October Webinars

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/16/2026 03:26 PM EDT

Mark your calendars and register for these upcoming webinars designed to spark discussion and provide skills to support your learners at home. 

Navigating Section 504 – Essential Knowledge for Families

Friday, October 2, 2026
10 - 11:30 AM

This webinar will guide participants through the essentials of Section 504:

  • Who qualifies
  • What to expect during the evaluation process
  • How accommodations are determined
  • The difference between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Register here

How to Get Kids to Open Up to You, Now and for Years to Come

Friday, October 9, 2026
10 - 11:30 AM

We want to know what's going on in our children's lives -- about school, their friends, their successes, and their struggles. But what should you do when your kids won't tell you what's going on in their lives? What if you ask questions and all they do is shrug and mumble "It was fine" or "I don't know"? In this workshop, you'll learn specific strategies for getting your children to open and come to you when they need support.

Register here

The Nuts and Bolts of the
Special Education Process

Friday, October 16, 2026
10 - 11:30 AM

This webinar will guide participants through the special education identification process, including:

  • An overview of the local screening process and the initial consideration of eligibility for special education
  • An overview of the essential components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Register here

Understanding Reading Assessments
and Your Child

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
10- 11:30 AM

In this webinar, we're diving into how our schools measure your child's reading skills and how you can use that info to help them thrive! We’ll break down two key tests: VALLSS, which acts as an early warning system to catch reading strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint who needs extra support, and i-Ready, an adaptive assessment that tracks your child’s grade-level progress and personal growth all year long. Together, these tools look at the full picture of your child's reading—from sounding out words and building vocabulary to reading smoothly and actually understanding the story. You'll walk away knowing what those score reports really mean, how to chat about them with your child's teacher, and easy ways to boost their reading confidence right at home!

Register here

“Introduction to Dyslexia – what is it and what does it mean for my student?”

Friday, October 23, 2026
10- 11:30 AM

Participants will gain a clearer understanding of dyslexia and how it can impact a student’s learning. The session will explore the different types of dyslexia, common challenges students may experience, and the supports that can help them succeed. Participants will also leave with practical strategies, activities, and tips they can use at home to support their student’s learning and build confidence.

Register here

Transition Planning: Decision-Making Alternatives for Families of
Individuals with Disabilities

Friday, October 30, 2026
10 - 11:30 AM

As young adults with disabilities and their families prepare for life after high school, families may have questions about how to support decision-making while respecting their loved one’s rights and independence. This webinar will provide an overview of guardianship and conservatorship, powers of attorney (POA), and advance medical directives (AMD), including their purposes, differences, and potential impact. Participants will learn about these decision-making alternatives and considerations for choosing the option that best meets their loved one's needs. This presentation is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Register here