Special Education Parent Information

Parent Information Relating to Special Education

 

All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.  

In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.

 

The FCPS Parent Resource Center is still open, and it continues to provide direct assistance to families, educators, and community members.  The staff there can help you find answers and solve problems.  prc@fcps.edu 

 

Mental Wellness Consultations this Summer

June 28 to August 6

Parents of students, and middle school or high school students may have a 45-min consultation by phone or online video with a school psychologist or social worker.

Register:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJNWdceDJaPb53GLi1mMkwZmK6bUFkxe1cF3j6AhAxmLgICQ/viewform  or  leave a message at 571-423-4276

 

Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts

Fri. Jul. 2, 10 am-noon

Explore ways to plan for your child’s long term financial security, steps to carry out your plan, and  options to minimize taxes.

Register:  https://thearcofnovatrust.org/event/fffp-special-needs-trusts-able-accounts/

 

Inattentive ADHD:  Why ADD is Misdiagnosed and the Best Ways to Treat It

Thu. Jul. 8, 1 pm, with replay link

Learn how inattentive ADHD is diagnosed, why it has nothing to do with IQ, why it is often missed, and how to effectively treat it. 

Register:  https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1471203&tp_key=df7e70fca4

 

Building Strong Families and Competent Kids

Sat. Jul. 10, 10-11 am

This workshop will focus on the families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 Meeting ID: 946 600 1682

 

The Basics of the Medicaid Waiver

Tue. Jul. 13, 10 am 

Find out about waivers for people with disabilities, the services they provide, how to apply, and tips on dealing with waiting lists.

Register:  https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q1oJfec9SCO03OareQYGNQ

 

Ten Things to Consider Before Moving to Virginia with a Developmental Disability

Tue. Jul. 13, noon

This information is also helpful for people moving within Virginia, or people thinking of leaving Virginia and moving to another state.

Register:  https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XcRBTjznTRigTul9Y2TsSQ

 

Transition Lunch & Learn

Wed. Jul. 14, noon-1:30 pm

Plan for the transition to adult services by learning about available supports for employment, transportation, recreation, and day services.  

Register:  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqcOuurjsjHtHPVysnNwEhc3ZXUUZsrn_A

 

9 Ways to Prime Your Child for a Positive School Year

Thu. Jul. 15,1 pm, with replay link

Gain specific steps you can take now to make this coming school year more productive for your student.

Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/return-to-school-preparation/

 

Motivating Your Child with ADHD: What Ignites Interest in and Energy for Learning

Tue. Jul. 20, 1 pm, with replay option

Explore what sparks kids’ interest, what keeps them motivated, and how to help them get into gear more easily and more often.

Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/motivation-learning-adhd-students/

 

WAZE to Adulthood For students ages 12-22

Four date & time choices between July 22 & 26

Learn to use your self advocacy skills to plan for the future you want for yourself

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waze-to-adulthood-students-tickets-156290815035

 

The Truth About Underage Drinking

Thu. Jul. 22, 6:00-7:30 pm

Learn all sorts of things about underage drinking so that you can know what to watch for and help your teens to steer clear of.

Register:  http://bit.ly/FPC-07-22

 

A Parent’s Guide:  School Discipline and the Juvenile Legal System — 5 class series

Thu. Jul. 22, 6:30-7:30 pm

If your child gets in trouble at school, learn now about the school-to-prison pipeline and what you need to know to advocate for your child.

Register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2U9hPpSsQIikbD35XtnVmg

 

Talk Saves Lives — In Spanish

Una introducción a la prevención del suicidio

Jue. 22 de jul. 7-8 pm

Aprenda sobre la prevención del suicidio, incluidos los factores de riesgo, las señales de advertencia y cómo mantenerse a salvo.

Registrese:  https://ncactsl07222021.attendease.com/register/registration/form

 

Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults

Sat. Jul. 24, 9:00 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

 

More Than Sad:  Teen DepressionPresentation for Adults

Sun. Jul. 25, 4-5 pm

This program teaches care-giving adults about depression, demystifies treatment, and encourages families to seek help.

Register:  https://ncacmts07252021.attendease.com

 

Screen-Savvy Parenting

Tue. Jul. 27, 7-8 pm

Learn about the different kinds of screen time, the pros and cons of screen time, and rules that support family relationship building.

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screen-savvy-parenting-tickets-156731577367

 

Transition Lunch & Learn

Wed. Jul.28, noon-1:30 pm

Plan for the transition to adult services by learning what supports are available for employment, transportation, recreation, and day services.  

Register:  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqcOuurjsjHtHPVysnNwEhc3ZXUUZsrn_A

 

Building Work-Based Learning Opportunities in the Home, School, and Community

Wed. Jul. 28, 2:00-2:45 pm

Learn about the benefits of work-based learning for students with disabilities, especially those that build independence and employment skills.

Register:  https://vcurrtc.org/training/webcasts/webcastDetails.cfm/531

 

Family Ties: Managing and Advocating for Your Child with ADHD in the Extended Family

Thu. Jul. 29, 1 pm, with replay link

Gain ideas on how to develop coping strategies for events with extended family and strategies for improving problematic patterns.

Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-disagreements-grandparents-extended-family/

 

Ongoing and On Demand

 

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

 

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 gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov 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

 

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://publiccourseapi.nami.org/Learner/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F

 

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

 

Get Ready for College: A Resource for Teens with Disabilities

Online, Self-Paced 8 Class Course from VCU

This course for high school students with disabilities focuses on preparation for college, selection of a college for best fit, and the disability services process.

Access:   http://vafamilysped.org/Event/j8Gu8yhL54NjdEsQYzfwtg/Event-online-self-paced-free-course-get-ready-for-college-a-resource-for-teens-with-disabilities

 

Access to Success — Online Self-Paced 8-class Course for Students with Disabilities

High school and college students can learn about their disability rights and how to obtain accommodations in college. Use the mp3 files for audio.

Access: https://accesstosuccess.ctb.ku.edu

 

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

 

Support Groups

 

All these support groups are open to newcomers, most are online, 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 should be confirmed.

 

Support Groups for Youth

 

Autism Social Club for teens and young adults with ASD meets virtually Saturdays, noon-1:00 pm.  Contact:  Dr. Nicci Dowd  autismsoclub@gmail.com

 

Heads Up and Talk It Out Teen and Parent Recovery Groups

These are concurrent virtual groups for teens (ages 14-17) who are working through emotional, mental health or substance use challenges and their parents every Thursday 6-7 pm.  Info:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/heads-up-talk-it-out

 

People First for Young Adults is a social and self-advocacy group for youth with disabilities ages 14-26.  It meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, 6:30-8:00 pm.  Contact:  email Diane.Monnig@thearcofnova.org

 

Youth Empowerment Transition Council, for youth with disabilities ages 14-22, meets on the 2nd Monday of the month to advise PEATC and build advocacy and leadership skills.  Contact:  kwormley@peatc.org

 

 

Support Groups for Parents

 

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 ARLepilepsy@googlegroups.com

 

Autism Dads meets one evening monthly.  Contact:  George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com

 

Autism Society of Northern Virginia Virtual Support Group 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom.  Meeting ID:  83085728013

 

 

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:   BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov o 703-324-7720 

 

CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

  • Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group  4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm.  Contact:  Alyssa  ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com  or call 303-903-9972.
  • Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Sun. evening of the month.  Contact:  Bonnie Little  571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
  • 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:  http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eh2rnzqrk9vdghmb/a0179kbgrhnj1/questions

 

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

 

Family Recovery & Support Group meets weekly via Zoom on Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm for family and friends of those receiving CSB services for addictions.  Contact:  Natalie.Holmes@fairfaxcounty.gov

  www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group

 

Formed Families Together are monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805

Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly.

In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly.

 

Chat Group for Latino Parents — in Spanish

Grupo de Chat para Padres:

 Unete a nuestro Grupo de chat mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al Group: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw   

 

Support Group for Spanish Speaking Parents— in Spanish

Grupo de Educación y Apoyo a Padres en Española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 a.m. en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682

 

Heads Up and Talk It Out Teen and Parent Recovery Groups

These are concurrent virtual groups for teens (ages 14-17) who are working through emotional, mental health, or substance use challenges and their parents every Thursday 6-7 pm.  Info:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/heads-up-talk-it-out

 

Kinship Café meets monthly on the 2nd Wed. 6:30-8:00 pm for those raising children of friends or relatives.  Contact: 

703-324-7720 or email buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov 

 

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 mczero@yahoo.com

 

OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm.  Contact:  ela.mike@verizon.net   or  call 202-215-5859

 

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 BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720  

 

Parents in a Pandemic is for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges.  They meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Tuesdays.  Contact Diane Manning dmonnig@thearcofnova.org .

 

Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally.  Contact:  Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@poac-nova.org .

 

Parents of Autistic Teens meets some Sat. of each month.  Contact:  Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or Admin@ASNV.org

 

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