Special Education Liaison

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:

https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/

December

Early Childhood Academy — For families of children with disabilities, ages 0-6

Continuing to Sun. Dec. 15, — self paced course

You are your child’s first and most important teacher . Learn how to set a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Self-Regulation Strategies for Self-Injurious Behavior

Wed. Dec. 4, 1 pm

Learn about the benefits of teaching students with autism how to use self-regulation strategies for self-injurious behavior.

Building Independence with the TFIL Team

Thu. Dec. 5, noon-1 pm

Learn how the Arc2Independence app can be customized to help your student navigate daily routines and challenges.

Lexia Parent Night: Helping Children Learn to Read

Thu. Dec. 5, 6:30-7:30 pm

Learn how the computer-based Lexia programs (Core5 and PowerUp) help students learn to read and how you can help too.

Stress Less, Enjoy More. Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness

Fri. Dec. 6, 10:00-11:30 am

Gain awareness of ways to recognize and reduce stress in kids and ourselves, while building happiness and strengths.

Plan Ahead — Wings for All —at Reagan National Airport, DCA

Sat. Dec. 7, 8 am-noon, Reagan Airport, Crystal City, VA

Disabled individuals with family members can rehearse the boarding process and airport procedures. IDs required if >age 18.

Sensory Friendly Holidays at the U.S. Botanic Garden

Sat. Dec. 7, 5:30-8:00 pm, & Sun. Dec. 8, 8:30-10:00 am,100 Maryland Ave, SW, Wash. DC

Families with children with cognitive or sensory disabilities can explore the plant displays and learn about carnivorous plants.

Morning at the Museum — National Portrait Gallery

Sun. Dec. 8, 10:00-11:30 am, 8th St NW & G St NW, Wash. DC

Families with students with cognitive or sensory disabilities may come to explore the exhibits and sensory-friendly activities.

Refilling My Bucket

Wed. Dec. 11 & 18, noon-12:15

With the holidays on the horizon, take time to de-stress and

meet some of your self-care needs,

Understanding Autism: From Confusion to Awareness

Wed. Dec. 11, 1 pm, wth replay link

Learn about the impact of an autism diagnosis and how much an understanding of autism has grown over the past 60 years.

Understand How ADHD and Schizophrenia Overlap

Wed. Dec. 11, 1 pm, with replay link

Learn about similarities and differences between ADHD and schizophrenia, and ways these two conditions are related.

Special Education Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia

Wed. Dec. 11, 6:30-7:30 pm

Learn about the various dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option.

Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD)

Wed. Dec. 11, 7 pm, 8270 Willow Oaks Corp. Dr. Fairfax, Rm 10008B

Citizens are encouraged to submit public comment on the needs of students with disabilities and how those are being met.

Information: https://www.fcps.edu/committee/advisory-committee-students-disabilities-acsd#meeting-information

SOS for Parents of Differently Wired Kids

Thu. Dec. 12, 9-10 am

Learn how small, meaningful shifts in perspective and action can help you raise your differently wired child.

Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online

Fri. Dec.13, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn about sextortion, patterns of it locally, ways to prevent it, and how to respond if your child is victimized.

Cooking Club with Arc2Independence

Sat. Dec. 14, 10 am-1 pm, 3060 Williams Dr. #300, Fairfax

Learn to use the app, Arc2Independence, to guide students step-by-step through instructional cooking. $25

Register: https://forms.zohopublic.com/dmonnig/form/TFILHolidayCookingClass24/formperma/wCEYgz-v-UWke8FOMEASo-vnU-aFps4LAKWtkuqE29Y

Motherhood, ADHD & the Impossible Burden: Balancing the Invisible Load of Work & Family

Tue. Dec. 17, 1 pm, with replay link

Learn how to recognize, change, and reframe internal and external expectations, improve time management. and use self care.

Refilling My Bucket

Wed. Dec. 18, noon-12:15

With the holidays on the horizon, take time to de-stress and

meet some of your self-care needs,

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Fri. Dec.20, 8:30 am-3:30 pm, 2334 Gallows Rd. Dunn Loring

Learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among youth ages 12-18.

Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqmmxVVhZPCvMGCGBqLjCssExTM_-NbhcWQ5zrOfsEzj-lJA/viewform?utm_campaign+=

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.

Register by Jan. 15 for Early Bird price $130: https://peatc.org/event/wrightslaw-special-education-law-and-advocacy-training-2/?

Ongoing and On Demand

FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter

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/uploads/2024/09/Manifestation-Determination-Review-MDR-Toolkit.pdf

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

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/advocacy-curriculum/?

Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape

24/7 Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs

The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism

An introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including recommended programs, services, and tips for caregivers,.Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm

NAMI Basics — 6 session course

This course is for adults who care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD).

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-northernvirginia.org/support-and-programs/for-families-and-loved-ones/childrens-challenging-behaviors/

Collaborative & Proactive Solutions — 2 Day Training

Gain an overview of the CPS model including the use of assessments and problem solving. $179

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/911/emergency-health-profile

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.io/info/va-fairfax-county

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/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592 Contact: director@asnv.org

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/d/e/1FAIpQLScwKFIpb7CnnDy-DhQQXAmqq8kqrMLtT4ajtFquXHVYTUphTg/viewform

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

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/ticketing/9085dfe9-2b13-4683-b28e-492f084a9dc6

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.org/supportgroups

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-4522635

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/resource/event/for-northern-virginia-families-nova-adopt-friends-virtual-parent-peer-support-group-8/

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-4534279

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-5521265

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/resource/event/an-online-support-group-for-adoptive-parents-supporting-children-with-autism-and-similar-developmental-differences/

Support Group for LGBTQ+ Families meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at 7:00-8:30 pm. Facilitated by professionals. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/resource/event/an-online-support-group-for-lgbtq-families/

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 .