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/

July

FCPS Summer Mental Wellness Consultations

45 min. appointments available Mon. Jun. 24, to Fri. Aug. 2,

Parents can receive guidance from a school psychologist or social worker on how to support your child’s social, emotional, and academic success.

Request: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2sCxLWBN8p4UFKQ8X5PBQyxC5dtIGEgu-NyNtwD6Nqb5k0A/viewform or Leave a message: 703-503-2520

Transition University — Self-Paced Course of 5 Sessions

Continuing to Mon. Aug. 5, with access 24/7

Learn about the many options to maximize your child’s independence and quality of life by the time they age out of school.

Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Training

Tue. July 2, 11 am OR other dates & times

Be prepared for an overdose! Learn how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Receive supplies.

Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults

Tue. July 9, 9:00 am-3:30 pm, $25

Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.

School Avoidance & Refusal: Root Causes and Strategies for Parents and Educators

Tue. July 9, 1 pm

Gain an understanding of the symptoms and causes of school avoidance and how to meet the needs of your child.

Waiver Q & A — In Spanish

Sesión de Preguntas y Respuestas de las Exenciones

Martes, 9 de julio, 7 pm

Escuche cómo Virginia utiliza las exenciones para financiar servicios para personas con discapacidades. Reciba respuestas a sus preguntas.

Registrarse: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcof-CspzsqGN3pbBdaC4noeym6i3rUjxvH#/registration

Special Education Series

Wednesdays, July 10 to Sep. 4, 6:30-7:30 pm

Learn detailed information about each of the steps of the special education process in Virginia.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_40bKjR9SRU-JnzDi1XiGng#/registration

From Referral to Eligibility: A Deeper Dive

Wed. July 10, 6:30-7:30 pm

Learn about the initial stages of special education in Virginia.

Building Independence with the TFIL Team

Thu. July 11, noon-1 pm

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

Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention

Thu.. July 11, 7-8 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.

Air Travel Resources

Tue. July 16, noon-2 pm

Learn about disability services provided by various departments in Washington DC, Reagan Airport.

Brain First Parenting

Thu. July 18, 1:00-2:30 pm, with replay link $0 with code: BRAIN

Gain effective strategies to support children with brain differences who struggle with neurobehavioral challenges.

Disability Benefits: Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers — For Military Families

Mon. July 22, 6:30 pm

Gain a basic understanding of Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, eligibility for services, and how to obtain this state benefit.

TFIL Talks: Lessons from Arc2Independence

Tue. July 23, 7 pm

Individuals with IDD or DD can watch how they could use this app to help them with transportation, safety, or daily living.

Anatomy of an IEP

Wed. July 24, 6:30-7:30 pm

Learn about the sequence and contents of the separate sections of an Individualized Educational Plan.

Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention

Tue. July 28, 4-5 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.

Dads Parenting Group — In Spanish

Planifique con anticipación — Grupo de padres para padres

Martes, Sept. 3 a Noviem. 26, 6:30-8:30 pm

Mejore sus habilidades como padre con actividades grupales, debates, comidas, recursos y camaradería.

Registrarse: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement or Mercedes lAlonzo 703-324-7677

Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group

Wednesdays, Sep. 4 to Nov. 27, 6:00-8:30 pm

Buff up your Dad skills with group activities, discussion, meals, resources, and camaraderie.

Ongoing and On Demand

Camp Jitters Unpacked: A Parent’s Guide Using SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)

Gain strategies to support your child regarding their anxieties about day camp or overnight camp.

Recording: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ArZ7qBF-0opbov2eeaK9anI9lsO6YcS0KR-X9gTYkesckn65WMGN~Aiw9AhM3PQXL4OwmwkKCwoyiP89KZSSgq37mrMnVvuAlP18AwYzxo5QuuA

National Parks Access Pass

Adults or children with a permanent disability can obtain a lifetime free pass to the national parks.

All 4th Grade students may also get a one-year pass.

Information: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/interagency-access-pass.htm?

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

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).

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/

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://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm

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

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile

Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.

Fairfax County Community Connect

https://www.communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county

The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts.

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 Wednesday of the month, 7-8 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592

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

CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center meets twice monthly via Zoom Contact: Ramon.Palazzolo@fairfaxcounty.gov

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 restaurant. 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 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

El Grupo de apoyo ASNV para padres y cuidadores en español se reúne el segundo sábado de cada mes de 1 a 2 pm en ServiceSource, 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton. Estacione en la parte de atrás. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a info@asnv.org

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

Military Families Support Group meets on the 2nd Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for military families of all disabled dependents. Access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success OR Email director@asnv.org for details

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.

Family Support Group for Parents of Youth meets online twice monthly.. Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com .

NAMI Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday monthly. Email namicva.org or call 804-285-1749

NOVA Adopt Friends Parent Peer Support Group for adoptive parents meets on the 3rd Thursdays monthly 6:00-7:30 pm. https://meet.google.com/dpb-mspb-cid?pli=1

OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. 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 the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am, 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

REACH Parent Support Group meets monthly to support parents of individuals with developmental disabilities who also have mental health or behavioral issues. Contact: Dr. Pourmand mojgan.pourmand@eastersealsucp.com health

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 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 .