Parent Information Relating to Special Education
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
Todos estos eventos son gratuitos excepto donde se indique.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
Ongoing and On Demand events and courses follow this monthly list of events.
When other events are announced they will be posted with these at:
NOVEMBER
Transition University — Self-Paced Course of 5 Sessions
Continuing to Dec. 10, with access 24/7
Learn now how to maximize your child’s independence and quality of life when they age out of school 5-10 years from now.
Register: https://peatc.org/
Circle of Support Conference
Sat. Nov. 2, 8 am-2 pm, Hylton HS, Woodbridge
The Arc of Greater PW hosts this conference with keynote, breakout sessions and exhibitors. $$ varies ($60 parents)
Register: https://arcgpw.org/circle-of-
IEP University (IEPU)
Mon. Nov. 4 to Nov. 25, with access 24/7
Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings, including many practical strategies.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/iep-
Sibshops— For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Tue. Nov. 5, 9 am-noon, 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
How to Handle Disappointing Grades
Nov. 5, 7 pm, with replay link
Consider how to talk with your child, uncover the reasons for poor performance, and find ways to keep your child motivated.
Register: https://ectutoring.com/
Lunch. Learn. Inspire
Thu. Nov. 7, 11 am-1 pm
Share challenges you’ve noticed for someone with a developmental disability and benefit from the ensuing discussion.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/
Empowering Beginnings: Unlocking Early Services and Supports for Military Families
Thu. Nov. 7, noon-1:30 pm
Learn how to track early milestones to know whether and how your young child might benefit from supports.
How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child's School Performance and Learn Ways to Help
Thu. Nov. 7, 1-2 pm, with replay link
Consider how to talk with your child, strategies to decide on a response, and ways to keep your child motivated.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
5 Ways to De-Escalate a Nuclear Meltdown & Stop the Shame Cycle
Wed. Nov. 8, 10:00-11:30 am
Join Kirk Martin to learn how to calm kids with big emotions.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
Wed. Nov. 8, 6:30 pm
Learn what to expect at an IEP meeting, how to prepare for it, and how to work together afterwards to support your student.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Language Arts and Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities Accessing an Adapted Curriculum
Tue. Nov. 12, 10-11 am
Learn about the components of the new K-6 evidence-based literacy curriculums for these students.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Why It’s Happening, How to Help
Tue. Nov. 12, 1 pm, with replay link
Consider how to talk with your child, uncover the reasons for poor performance, and find ways to keep your child motivated.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/
Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs — in Spanish
Diez cosas que debe saber sobre un IEP
Martes, 12. de noviembre, 6:30-8:00 pm
Los niños con discapacidad tienen derecho a un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP) que sus padres ayudan a desarrollar! Aprenda cómo ayudar.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/
A Dani Plan Demonstration
Wed. Nov, 13, noon-1 pm
Create a custom, fluid, plan for your child with a disability to be ready for the unexpected.
Register: https://daniplan.com/discover-
No Brakes, No Breaks: A Parent's Guide to Healthy Use of Digital Technology in ADHD/LD
Wed. Nov 13, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn how to help your children achieve a balanced relationship with technology.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs): What Families Should Know
Wed. Nov 13, 7-8 pm
Learn how an FBA may be used to start the process to provide behavioral help for a student. Includes Q&A.
Addressing Behaviors Confidently
Thu. Nov. 14, 6-7 p.m.
Learn about social and emotional skills for students, how to respond to big emotions, and school behavior support options.
Register: https://peatc.org/event/
Support Group for Adoptive Parents Supporting Children with Autism and Similar Developmental Differences
Thu. Nov. 14, 6-7 pm, and on the 2nd Thursday monthly.
The support group will provide education, intervention ideas, and space to share and exchange concerns, Facilitated by a professional.
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Thu.. Nov. 14, 7-8 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl11142024.
ARC2Indepndence Connect
Fri. Nov. 15, 11 am
Meet with other app users to get your questions answered, share your experience, and learn about new features.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/
Dip N Paint - For Adopted Children > Age 5
Fri. Nov. 15, 6-8 pmAn
An interactive painting party of all things fall and fun! All supplies will be provided by mail,
Morning at the Museum — National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center
Sat. Nov. 18, 8:30-10:00 am, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly
Families with students with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities may explore the exhibits and sensory-friendly activities.
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/
Friendship Building Strategies — In Spanish
Estrategias de construcción de amistad
Martes, 19 de noviembre, 6:30-8:30 pm
Aprenda estrategias para facilitar amistades importantes entre estudiantes con y sin discapacidades.
Registrarse: https://peatc.org/event/
Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
Wed. Nov. 20, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn about the various dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Starting The Conversation About Drugs — For Families
Fri. Nov. 22, 10:00-11:30 am
Gain tips to start the conversation about drugs with practical advice and strategies to prevent drug abuse
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Sun. Nov. 24, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl11242024.
Plan Ahead — Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Tue. & Wed. March 18 &19, 9 am-noon each day
Learn about special education law, rights, tests and measurements, SMART IEPs, and advocacy.
Early Bird Registration $130: https://peatc.org/event/
Ongoing and On Demand
FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter
Sign up at News You Choose: https://www.fcps.edu/family-
Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) Toolkit
This Toolkit can help a family navigate an MDR process when a student with an IEP is considered for disciplinary action.
Access: https://peatc.org/wp-content/
ADHD @ School: Top 10 Hurdles to Learning with ADHD
This 10-part self-guided course equips caregivers and students with effective solutions to the specific academic and behavioral challenges associated with ADHD
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/
The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum $99 for 6 months
Build your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services your child needs.
Purchase: https://thearcatschool.org/
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
24/7 Access: https://www.youtube.com/
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://
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://www.nami.org/support-
Children’s Challenging Behaviors
This 6-hour workshop focuses on children’s challenging behaviors, mental health conditions, special education, and advocacy skills. Register: https://nami-
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions — 2 Day Training
Gain an overview of the CPS model including the use of assessments and problem solving. $179
Register: https://cpsconnection.com/
ion.org/courses/
Two 9-1-1 Pre-Notification Programs Are Now Available
Both allow prior registration so that first responders will be aware of the special needs of individuals at the scene.
Fairfax County Emergency Health Profiles
Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/
Fairfax County Community Connect
The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts. https://www.communityconnect.
Ongoing Community Support Groups for Parents
All these support groups are open to newcomers, 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 is to be respected.
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays. Contact: Amanda. amandam@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:00-11:30 am pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
DADS of Special Needs Kids of Any Age meets monthly in the evening during the school year on the 3rd Tue. or Thur. in Falls Church, to eat and talk at a favored resturant. 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: https://docs.google.com/forms/
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/
Fairfax Kinship Support Group meets virtually on the 1st Thursday monthly at 6:30-8:00 pm. An in-person group meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at Fairfax County Community Centers at 6:15-8:00 pm. Dinner and childcare are provided. Register: https://bit.ly/FFFkinSG
Formed Families Together meets monthly (except July) as peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. A Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. An In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/
Foster the Family Support Group for foster and adoptive moms meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm in Falls Church. Childcare is provided. Register: https://www.fosterthefamilydc.
Grupo de apoyo para madres de habla hispana de niños con autismo se reúne mensualmente en línea y está patrocinado por Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Contacto: mariposas.autismo@gmail.com
Hablemos educación especial es un grupo de discusión de padres de habla hispana y de un estudiante autista. Se reúnen virtualmente el primer miércoles de cada mes de 7:00-7:45 pm Registrarse: https://xminds.org/event-
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.
Family Support Group for Parents of Youth meets online monthly on the 3rd Monday at 7 pm. Register: bit.ly/PSGArlington Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com to arrange to chat when needed.
NAMI Family Support Group for Parents meets online the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays monthly 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
NOVA Adopt Friends Parent Peer Support Group for adoptive parents meets on the 3rd Thursdays monthly 6:00-7:30 pm. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Monday of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: ela.mike@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets in-person during the school year on the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am, usually at 6121 Franconia Rd, Alexandria. RSVP to supportgroup@poac-nova.org
People of the Global Majority is a discussion group for BIPOC parents of children with autism. They meet virtually on the 1st Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-
Small Steps Together is a discussion group for parents of preschool and elementary children with autism. They meet virtually on the 4th Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-
Support Group for Adoptive Parents Supporting Children with Autism and Similar Developmental Differences meets on the 2nd Thursday monthly at 6-7 pm. Facilitated by a professional. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/
Support Group for LGBTQ+ Families meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at 7:00-8:30 pm. Facilitated by professionals. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/
Virginia Family Network Book Club for parents and caregivers of children living with mental health challenges meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7-8 pm. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
Virginia Family Network Coffee Chat and Self-Care meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. 9:00-10:30 am to connect and to discuss self-care journeys. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
Virginia Family Network Parent Meetup is on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 8 pm for parents/caregivers of children with mental health challenges. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org .
- Tuesday, November 19
- Friday, November 22
- Wednesday, November 27
- Thursday, November 28
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