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:
APRIL 2024
Plan ahead — Dad’s Parenting Group — In Spanish
Planifique con anticipación — Grupo de crianza de papa
Miércoles, 3 de abril a 26 de junio, 6:30-8:30 pm
Se enfoca en cinco características que todos los padres necesitan para ser padres efectivos: conciencia de sí mismo, autocuidado, habilidades de paternidad, paternidad, y relaciones.
Pre-Registrate: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/
Plan Ahead — Registration for Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation Camps
Opens April 10
Plan Ahead — An Individualized Approach to Raising Your Challenging Child (Ages 3-12)
Thursdays, Apr. 11-June 13, 7:30-8:30 pm $ varies
This program helps parents identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it.
Register: http://www.parentchildjourney.
Save the Date — Safe, Supported and Included — FCPS Family Summit
Sat. Api. 20, 8 am-1:30, Marshall HS, Falls Church
Learn about supports for all students but particularly for those with disabilities and their families.
Register: after spring break
Plan Ahead — Chat with an Attorney about Special Education
Tue. Apr. 24, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Free 45-minute appointments are available for parents to receive guidance from an attorney on special education topics.
Register: https://form.jotform.com/
IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course
Mon. Apr. 1 to 22, with access 24/7
Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings including many practical strategies.
Register:: https://www.tickettailor.com/
Sibshops— For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Sat. Apr. 2, 9 am-noon, Sully CC, 13800 Wall Rd, Herndon
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Medication for ADHD: How to Run Carefully Controlled Trials
Tue. Apr. 9, 10-11 am
Preview the video provided on this topic to get the most out of the discussion. Pay what you can fee $.
Register: https://lp.
Lexia Parent Night
Tue. Apr. 9, evening
Learn how to support your child’s reading, and about Lexia, a computer program FCPS teachers use to aid literacy instruction.
Access: https://lexialearning.zoom.us/
A Parent's Guide to Building Emotional Resilience
Thu. Apr. 11, 9-10 am
Consider what emotional well-being means, how to expand a “window of tolerance,” and how to manage emotions well.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Thu.. Apr. 11, 8-9 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl04112024.
Supporting the Learning and Recreational Needs of Twice Exceptional (2e) Learners During the Summer
Fri. Apr. 12, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about the kinds and benefits of summer enrichment for 2e students with opportunities in FCPS and elsewhere.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Spring Forward: Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Family Fun Day
Sat, Apr. 13, 8:30 am-2:00 pm, 10900 Univ. Blvd, Manassas
Foster, adoptive, and kinship families will have age appropriate fun for kids and youth, with expert sessions for parents. $ varies
National Museum of the United States Army's "At Ease" Program
Sat. Apr. 13, 4-6 pm,
A hands-on special educational program and docent-led tours will be available.
Tickets: https://tickets.thenmusa.org/
An Introduction to Virginia and North Carolina Special Education for Military-Connected Families
Mon. Apr. 15, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn the steps of the special education process and the parent role in developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Medication for ADHD: Side effects, Un-even Coverage, and Discontinuation Trials
Tue. Apr. 16, 10-11 am
Preview the video provided on this topic to get the most out of the discussion. Pay what you can fee $.
Register: https://lp.
Mathspace Mastery: Elevate Independent Learning and SOL Prep
Tue. Apr. 16, 10:00-11:30 am
See how Mathspace fosters independent learning at every grade, and how your student can use it to prepare for an SOL
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Your Voice Matters! — In Spanish
¡Su Voz Vale!
Martes, 16 de abril, 6:30-8:00 pm
Aprenda sobre la defensa, incluidos enfoques prácticos y efectivos para interactuar con la escuela de su hijo que beneficiarán a su hijo y su familia.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Meet the Author Series: Gifted and Distractible with Julie Skolnick
Tue. Apr. 16, 7-8 pm
Consider how out-of-the-box thinkers may have behavioral issues and need different teaching and learning methods.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
How to Survive and Thrive on Your Family Vacation
Tue. Apr. 16, 7:30-9:00 pm
Gain tips on how to plan, when and how to change plans, and how to set the kids up for success while away.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Autism and Sleep – Research Updates
Wed. Apr. 17, 1 pm
Gain research updates on co-occurring sleep disturbances and autism.
Register: https://autism.org/autism-and-
When to Worry About Your Worrier: A Roadmap for Recognizing and Supporting Children and Adolescents Struggling with Anxiety
Wed. Apr. 17, 7:00-8:30 pm
Learn how symptoms might manifest at different ages and effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/
Family Engagement Summit
Sat. Apr. 20, 9 am-4 pm
The focus will be on building effective support systems and ways to create synergy for student success. Raffles.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/
From Past Challenges to Future Successes: Strategizing to Advance Inclusion
Tue. Apr. 23, 2 pm
Learn about challenges with inclusion, and data-supported practices to advance inclusion and to support staff.
Register: https://thearc-org.zoom.us/
Social Security Basics
Wed. Apr. 24, 9:00-10:30 am
Learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security, benefits for adults with disabilities, including how to apply.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/
Early Childhood Academy — For families of young children with disabilities
Apr. 26 to May 31— self paced course
Learn practical information to help you help your child develop skills to be successful in life.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/
Storytime Reading: Gizmo's Pawesome Guide to Mental Health
Sat. Apr. 27, 11 am-noon, 5049 Waterway Dr, Dumfries
This book introduces for youth (age 5-11) the ideas of mental health, healthy coping, and trusted adults who can help.
Register: https://gizmo04272024.
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Sun.. Apr. 28, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs; and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl04282024.
Medication for ADHD: Coexisting ADHD, Anxiety and Autism
Tue. April 30, 10-11 am
Preview the video provided on this topic to get the most out of the discussion. Pay what you can fee $.
Register: https://lp.
Counseling Services in Virginia: How to Get the Help You Desire
Tue. Apr. 30, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about the types of therapy and how to locate and become involved with mental health treatment services in VA.
Register; https://docs.google.com/forms/
ONGOING AND ON-DEMAND
Sensory Rooms at Fairfax County Community Centers
These calming and relaxing rooms provide interactive ways to promote physical and intellectual development.
Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/
Lorton Community Center Sensory Room Schedule
Sully Community Center Sensory Room Schedule: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/
Jim Scott (Providence) Community Center Sensory Room Schedule
Accommodations for Recreational Classes and Camps with Fairfax County Parks
Accommodations include physical accessibility, ASL interpreters, assistive devices, sensitivity training for classmates, and staff training.
To request accommodations: 703 324-8563
Scholarships for Classes with Fairfax County Parks
Children of families that receive public assistance (medicaid, free school lunch, SNAP, TANF) are eligible to take one set of classes per quarter for a $15 fee.
Information: https://www.
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. Scholarship: https://
Purchase: https://
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
24/7 Access: https://www.youtube.
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.
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.
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and strategies for effective advocacy. $50-$90
Info: https://www.wrightslaw.
Advanced Training in Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
Participants will learn how to use the ALSUP assessment and how to solve problems collaboratively. $149
Access: https://vimeo.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://
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/
Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.
Fairfax County Community Connect
https://www.communityconnect.
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
Arlington Epilepsy Support Group, a list-serve, can be accessed at https://groups.google.com/g/
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.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/
Cafés Virtuales Para Padres: Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm. Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación: BuildingStrongerFamilies@
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 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom. 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://www.
Embark in the DC Metro Parent Support Group is for parents of children and youth with mental health challenges. It meets virtually on alternate Thursdays, noon-1 pm. Register: https://www.embarkbh.com/
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/FxKinSupport
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.eventbrite.com/e/
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 educación y apoyo a padres en española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 am en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
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-
Infinity ABA Parent Connect, for families with a child with autism, meets online on the 2nd Thursday monthly at 7:00-8:30 pm. Guest speakers, discussions, and resources. Register: https://www.infinityaba.com/
Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 3rd Thursday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@
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/
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.
Family Support Group for Parents of Youth meets the 1st and 3rd Sundays monthly at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com .
NAMI Family Support Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays on Zoom for parents of children living with mental health challenges including ADHD, ASD, etc. https://zoom.us/j/94509229914
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. Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
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, 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-
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@
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-
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 .
- Wednesday, April 24
- Thursday, May 2
- Friday, May 3
- Friday, May 17
- Monday, May 20
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