Parent Resources

 

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/

All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.

Sibshops— For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Mon. Nov. 1, 10~11:30 am OR 1:00~2:30 pm
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctOPsB7iweUH1B3GLgMHO9ksvoZhXKS6TYLHvuQinIYOdIWA/viewform?utm_name=

What Did You Say? Differentiating Auditory Processing Disorder from ADHD in Children
Tue. Nov. 2, 1 pm, with replay link
APD and ADHD are distinct conditions that do coexist but require different responses. Learn about the various types of APD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/auditory-processing-disorder-adhd-in-children/?

Learning to be Flexible and Resilient
Wed. Nov. 3, 6:30 pm
A presentation by the Parent Resource Center at Alexandria Public Schools.
Access: https://acpsk12.zoom.us/j/93232174038?pwd=dUhVVU0rNjF0TVZ0RnBwYWhEYnRTUT09

What Do You Say?: How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home
Wed. Nov. 3, 7 pm
The authors will introduce their new book including some of the basic principles and new ways to handle some thorny topics.
Access: https://www.mcleanschool.org/events/community-eduction-series/

Meet the Trustee
Thu. Nov. 4, 10 am OR 7 pm
This is a yearly event to allow the public to hear The Arc of NOVA’s Trustee, KeyBank, answer questions about special needs trusts.
Register for 10 am: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O_cII0QOSoCsNpaz1_Gchg
Register for 7 pm: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mOkP-zgwS8OLY5uvKVmOSw

Placing Real Estate in a Special Needs Trust (SNT)
Fri. Nov. 5, 10 am-noon
Learn how property is handled in a SNT to increase housing options for an individual with disabilities.
Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OSW8VnURSnS_yBJdtNeH8g

Circle of Support Conference
Sat. Nov. 6, 10 am-noon
A keynote will be followed by a variety of pre-recorded workshops focused on caring for individuals with ID or DD.
Register: https://arcgpw.org/circle-of-support/

Growth Mindset to Push Through Frustration — for 4th & 5th Graders
Sat. Nov. 6, 1:30-3:00 pm, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean
Students will learn what a growth mindset is, why it matters, what to do when they get stuck and how to “push through” frustration.
Basics of the Medicaid Waiver
Mon. Nov. 8, 10 am
Learn what Waivers are, the services they offer, how to apply, and how to deal with the waiting lists for services.
Good Enough Parenting with Elementary Aged Kids
Mon. Nov. 8, 8:15 -9:15 pm
Topics such as healthy screen use,  self esteem, limit setting, peer relationships, emotional outbursts, etc. will be discussed via Q & A.
Introduction to Supporting Those At Risk 
Tue. Nov. 9, 7-8 pm
Learn how to support someone in your life who has had suicidal thoughts and/or a past suicide attempt.
A Parent’s Guide to Problem-Solving School Behavior Struggles
Wed. Nov. 10, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn the steps to take to collaborate with the school to structure and monitor a positive and effective behavior action plan.
Non-Traditional School Options Panel
Wed. Nov. 10, 7:00-8:30 pm
Hear about homeschooling, fully virtual school, and non-traditional private schools from a panel of staff and parents from those programs.
REVIVE! Training 
Nov. 13,18, OR 23 at various times
Learn what to do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards.  Supplies may be provided.
Special Needs Trusts (SNT)
Mon. Nov. 15, 10 am
Learn how a SNT can safeguard government benefits while ensuring your (adult) child’s future needs and interests are met.
Emotionally Naked Truth About Suicide
Mon, Nov 15,  7:00-8:15 pm
Learn the often veiled ways youth cry for help, how to respond, and what to do long term to help teens develop resilience to stress.
Reimagine Our National Response to People in Crisis
Tue.-Thu. Nov. 16-18,
Join efforts to elevate crisis response and coordinate advocacy to establish and fully fund our country’s 988 crisis response systems.
Navigating Systems
Tue. Nov. 16, 2:00-2:45 pm
A former student with a disability who is now an entrepreneur with an MBA will describe the complex systems he continues to navigate.
Overcoming IEP Roadblocks
Tue. Nov. 16, 6-8 pm Herndon Fortmightly Library 768 Center St. Herndon
Send questions on this topic by 11/14 to COLdhamWautismfirstus.com
The Science of Reading:  How Instruction Re-Wires the Brain
Wed. Nov. 17, 7-8 pm
Gain an understanding of the learning-to-read process so as to help guide decisions on how to recognize and respond to a child’s reading disability.
REVIVE! Training 
Tue. Nov. 23, 3 pm
Learn what to do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards.  Supplies may be provided.

Ongoing and On Demand

Family Coaching — 8-12 week program
Work weekly one-on-one with a coach to identify individualized goals and create a targeted family plan.
Fairfax County’s Pre-Notification 9-1-1 Program 
Enroll now in this new public safety program for individuals with disabilities.
Special Education During a Pandemic
Learn what the laws specify that schools should provide, and how you can best support your child.
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
Webinar, available 24/7
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, email gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov or 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 registration fee.
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).
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.
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.

Support Groups

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

African American Culturally Focused Virtual Parent Café meets Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm.  Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720 

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 ARLepilepsy@googlegroups.com

Autism Dads meets one evening monthly.  Contact:  George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com

Autism Society of NoVA Support Group 2nd Saturday of the month, noon-1 pm via Zoom.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682; Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592

Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 9:00-10:30 am Via Zoom.  Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices.  Contact:  https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/ 

Cafés Virtuales Para Padres:  Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm.  Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación:   BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov o 703-324-7720 

CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

  • Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group  4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm.  Contact:  Susan,  ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com  or call 303-903-9972.
  • Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Sun. evening of the month.  Contact:  Bonnie Little  571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
  • 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.gov or call 703-799-2882.

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:  http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eh2rnzqrk9vdghmb/a0179kbgrhnj1/questions

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

Family F.I.R.S.T. Fridays Autism Support Group meets on the 1st Friday monthly, noon-12:45 at Gum Spring Library 24600 Millstream Dr. Stone Ridge

Family Recovery & Support Group meets weekly via Zoom on Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm for family and friends of those receiving CSB services for addictions.  Contact:  Natalie.Holmes@fairfaxcounty.gov   www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group

Formed Families Together consists of monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805

Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly.

In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly.

Grupo de Chat para Padres:  Unete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al GRUPO: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw   (Chat Group for Latino Parents: Join our new CHAT GROUP through the WhatsApp application and you will be able to keep up to date with everything that PEATC Latino is doing.)

Grupo de Educación y Apoyo a Padres en Española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 a.m. en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682

Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 2nd Wednesday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov .

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:  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  

OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm.  Contact:  ela.mike@verizon.net   or  call 202-215-5859

Parent Café (for all Fairfax County parents and guardians) meets via Zoom in English on Mon., 7:45-9:15 pm, and en español, miércoles, 7:00-8:30 pm.  Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720  

Parents in a Pandemic is for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges.  They meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Tuesdays.  Register:  https://thearcofnova.org/jun-dates-for-virtual-parent-support-group-meetings/

Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally.  Contact:  Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@poac-nova.org .

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