
- Recognizing ways to create a positive climate in the home.
- Identifying constructive discipline approaches.
- Increasing more productive and effective communication strategies.
Presented by Michel Tureaud, FCPS Behavior Intervention Teacher.
Friday, February 21, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Parenting Your Teen While Keeping Your Sanity
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Career and Transition Services Super Transition Saturday
It is never too early or too late to start planning for a successful transition from school life to life as a young adult. Join us to learn about Career and Transition Services (CTS) programming and course options for students with disabilities.
Breakout sessions will cover:
- In-school as well as post-secondary support services.
- Employment and post-secondary education considerations.
- Student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success.
This event will also include a student/parent panel where members describe their personal experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and the transition process. New this year will be the opportunity to sit with professionals well versed in transition planning to answer your questions during the “Ask an Expert” Q & A.
Saturday, February 22, 2020, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School.
Register for Career and Transition Services Super Transition Saturday
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Adversity and Trauma in Childhood: Building Resilient Communities
In the past couple of decades, there has been an explosion of new understanding about how and why adversity and trauma can reliably predict risks for mental, physical, behavioral health, and productivity in the population.
This is great news! What’s predictable is preventable! We can understand how protection, prevention, and resilience promotion can profoundly improve health, safety, and productivity, as well as reduce public and private costs now and for generations to come.
The presentation includes in-depth information about:
- The neurobiological effects of adversity on development.
- The impacts of childhood adversity and trauma on population health.
- Resilience – what we can all do to improve health and well-being across the lifespan.
Presented by Karen Brown, FCPS Psychologist, Sarah Ince, FCPS Social Worker, and Jenna White from the Fairfax County Council of PTA’s.
Friday, February 28, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Adversity and Trauma in Childhood: Building Resilient Communities
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Program
Empowering Parents, Educating Children, Investing in the Future
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) partners with parents to prepare their children for success in school. With HIPPY, parents build on their capacity to be their child’s first teacher and strengthen the parent-child relationship.
HIPPY is a free program for parents of preschoolers who are two, three, or four years old and who want to instruct their children at home. Parents will learn to engage their children in activities related to:
- Shapes and Colors
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- Language Development
Parents meet with a HIPPY-trained home instructor for an hour each week, October through May. Meetings take place in the parent’s home or with a small group of parents at a central location.
Parents receive:
- Age-appropriate activity packets to use with their children at home
- Nine story books
- A set of 20 geometric shapes
- Other supplies
HIPPY home instructors are members of the communities they serve. Their knowledge of the community allows them to connect with parents, understand the challenges they face, and develop a trusting relationship with them.
You may enroll in HIPPY by telephone if:
- You reside in Fairfax County.
- Your child has celebrated a second, third, or fourth birthday before the start of the program (September 30).
- Your child is not already enrolled in Head Start.
At some HIPPY sites, the following may be required:
- English must be the family’s second language.
- Certain income guidelines must be met.
For questions and additional information, contact:
Elisabeth Bruzon, EMBruzon@fcps.edu, 703-204-4350
Juanita Gladys, JGladys@fcps.edu, 703-204-4307
Lending Library
The Parent Resource Center Lending Library contains over 7,000 books, DVDs, and CDs on topics related to parenting and educating all children including those with learning challenges, mental health concerns, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about our lending library at https://www.fcps.edu/node/31312.
Some books available for checkout:
- From Worrier to Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Fears
- Self-Regulation & Mindfulness: Over 82 Exercises & Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, & Autism Spectrum Disorder
- 70 Play Activities for Better Thinking, Self-Regulation, Learning & Behavior
- Grandparent’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Making the Most of the Time at Nana’s House
- Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help.
- Peacemaking Circles: From Crime to Community
- Behavior Solutions for the Home and Community: A Handy Reference Guide for Parents and Caregivers
- Teaching to Strengths: Supporting Students Living with Trauma, Violence, and Chronic Stress
About the Parent Resource Center (PRC)
The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Parent Resource Center (PRC) provides resources, information, and consultations to support the success of all students. Confidential consultations, an extensive lending library, and a year-long calendar of workshops are offered for parents, educators, and community members. For more information please visit the PRC website at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center.
Assistive Technology Services (ATS)
During the 2019-20 school year, ATS will be offering training sessions focused on the use of high-end Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. Participants will learn basic programming and maintenance of the devices, as well as integration ideas. These sessions are open to both staff and parents of students using the specific devices. To register, contact the ATS Resource Teacher who supports your school. February sessions will include the following topics:
- February 7, 2020, 9 a.m.-noon, Words for Life App – Leis Center
- February 10, 2020, 9 a.m.-noon, Proloquo2Go App – Virginia Hills Center
- February 11, 2020, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., PRC Devices – Lanier Middle School
- February 24, 2020, 9 a.m.-noon, Words for Life App – Virginia Hills Center
Career and Transition Services
The Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined project, in conjunction with the Partnership for People with Disabilities, are now accepting applications for the Annual I’m Determined Youth and Parent Summit. This three-day event will be held June 10-12, 2020 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Youth (ages 13-21) with disabilities from across the Commonwealth meet to network and discuss issues of importance to youth and young adults with disabilities. Parents/guardians of accepted youth attend a Parent Summit. Those attending have an opportunity to network with other parents and professionals and receive information about the newest regulations, programs, and practices. Deadline for application submission is February 15, 2020 by 5:00 p.m. For more information and to apply go to: http://www.imdetermined.org/youth-summit/
Extended School Year (ESY)
Save the Date: 2020 ESY direct, class-based service dates will be June 29 – July 24, 2020. July 3 will be a holiday. Information regarding site locations and bell schedules is now available on the ESY website at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/special-education-instruction/extended-school-year-esy-services .
ESPECIALLY FOR STAFF MEMBERS
Assistive Technology Services (ATS)
AIM-VA
Do you work with students who the limitations of print materials are the barrier to their success? Students with a documented visual, physical, or print disability (IEP) may require accessible instructional materials. Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) are printed textbooks, trade books, and other educational materials that are converted to alternate formats (Braille, Large Print, Electronic/Digital Text, and Audio Recordings). IEP teams are required to consider whether a student requires materials in an alternate format. If you are interested in learning all about AIM, this professional development module is for you! AIM provides a guided exploration of some basic tools and strategies that will help provide your students with the tools they need. All course information and communications are delivered through FCPS Google Classroom.
Online from February 4, 2020 to March 1, 2020.
Register for the AIM-VA professional development module in MyPDE
Career and Transition Services (CTS)
Transition Tip Tuesday: Transition Goals and Benchmarks
As part of an initiative this school year, Career and Transition Services (CTS) will provide monthly mini trainings for special education staff in the high schools. On the first Tuesday of each month, CTS will deliver targeted and relevant information to school staff regarding effective transition planning. For February, the topic focus is on writing measurable transition goals with reachable benchmark objectives.
ESY and Assessment
Transition Tip Tuesday: Transition Goals and Benchmarks
Save the Date: 2020 ESY direct, class-based service dates will be June 29 – July 24, 2020. July 3 will be a holiday. Site information, feeder lists, and bell schedules are now posted on the ESY website at: http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/ssse/sei/esy/ . ESY job opportunities will be available beginning mid-February and hiring will begin in March. Links to the various positions can be found (when available) on our intranet site under ESY Job Opportunities. Instructional staff contracts will begin in June, so please make note of the start date for these positions as all staff are expected to work on all contracted days.
Office of Special Education Instruction (OSEI) Trainings for Staff Members
During the month of February, OSEI is offering the following trainings for staff members. Registration is available in MyPDE. For more information about OSEI trainings, visit: http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/ssse/trainings/osei/
- Collaborative Team Lead Trainings – Course #SS-22089
- Facilitating Effective and Successful IEP Meetings – Course #SS-29103
Note: Intranet access is required to open some of the links in this email. If you're using a mobile device or working remotely, you can connect to the intranet via the Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email RequestIT@fcps.edu with questions.
Department of Special Services
Teresa L. Johnson, Assistant Superintendent
Michael Bloom, Director, Office of Special Education Instruction
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