Special Education Resources

UPCOMING PEATC WORKSHOPS


Special Education Workshop Series - Winter 2024


PEATC presents this virtual workshop series for parents and professionals who want to learn more about special education in Virginia. Register once to attend some or all of the informative workshops!


Check out their whole list of Workshops on their website


March 6: How To Talk So Schools Will Listen (And Listen So Schools Will Talk)

March 20: Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia


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


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.

When other events are announced they will be posted with these at:

https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/


 March

The US Dept. of Ed. has issued clarifying guidance that schools are obligated to provide assistive technology for students with IEPs who can benefit, and that AT support includes access to it at home as well as training for students and their teachers, providers, and a family member if needed.  The full range of assistive technology is covered, from visual schedules, timers, and pencil grips to software, AAC and other devices.

Dear Colleague Letter: 

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/DCL-on-Myths-and-Facts-Surrounding-Assistive-Technology-Devices-01-22-2024.pdf

Myths and Facts Document:

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/Myths-and-Facts-Surrounding-Assistive-Technology-Devices-01-22-2024.pdf


Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting ClassFamilies with children ages 5-11 

Thursdays, Mar. 7, to June 20, 5:30-8:00 pm, 7434 Bath St. Springfield
Families increase in empathy, find new ways to foster appropriate behavior, and learn to have fun together. With dinner & childcare.  

Register:   email ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov or phone Augustina Bravo 703-324-7196 

Plan Ahead Spring Forward:  Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Family Fun Day 

Sat, Apr. 13, 8:30 am-2:00 pm, 10900 University Blvd, Manassas, $ varies

Foster, adoptive and kinship families will have age appropriate fun for kids and youth and expert sessions for parents.   Early Bird prices until Mar. 16 

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-forward-foster-adoptive-kinship-family-fun-day-tickets-266938509267      

FBA/BIP Essentials for Families

Fri. Mar. 1, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn how Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans can help kids with behavior challenges.

Register:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbKWTVbhX2-ThSHH8HtasRslxx_qYOGQD_OLz3jxJXybebSw/viewform?

Sibshops— For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs

Sat. Mar. 2, 9 am-noon, 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax 

Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities. 

Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/sibshops-exciting-person-workshop-brothers-and-sisters-children-special-needs-4?

IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course

Mon. Mar. 4 to Mon. Mar. 25, with access 24/7

Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings including many practical strategies. 

Register:  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1152747?

Building Strong Parent Advocates Self-Paced Course

Mon. Mar. 4 to Mon. Mar. 25, with access 24/7

Build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while being empowered to be your child’s best advocate.

Register:  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1141257?

Assistive Technology and Reasonable Accommodation — in Spanish

Tecnología de Asistencia y Adaptaciones Razonables

Lunes, 4 de marzo, 6 pm

Aprenda cómo participar en la elección de procesos y materiales que ayudarán a su hijo a aprender en el hogar y en la escuela.

Registrate:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wPSyuuarQs6PZAkbffp2ng#/registration



A Place to Play: Working Towards Fairness of Place for All Children

Tue. Mar. 5, noon

Learn from a panel about the importance of play spaces and community-led solutions to address gaps in equity.

Register:  https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A4tAysNUQz653solHDM5Vw#/registration

Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings — In Spanish

Dentro y Fuera de las Reuniones del IEP

Martes, 5 de marzo, 6:30-8:00 pm

Aprenda qué esperar de una reunión del IEP, cómo prepararse para ella, y cómo trabajar juntos después para apoyar a su estudiante.

Registrarse:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KdiKGWcrRdSRwOECufsj6w?

Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Training

Wed. Mar. 6, 1 pm, & other dates and times

Be prepared for an overdose! Learn how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards.  Receive supplies.

Register:  www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive

The Gut, Autism, and Mental Health

Wed. Mar. 6, 1 pm

Learn about the relationship between the gut-brain axis, mental health, and autism.

Register:  https://autism.org/gut-autism/

Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Mar. 6, 6:30-8:00 pm

Learn about the benefits of high expectations, what measurable goals are, and why monitoring progress is so important.

Register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VdwCCnd9QNWtq3_nGEQx2g?

How to Talk So Schools Will Listen (And Listen So Schools Will Talk)

Wed. Mar. 6, 6:30-8:00 pm

Discover communication techniques, prevent barriers to communication, and build agreements around difficult problems.

Register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VdwCCnd9QNWtq3_nGEQx2g?

Health Equity in ADHD: Addressing Racial Disparities in Diagnosis & Treatment

Thu. Mar. 7, 3:30 pm

Learn what parents of kids with ADHD need to know to find appropriate providers and ensure proper care and treatment

Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/health-equity-adhd-diagnosis-treatment/

Nurturing Parenting Class —Families with children ages 5-11 

Thursdays, Mar. 7 to Jun. 20, 5:30-8:00 pm, 7434 Bath St. Springfield 

Families increase their empathy, find new ways to foster appropriate behavior, build self-esteem, and learn to have fun together.  

Register:   email ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov or phone  Augustina Bravo 703-324-7196

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Regulations

Thu. Mar. 7,  6:00-7:30 pm

Learn about the HCBS Final Rule, person-centered plans, the modifications process, provider requirements, and more.

Register:  https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/9d96caca-fe54-49a5-867d-37cc2420a182@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309

Understanding Special Education — for Military Families

Thu. Mar. 7, 6:30-8:00 pm

Learn the steps of the special education process, and gain practical strategies for participating effectively in IEP meetings.

Register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rr5r8gtJRByAcw1qmfRVQQ#/registration

Morning at the Museum — National Museum of American History

Sat. March 9, 8:30-10:00 am, 1300 Constitution Ave. Washington, DC

Families with students with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities may explore the exhibits and sensory-friendly activities. 

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smithsonians-morning-at-the-museum-at-american-history-tickets-840563416807?aff=oddtdtcreator

Summer Resource Fair for Families of Students with Disabilities

Sat. Mar. 9, 9 am-noon, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn

Explore summer camps, classes, and activities offered through government agencies and nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

Register:  https://bit.ly/3OCjCtb

Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs — in Spanish

Diez cosas que debe saber sobre un IEP

Miércoles, 13 de marzo, 6:30-8:00 pm

A child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) which their parents help develop! Learn how to help.

Registrate:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KdiKGWcrRdSRwOECufsj6w?

Talk Saves Lives:  An introduction to Suicide Prevention

Thu. Mar. 14, 7-8 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond. 

Register: https://ncactsl03142024.attendease.com

Discover Independence with the TFIL Team — in Spanish

¡Descubre la Independencia con el Equipo TFIL para Hablantes de Español!

Jueves, 14 de Marzo, 7 pm

Descubra cómo la aplicación Arc2Independence puede ayudar a su hijo a ganar más independencia de forma segura.

Registrarse:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdeuvqzksGN1-8M0O3ulLpQnWB67f2lsH#/registration

Taming Tantrums and More — For Elementary Families

Fri. Mar. 15, 10:00-11:30 am

Gain strategies to turn meltdowns into moments that help you feel 'ta-da!'

Register:  https://www.fcps.edu/event/behavior-solutions-series-taming-tantrums-and-more-elementary-families?

Opioid Overdose and Naloxone EducationTraining — in Spanish

Entrenamiento Narcan

Viernes, 15 de marzo, 2 pm

Aprenda qué hacer en una situación de sobredosis, cómo administrar naloxona y qué hacer después. Se pueden proporcionar suministros.

Registrarse:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive

Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia

Wed. Mar. 20, 6:30-8:00 pm

Learn about the various dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option. 

Register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VdwCCnd9QNWtq3_nGEQx2g?

What I've Learned About Bullying: Autistic Self-Advocate Stephen Shore Speaks Out

Tue. Mar. 19, 7:00-8:30 

Dr.Shore, an autistic professor of special education, has held board positions at several autism organizations.

Register:  https://xminds.org/event-5605255

How Games Can Help Teach Social Skills

Wed. Mar. 20, 1 pm

Playing games is a key part of child development. Fostering game skills can help autistic kids engage with peers.

Register:  https://autism.org/how-games-can-help-teach-social-skills/

How to Address "Common" Issues Facing LGBTQ+ Families and Keeping Up Contemporary LGBTQ+ Language         $0-$15

Thu. Mar. 21, 1:00-2:30 pm, Use coupon code EXPLORE 

Gain an understanding of concepts that accompany the lives of LGBTQ+ youth, and wisdom to care for these youth.

Register:  https://adoptionsupport.org/resource/event/syf-webinar-how-to-address-common-issues-facing-lgbtq-families-and-keeping-up-contemporary-lgbtq-language/

Talk Saves Lives:  An introduction to Suicide Prevention

Sun. Mar. 24, 4-5 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond. 

Register: https://ncactsl03242024.attendease.com

New Stewards of Children Child Protection Training

Mon. Mar. 25, noon

Learn 5 Steps to Protecting Children™ and how to apply them to better protect children from child sexual abuse.

Register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvf-GsrDMuHtRDqxNUxswJW49aIu2zcWUw#/registration

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/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement





Ongoing and On Demand Classes

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/ncs_tracers/up/ProgramListing.aspx?pDGID=2#2

Lorton Community Center Sensory Room Schedule

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/sites/neighborhood-community-services/files/Assets/documents/Calendars/Lorton%20Community%20Center%20Calendar.pdf

Sully Community Center Sensory Room Schedule:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/sites/neighborhood-community-services/files/Assets/documents/Calendars/Sully%20Community%20Center%20Calendar.pdf

Jim Scott (Providence) Community Center Sensory Room Schedule

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/sites/neighborhood-community-services/files/Assets/documents/Calendars/Jim%20Scott%20Community%20Center%20Calendar.pdf

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/download/adhd-new-school-year-for-parents/

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://thearcus.surveymonkey.com/r/H7WNHB7

Purchase:  https://thearcatschool.org/advocacy-curriculum/?

Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape

24/7 Access:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs

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.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand

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.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/childrens-challenging-behaviors/

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.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm   

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/ondemand/2dayjan22  

The Parent Playbook9 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://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm

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/911/emergency-health-profile

Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.

Fairfax County Community Connect 

https://www.communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county

The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts.




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


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

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