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/
Prepare Ahead — DMV Connect Comes to The Arc of Northern VirginiaFri. Mar. 13, 9 am-2 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200 Falls ChurchPlan now to get your documents in order to use DMV Connect to apply for drivers’ licenses; ID cards and other documents for adults, children, and veterans.Information: Allie Shelby at 703-208-1119 ext. 101
I Can Bike After-School ProgramVarious weeks in March-May at some middle schools in Fairfax CountyThis program uses adapted bicycles, a special instructional program, and trained staff for weeklong trainings for children with disabilities.Info. & registration: https://icanshine.org/ican-bike-fcps-fairfax-va/
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)Mar. 4 & 5, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, McLean Govt. Ctr. 1437 Balls Hill Rd. McLean ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and how to help them create a plan to support their immediate safety. Register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/applied-suicide-intervention-skills-training-asist-tickets-74987687191 or 703-538-3215
Mental Health 101: Navigating Mental Health Services for Your Child or AdolescentThu. Mar. 5, 7-9 pm, Ross Center 1595 Spring Hill Rd. ViennaLearn about assessment and treatment options for therapy, how to choose a therapist or psychiatrist, and when to consider medication or testing.Register: https://www.rosscenter.com/event/mentalhealth101/
Special Education: Understanding the Process Fri. Mar. 6, 10 am-noon, Parent Resource Ctr. 2334 Gallows Rd. # 1, Dunn LoringFind out about special education, how children qualify for it, and the roles of various individuals in developing special education plans.Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
Achieving Independence Through Technology — With Webinar OptionFri. Mar. 6, 10 am-noon, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200 Falls ChurchLearn about applications that allow people with disabilities to work and travel more independently, including TravelMate and EmployMate.Register: https://thearcofnovatrust.org/events/
Become a Public Speaking Pro! — For Parents and StudentsSat. Mar. 7, 1:30-2:30 pm, StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLeanLearn what it takes to become an effective public speaker in an academic or work environment and also in daily life. Fun tips and practice included.Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/become-a-public-speaking-pro-tickets-92905210987?
Language, Routines, Rewards, and Consequences to Support Your Child with ADHD at HomeTue. Mar. 10, 7:00-8:30 pm, Flint Hill Sch. 3320 Jermantown Rd. OaktonLearn language and strategies you can use at home to create positive structures that support your school-age children even during homework time.Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/language-routines-rewards-consequences-to-support-your-child-with-adhd-tickets-94260516743
Managing Stress in ChildrenWed. Mar. 11, 7:00-8:30 pm, Auburn Sch. 3800 Concorde Pkwy. #500, ChantillyLearn about the signs and symptoms of stress in children and how to avoid stressful conditions for your child. Register: https://www.theauburnschool.org/speakerseries
Playing with Math: Brain-Based Strategies to Improve Math SkillsWed. Mar. 11, 7:30-9:00 pm, Lab Sch. 4759 Reservoir Rd, NW, Wash. DCLearn how to decrease math anxiety and build math skills by using a brain based perspective to keep math fun, interactive and meaningful.Register: https://www.labschool.org/community-and-resources/lecture-series
The Good News About Bad BehaviorThu. Mar. 12, 12:45-1:15 pm, StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLeanLearn why kids are having difficulty with self-control, and both why and how to give up control so that they can learn to control themselves.Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-good-news-about-bad-behavior-tickets-95386157565
Supported Decision Making in Education and Vocational Rehabilitation — with Webinar and Recorded Options Thu. Mar. 12, noon–1 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200 Falls ChurchLearn how to put supported decision making into action at all levels of schooling, as well as in pursuing employment supports. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/info-referral/workshop-series-sdm/
DMV Connect Comes to The Arc of Northern VirginiaFri. Mar. 13, 9 am-2 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200, Falls ChurchPlan now to get your documents in order to use DMV Connect to apply for drivers’ licenses; ID cards and other documents for adults, children, and veterans.Information: Allie Shelby at 703-208-1119 ext. 101
The ADA: A Recap in Plain Language — with Webinar & Recorded OptionsMon. Mar. 16, noon–1 pm, The Arc of Nova, 2755 Hartland Ave. #200 Falls ChurchLearn how the Americans with Disabilities Act offers protections for people with developmental disabilities. Clear, simple language and pictures will be used.Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/info-referral/ada-workshop-series/
Planning Ahead for Transitions: PreK – ES – MS – HS – Beyond!Mon. Mar. 16. 7-9 pm, Robinson SS Recital Hall, FairfaxFollowing a short Special Ed PTA meeting, learn from fellow parents on how to prepare now for your child’s transition to a new grade or school next year.Register: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org
Drugs, Alcohol, and Vaping, What Every Parent Needs to KnowFri. Mar. 20, 10 am-noon, Parent Resource Ctr. 2334 Gallows Rd. # 1, Dunn LoringLearn about trends in substance use, how students are impacted, paraphernalia to watch for, and how to talk with your kids.Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
SibshopsSat. Mar. 21, 9 am-noon, Providence CC 2001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax OR Sat. Mar. 21, 1:30-4:30 pm, Gum Springs CC 8100 Fordson Rd, AlexandriaThis workshop is for children in grades 2-5 who have siblings with special needs. Your child will meet other siblings, share experiences, and receive peer support.Register: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28019/ or 703-204-3941
Growth Mindset to Push Through Frustration — For 4th & 5th Graders Sat. Mar. 21, 1:30-3:00 pm, StudyPro 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200 McLeanLearn what a Growth Mindset is, why it matters, and what we can do when we get frustrated. Learn how to avoid, get around, or push through that frustration!Register: https://thestudypro.com/workshops/
Fitness Activities: A Parent’s Guide to Getting Your Child MovingTue. Mar. 31, 10 am-noon, Parent Resource Ctr. 2334 Gallows Rd. #1, Dunn LoringLearn 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
Save the Date —FCPS Special Education ConferenceSat. Apr. 18, Hayfield SS 7630 Telegraph Rd. AlexandriaThis large conference for parents and teachers will also include exhibits.Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/special-education-conference
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
- 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
Northern Virginia Tourette Support Group meets the 2nd Sunday of each month at noon at the Chantilly Public Library. Contact: mark.bramer@gmail.com
OCD Family Support Group 1st Monday of each month 7:30 pm. Contact: familygroupocd@varizon.net or call 202-215-5859
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) meeting times and location posted at: https://poac-nova.org/events/
