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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.
Calendar Update
PreK, Early Childhood Class Based (AM and PM), and Early Childhood Resource: The last day of school will be Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
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.
Countdown to Kindergarten Webinar
Recently, the Fairfax County Public Schools Family Resource Center hosted a webinar for families with children starting kindergarten in August 2026. During the session, families learned practical tips and important information to help their child have a smooth and successful start.
You can watch the webinar here. It’s also available in multiple languages on the Family Resource Center’s YouTube Channel.
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: Annual Goals and Objectives
Annual goals and short-term objectives state what the student can reasonably be expected to accomplish in specific areas during the duration of the IEP (typically one year). Goals answer the question: What do we want the student to be able to do at the end of the timeframe of this IEP? Goals should be written to address the unique needs of the student, not to describe the specific program in which the student will participate. Goals must be measurable. The IDEA states that, for most students, short-term objectives are not required. The IEPs of students who participate in alternative assessments must include short-term objectives. Objectives describe the steps the student must accomplish in order to master each goal. A discussion and documentation of how the student’s progress toward the annual goals will be measured is included. An IEP progress report for the goals is provided to parents quarterly, at the same time report cards are distributed.
For more information, please visit the Fairfax County Public Schools Special Education Handbook for Parents.
Child Development: Fine Motor
(Virginia's Early Learning & Development Standards)
Preschool age students are continuing to build important fine motor skills, including coordinating their eyes and hands and strengthening the small muscles in their hands and fingers. These skills are essential for everyday tasks and help children become more independent and confident in both classroom and home activities.
Throughout their day, students are practicing how to handle small objects with greater control, draw simple shapes, and add more details to their pictures. They are also learning to use tools such as crayons, markers, scissors, and eating utensils with increasing coordination and accuracy. As their skills grow, students are able to cut along lines and simple shapes more precisely and participate more independently during mealtimes.
In addition, students are developing independence in self-care routines, such as dressing themselves using zippers, buttons, and snaps. These fine motor skills support success in learning activities and daily routines, helping students gain confidence and independence over time
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