|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Become a Direct Subscriber
If you received this as a forward from your child's teacher and would like to receive our family newsletters and other updates like this directly, please use the “Subscribe to the Early Childhood Newsletter” link under "Early Childhood News and Announcements" on the FCPS Early Special Education web page to subscribe or update your preferences.
Kindergarten Orientations - Spring 2026
The move from a preschool special education program to kindergarten can be both exciting and overwhelming for children with disabilities and their families. This change often includes a longer school day, bigger classes, and new teachers and classmates. Fairfax County Public Schools uses a team approach to support each child and help make this transition as successful as possible.
Attending your elementary school’s kindergarten orientation is an important step for families of students with IEPs. It’s an opportunity to meet staff, learn about daily routines, and ask questions about what the school day will look like. Families can also share helpful information about their child to support a smooth start to the school year.
To find the date and time for your school’s orientation, please visit Kindergarten Orientations - Spring 2026.
Community Peers
Children who are ages 3-4 by September 30th (birthday after 9/30/2025) may be eligible to attend preschool classes at an FCPS elementary school as a Community Peer.
The Community Peer program provides an opportunity for preschoolers with all abilities to work and play together on a regular basis. Selected community peers attend as peer models in an early childhood special education classroom to promote social, academic, and language development.
Community Peers must be fully potty trained and not currently receiving FCPS special education services. Parents are responsible for providing transportation and meals for their child while attending the school site. Days and hours vary based on location, with half-day and full-day options for FCPS staff that may be available based on program availability at select schools.
Please complete this form if you are interested in having your child attend as a community peer.
IEP: Strengths and Needs
The Present Level of Academic and Functional Performance (PLOP) gives a clear picture of your child as a learner. It highlights their strengths, including skills, interests, and areas of success, while also describing where they may need additional support. It explains how these strengths and needs impact your child’s learning and participation in the general education classroom. This information is used to guide the rest of the IEP, so goals, services, and accommodations are directly connected to your child’s current abilities and areas of growth.
For more information, please visit the Fairfax County Public Schools Special Education Handbook for Parents.
Child Development: Problem Solving Skills (Virginia's Early Learning & Development Standards)
Problem-solving skills develop over time as children explore, try different approaches, and figure out how things work. These early experiences build the foundation for more advanced thinking.
In the preschool years, problem solving becomes more thoughtful and flexible. Children begin to try new strategies when something doesn’t work, remember what worked before, and sometimes come up with more than one solution. They also show more persistence, especially with activities they enjoy. These skills are important because they help children become confident learners, support early academic skills, and build independence in everyday situations.
Families can help at home by giving children time to try things on their own, encouraging them to keep going, and offering gentle support when needed. Asking questions like “What else could you try?” or “What worked last time?” helps children think through problems. Everyday activities like puzzles, building, and helping with simple tasks are great ways to practice. Praising effort, not just success, helps children stay motivated and willing to try again.
|
