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/

January 

Upcoming PEATC Workshops

Click the titles to register.

Special Education Workshop Series - New Year Kickoff to Collaboration

Our quarterly SPED Series is designed to help families understand special education processes, rights, and tools that help students in preparing them for further education, employment, and independent living. Join us as we dive into this quarter’s topics and build stronger partnerships for student success.

  January 14 - From Referral to Eligibility

Learn how the process begins and what to expect every step of the way.

  January 28 - Anatomy of an IEP

Break down each section of the IEP so you know what matters most.

  February 11 - Measurable IEP Goals

Understand about developing meaningful goals and why they’re essential to progress.

  February 25 - The Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings

Get strategies for effective communication and collaboration at the table.

 March 11 - Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia

Explore your rights and the tools available when disagreements arise.

Sessions will start at 6:30 pm and will last 1 to 1.5 hours.

These webinars will be presented on Zoom. They will not be recorded.

Cracking the Code: 504s and IEPs

Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Confused about the difference between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? You’re not alone!

Join us for a webinar that decodes these school supports. We’ll break down what each option is designed to do, who qualifies, the services and accommodations they offer, and how each one helps unlock success for students with disabilities. Uncover clues to help you determine which option might be the best match for your child’s learning needs and walk away with key information to make confident decisions and to advocate for your child.

This webinar will be presented on Zoom. It will not be recorded.

Disability Benefits: Virginia's Medicaid Waivers

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm

There are state government benefits available to individuals with disabilities. It’s important to understand that benefits such as personal assistance and community support can play an important role in planning for the future. Navigating state disability services can be difficult, time-consuming, and overwhelming. This workshop explains Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, eligibility for services, and how to obtain this state benefit.

*Spanish interpretation available*

Presented by PEATC in partnership with Winchester Public Schools

This webinar will be presented on Zoom. It will not be recorded.

Addressing Behaviors Confidently

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Learn How to Help Your Child Be Successful at Home & School!

This presentation will teach the basics of social and emotional skills like coping with feelings and making decisions. We’ll share tips and examples on:

• Responding to Interfering Behaviors & Big Emotions

• Support and Tools to Help at Home and School

• School Behavior Support Options (FBAs & BIPs)

*IN-PERSON WORKSHOP*

Location:

The OAK Family Resource Center

15 S Oak Avenue

Highland Springs, Virginia 23075

Presented by PEATC in partnership with Henrico County Public Schools

An Introduction to ABLEnow

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Join PEATC for a free information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program. During this session, Brittany Bullock, Senior Marketing Specialist with ABLEnow, will cover the answers to these questions and more:

• What are ABLE accounts?

• Who is eligible?

• How can I use the money in an ABLE account?

• What are the features and benefits of ABLEnow?

• How can I learn more and open an account?

More independence, greater financial security, and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building.

Addressing Behaviors Confidently

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Every child has big feelings and sometimes these escalate into challenging behaviors. In this webinar, we will share different ways to look at behavior and how to support your child’s growth and development at home and school.

Learn how to calm tough moments, make daily routines smoother, and school support options including FBAs (Functional Behavioral Assessments) and BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans). You’ll walk away with helpful ideas and resources you can start using right away – and a clearer understanding of how to partner with your child’s teachers to set your child up for success.

Presented by PEATC in collaboration with Montgomery County Public Schools Parent Resource Center

This webinar will be presented on Zoom. It will not be recorded.

PEATC and the Virginia Department Of Education (VDOE) Training Opportunities

Click the dates to register.

January 5, 2026 - January 26, 2026

The IEP process can be difficult and stressful. Conflict may occur as a result of managing emotions while simultaneously following policy and procedures. IEP University was developed to help provide families and professionals with accurate and useful information around IEP development and meetings. This self-paced training takes about 6 hours to complete and can be accessed online anytime during the 3-week timeframe.

January 5, 2026 - January 26, 2026

Attention, SEAC Members and Advisors (and parents or professionals who may be interested)! We are pleased to offer this online SEAC training aimed at helping SEAC members understand the role of the local Special Education Advisory Committee in Virginia and to build a more efficient and effective advisory committee. This self-paced training takes about 6 hours to complete and can be accessed online anytime during the 3-week timeframe.

January 5, 2026 - January 26, 2026

Families of children receiving special education services find themselves in a world of complicated policies, confusing acronyms and terms, and piles of paperwork. The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child’s best advocate. This self-paced training takes about 6 hours to complete and can be accessed online anytime during the 3-week timeframe.

February 6, 2026 - March 13, 2026

Early Childhood Academy is for families of young children (birth through age six) with disabilities & developmental delays. You are your child’s first and most important teacher and you help set a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success! In this online course, families of children with disabilities learn about supporting their child’s early learning and development and preparing them for kindergarten and beyond. This self-paced training takes about 7 hours to complete and can be accessed online anytime during the 5-week timeframe.

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 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 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

Autism Society of NoVA padres y proveedores de cuidado del grupo de apoyo en españo 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 director@asnv.org .

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.

• 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:  https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/

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/event/dc-metro-virtual-parent-support-group/

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

Formed Families Together hosts monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805

Foster the Family Support Group for foster and adoptive moms meets the 2nd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm in Falls Church. Childcare is provided. Register:  https://www.fosterthefamilydc.org/supportgroups

Grupo de educación y apoyo a padres en español se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 am en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682

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

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/events/

Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 1st Wednesday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov 

Mesothelioma Veterans Center resources on talking to kids about cancer: https://www.mesotheliomaveterans.org/veterans/talking-to-kids-about-cancer/

Military Families Support Group meets the 3rd Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for 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.  

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 

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/5687947368  

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 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 to learn the current location.

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

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-4778134

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 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