Parent Information Relating to Special Education
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted. In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
When other events become available they will be posted at: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
Plan Ahead — Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences Thu. Nov. 7, 6:00-8:30 pm, Gum Springs CC 8100 Fordsom Rd, Alexandria. Kinship families can learn how to strengthen resilience and improve the wellbeing of children you are caring for who have been affected by trauma. Family dinner & childcare. Register by Nov.1: 703-246-4653 or KFI@FairfaxCounty.gov
Plan Ahead — Kids Adoption Network Conference — For adults and children Sat, Nov. 16, 9:00 am-4:30 pm, McLean Sch. 8224 Lochinver Ln. Potomac, MD. We will explore the challenges adoptees face in sharing their stories and explore using music, art, movement and story-telling. $75 includes lunch Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/kan-conference-2019/
Mornings Matter with ADHD— Webinar or Webinar Recording Fri. Nov. 1, noon-1:30 pm Can’t attend? Register and receive the recording via email one day after the live webinar. Learn why and how to give mornings the attention they deserve in families with ADHD. Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8148428298529188365
Irritability in Children and Youth: How to Help Children Cope Fri., Nov. 1, 10 am-noon, FCPS PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring Learn about the psychological processes that underlie irritability and strategies for children and youth to use to cope. Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
Real Estate & Your Special Needs Trust — With Webinar Option Fri. Nov. 1, 10:00 am-noon, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls Church Five panelists will discuss how property and real estate can be handled in Special Needs Trusts to increase housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Register: https://thearcofnovatrust.org/events/
Circle of Support Conference Sat. Nov. 2, 8:00 am-3:30 pm, Hylton HS 14051 Spriggs Rd. Woodbridge This is a conference for families of individuals with special needs and the professionals who serve them.Register: www.arcGPW.org $25-$90
Sibshops Mon. Nov. 4, 9 am-noon, Providence Community Ctrr. 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax OR Gum Springs Community Center 8100 Fordson Rd, Alexnadris These workshop are for brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
Plan Ahead — Parents’ Night Out Sat. Nov. 9, 4:30-8:30 pm, McLean Pres. Ch. 1020 Balls Hill Rd. McLean Adoptive, foster and kinship parents may enjoy an evening while trained, background-checked volunteers care for their children ages 12 & under. Register by Nov 5: ProjectBelongVA.org/fpno
Growing Up with Learning Challenges Wed. Nov. 6, 7:30-9:00 pm, Lab Sch. 4759 Reservoir Rd, NW, Wash. DC Learn about the typical emotional and behavioral consequences of learning challenges that should be addressed for long term health. Register: https://www.labschool.org/page/outreach/lecture-series
Familias reunidas — 4 jueves en español 7 de nov. al 5 de dic. 6:00-8:30 pm, Kilby ES 1800 Horner Rd. Woodbridge Unase con otros padres y jóvenes que se han reunido recientemente para hablar de temas como obtener comportamiento positivo y mejorar la comunicación con su hijo. Registrarse: contactar a Aurea Galvan Palacios 703-820-9001×105. agalvanpalacios@scanva.org
Social Emotional Learning Wed. Nov 6, 9-11 am, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn Learn about the five core competencies of social-emotional learning and how these can enhance students’ ability to manage daily tasks and challenges. Register: https://www.lcps.org/parentresourceservices or 571-252-6540
Plan Ahead — Kinship Café Wed. Nov. 13, 6-8 pm, Mott Center 12111 Braddock Rd. Fairfax Dinner and discussion for kinship caregivers and their family. Separate activities and games for children of all ages. Register by Wed, Nov 6: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/EReg/Registration.aspx?groupID=27
Raising a Screen Smart KidThu, Nov. 7, 6:30-8:30 pm, FCPS PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring Embrace the good and avoid the bad in the digital age by helping your kids learn various ways to navigate the digital world. Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
Life Stages Planning: Financial, Quality of Life and Legal Considerations Sat. Nov. 9, 10 am-noon, Autism Society 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton Register: https://www.asnv.org/education
Growth Mindset Workshop: Pushing Through Frustration Sat. Nov. 9, 1:30-3:00 pm, StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean 4th & 5th graders can learn what a “growth mindset” is, why it matters, and techniques to help them push through frustration. Register: https://thestudypro.com/workshops/
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Beginning Your Journey Fri. Nov. 8, 10 am-noon, FCPS PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring Find out more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including those students’ unique learning styles and effective strategies to use in the home and classroom, Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
Plan Ahead — An Overview of Section 504 Plans Mon. Nov. 11, 9:00-10:30 am, TCW, Rm. 134, 3801 W. Braddock St. Alexandria Learn how a 504 Plan can support students with learning differences. Register by Nov. 7: email janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us or phone 703-824-0129
Which Words Do We Teach? Core and Fringe Vocabulary for AAC Mon. Nov. 11, 9-11 am OR 6-8 pm, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn This session explores the approach of focusing instruction on the most frequently used words and those that have the most impact for each student. Register: https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=179754
Special Education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School Wed. Nov. 13, 6:30-8:30 pm, FCPS PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring Learn the basics about special education, including how children qualify, how to advocate for your child, and important roles, terms, and processes. Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
Specialized Math In Action: Strategies for Parents Thu. Nov. 14, 9-11 am, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn Learn about specialized math and ways to reinforce the learning of math via fun, creative family activities.Register: https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=179754
Bullying Behavior and CyberbullyingThu. Nov. 14, 6:30-8:30 pm, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn Learn about bullying and cyberbullying prevention, services, and resources that are provided by school counselors and law enforcement. Register: https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=179754
Building Success in Physical Education Fri. Nov. 15, 10 am-noon, FCPS PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring Learn fun activities for the whole family to get your child moving while reinforcing a wide range of skills needed to participate in physical education. Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
How Can Pictures, Sounds, and Actions Support Language Development with AAC Mon. Nov. 18, 9-11 am OR 6-8 pm, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn This session explores how to pair pictures and sounds with meaningful experiences to teach what words mean and how to use them Register: https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=179754
Specialized Math Strategies for Parents Mon. Nov. 18, 6-8 pm, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn Learn about specialized math and ways to reinforce the learning of math via fun, creative family activities. Register: https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=179754
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents Thu. Nov. 19, 9:00 -10:30 am, ALLY Advocacy #625, 601 Catoctin Cir. NE, Leesburg, Connect with fellow special needs parents who are business owners to build your referral network, share best practices and discuss public relations. Information: https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
Angst Movie Screening and Panel Discussion Tue. Nov. 19, 6-8 pm, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church 6304 Lee Chapel Rd, Burke Enjoy a pizza dinner followed by the screening and an expert panel to answer questions and offer resources. Register: https://abidingpresence.net/angst
A Closer Look at Differential Reinforcement and How It Can Change Behavior Wed. Nov. 20, 9-11 am, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn Learn how to use the principles of reinforcement to increase appropriate behaviors and reduce undesirable behaviors. Register: https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=179754
Parenting Through Challenging Times Fri. Nov. 22,10 am-noon, FCPS PRC 2334 Gallows Rd. Door 1, Dunn Loring Support your child through life’s ups and downs by showing how to transform feelings of being anxious and stressed to calm, confident and compassionate. Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
How Should an AAC System Be Organized and How Can I Teach My Child How to Use It? Mon. Nov. 25, 9-11 am OR 6-8 pm, LCPS Admin. Bldg. 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn This session will focus on practicing the skill of modeling on a student’s communication system. Register: https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=179754
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 respected.
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly in Falls Church. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Jenny ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com or call 703-472-4678.
- Burke CHADD Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and Family Members Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. Contact Kim Griffin: kimberlyrgriffin@yahoo.com
- Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 2nd Wed. of the month in Sterling. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or blittle@windingroadcoaching.com
- West Fairfax CHADD Evening Parent Support Group 3rd Thur. of each month at 7:30 pm Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.
- West Fairfax CHADD Morning Parent Support Group 1st Tues. of each month at 10:30 am Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.
- CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6-8 pm in Alexandria Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm in Alexandria. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support Group for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. 7:30 pm every Tues. Room 201.1 Fairfax County Courthouse – call 703-246-2495.
Kinship Caregivers Support Group 2nd & 4th Thur. monthly, 6:30-8:00 pm, South County Gov. Ctr. Rm. 220, 8350 Richmond Hgwy, Alexandria. Free dinner and resources. Register 1 week ahead: KFI@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-246-4653
Kinship Café – meets monthly on the 2nd Wed. in Fairfax. Free dinner. Activities for children and discussion for adults. Register 1 week ahead by calling 703-246-4653 or online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/EReg/Registration.aspx?groupID=27
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families. Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Naomi 703-862-9588 verdugo.naomi@gmail.com
OCD Family Support Group 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: familygroupocd@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859.
Northern Virginia Tourette Support Group meets the 2nd Sunday of each month at noon at the Chantilly Public Library. Contact: mark.bramer@gmail.com
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) meeting times and location posted at: https://poac-nova.org/events/
