- Parent Information Relating to Special Education
- FCPS Parent Resource Center
- Multilingual Family Resources
Parent Information Relating to Special Education
The below items were provided by the Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) as of February 2023
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:
Special Education Mediation Toolkit — New Resource
Learn why, when, and how to pursue mediation to resolve a disagreement with your school division. Includes preparation forms.
Transition University — Self-Paced Course of 5 Sessions
Now through Tue. April 4, with access 24/7
Learn about the many options to maximize your child’s independence and quality of life when they age out of school.
Early Childhood Academy — For families of young children
Now through Mar. 31 — self-paced course
Learn practical information to start early to help your child with a disability to develop skills to be successful in life.
Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Mar. 1, 6:30 pm
Participants will learn how to participate in the IEP process, of writing goals to best help your student.
Tech Team Thursday
Thu. Mar. 2, noon
Learn about a free service that creates custom apps to help your child with activities of daily living and safety.
Making Math Accessible to Students with Learning Disabilities
Thu. Mar. 2, 7:00-8:30 pm $17.85
Learn about a multi-sensory approach to math using visuals and manipulatives for all grades, from preschool to college.
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It, Ask our Clients!
Fri. Mar. 3, 10 am
Learn about opening a Special Needs Trust from those who have already been through the process.
Sibshops — For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Fri. Mar. 3, 9 am-noon, PCC 3011 Vaden Dr, Fairfax
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
Making & Keeping Friends: Developing Your Child's Social Skills
Fri. Mar. 3, 10:00-11:30 am
Growth Mindset to Push Through Frustration — for 4th & 5th Graders
Sat. Mar. 4, 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.
Register: https://www.
IEP Updates
Mon. Mar. 6, 6:30-8:00 pm OR Tue. Mar. 7, 10:00-11:30 am
Find out what’s new in the FCPS process for IEPs as well as information about the Special Education Enhancement Plan.
IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course
Mon. Mar. 6 to Sun. Mar. 26, with access 24/7
Get accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings including many practical strategies.
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention
Sun. Mar. 7, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and by learning appropriate responses.
Register: https://
ADHD in Preschool: Placing All Young Children on a Path to Success
Tue. Mar 7, 5 pm
Learn how early and effective treatment can blunt the typical developmental progression seen with ADHD.
Register: https://chadd.org/
Your Student's IEP Explained, Section by Section
Tue. Mar. 7, 7:00-8:30 pm
The individual sections of an IEP will be explained along with how the different parts relate to each other. Q&A included.
Register: https://xminds.org/
How to Teach Self-Regulation and Executive Function Skills for Independent Living
Wed. Mar. 8, 1 pm
Consider making customized changes to help your child with routines for organization, motivation, sleep, and connecting with peers.
Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs — in Spanish
Diez cosas que debe saber sobre un IEP
Lunes, 8 de marzo, 7:00-8:30 pm
Comprender estas ideas puede ayudarlo a contribuir al IEP de su hijo.
From Studio to Academic Classroom: Art as a Tool for Student Success
Wed. Mar. 8, 7:00-8:30 pm, Lab School 4759 Reservoir Rd, NW Wash. DC
Explore how the visual arts are integral for students of all ages, to learn, understand, and thrive.
Parenting Tips for Supporting Students with Executive Functioning Skills
Thu. Mar. 9, 7:00-8:30 pm, 4600 N. Fairfax Dr. # 300, Arlington
Study the art of helping our children develop executive function skills and strategies while reducing conflict!
Study the art of helping our children develop executive function skills and strategies while reducing conflict!
Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep and the Developing Brain — Part 1
Tue. Mar. 14, 10:00-11:30 am
Delve into the basics of sleep and how getting enough sleep during childhood can benefit a developing brain.
Transition Lunch & Learn with A Social Security Expert
Wed. Feb. 15, noon-1:30 pm
We will focus on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), including the application process and managing benefits.
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
Wed. Mar. 15, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn what to expect at an IEP meeting, how to prepare for it, and how to work together afterwards to support your student.
Understanding Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
Wed. Mar. 15, 7:00-8:30 pm
Parents of newly diagnosed children with autism can learn how to seek neurodiversity-affirming care for their child.
Register: https://xminds.org/
Social Security Basics
Fri. Mar. 17, 10 am
Get information on the programs that provide benefits to disabled individuals, including when and how to apply.
Supporting Your Children During Stressful Times — In Spanish
Apoyando a sus hijos durante tiempos estresantes
Viernes, 17 de marzo, 10:00-11:30 am
Considere cómo reparar la relación con nuestros hijos reestructurando nuestro pensamiento y construyendo resiliencia.
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Mon, & Tue. Mar. 20 & 21, 1:00-4:30 pm, $25
Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.
Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs
Tue. Mar. 21, 10:00-11:30 am
Focus on information about substances, what you can and can’t do as a caregiver, and accessing community resources.
Register: https://docs.
ADHD Then and Now: How Our Understanding Has Evolved
Tue. Mar. 21, 1 pm, with replay link
Consider how our ideas about ADHD have changed, and practical steps to benefit our children and teens now.
How to Talk so that Schools will Listen (and Listen so that Schools will Talk) — In Spanish
Cómo hablar para que las escuelas escuchen (y escuchar para que las escuelas hablen)
Miércoles, 22 de marzo, 7-9 pm
Este taller lo ayudará a reconocer y prevenir barreras a la comunicación y a construir acuerdos en torno a problemas difíciles.
ABCs of Behavior
Thu. Mar. 23, 6-7 pm
Thu. Mar. 23, 6-7 pm
Learn about the ABCs of behavior, addressing unwanted behavior, functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans.
Disability Benefits: Social Security and Medicaid Waivers
Thu. Mar. 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
Learn about Social Security benefits and Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, including who is eligible and how to apply.
Register; https://us02web.
Thu. Mar. 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
Learn about Social Security benefits and Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, including who is eligible and how to apply.
Register; https://us02web.
Suicide Prevention: A School and Family Partnership
Fri. Mar. 24, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about youth suicide, how to respond to warning signs, and how to talk with your children about suicide.
3 Proven Coping Skills to Help Kids with Worries — for parents of children 8 and up
Thu. Mar. 9, 9-10 am
Learn about using these techniques: worry breaks, limit-setting, and
blue thoughts vs true thoughts.
Register: https://www.
Arc Reflections Class
Tuesdays, Mar. 28 to May 30, 6-8 pm
Gain tools to help children and teens learn to regulate themselves, feel connected, and build strengths.
Register: Mary Elizabeth Fleming 703-324-7870 or ParentingEducation@
Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep and the Developing Brain — Part 2
Tue. Mar. 28, 10:00-11:30 am
Delve into the basics of sleep and how getting enough sleep during childhood can benefit a developing brain.
Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
Wed. Mar. 29, 6:30-8:00
Learn about the various dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option.
Ongoing and On Demand
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
Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.
Fairfax County Community Connect
The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts.
Back-to-School ADHD Master Class — Self-Guided Course
This 10-part multimedia course has modules on accommodations, executive functions, behavior challenges, learning differences, etc.
Advanced Training in Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
Participants will learn how to use the ALSUP assessment and how to solve problems collaboratively. $149
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://
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
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 fee.
Information: https://www.
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. $50-$90
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.
Community 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@
African American Culturally Focused Virtual Parent Café meets Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.
Arlington Epilepsy Support Group, a list-serve, can be accessed at ARLepilepsy@googlegroups.
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.
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://
Cafés Virtuales Para Padres: Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm. Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación: BuildingStrongerFamilies@
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
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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@
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.
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.
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.
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@
Formed Families Together hosts a monthly peer support group for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers on the 1st Sunday evening monthly. Register: https://
Foster the Family Support Group for foster and adoptive moms meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm in Falls Church. Childcare is provided. Register: https://www.
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
Grupo de Educación y Apoyo a Padres en Española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 am en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
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://
Heads Up and Talk It Out — Teen and Parent Recovery Groups
These are concurrent virtual groups for teens (ages 14-17) who are working through emotional, mental health or substance use challenges and their parents every Thursday 6-7 pm. Info: https://www.
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.
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
Military Families Support Group meets the 3rd Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for military families of all disabled dependents. Access: https://us02web.zoom.
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/
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/
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: ela.mike@verizon.net
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
Parent Support for Raising Children meets monthly on the 3rd Monday, through Mar. 20, 1-2 pm.
This 6-month group will focus on raising a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Register: Email Carey Tompkins, tompkinscounseling@
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:30 am at the Richard Byrd Library in Springfield. RSVP to supportgroup@poac-nova.org
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/
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@
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-
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 .
FCPS Parent Resource Center
The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) offers a welcoming and engaging environment for parents, educators and community members to access information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities. Free workshops, confidential consultations and over 5,000 lending library materials available at the PRC help ensure that ALL students are inspired, engaged and thriving. Visit the FCPS PRC website for more information.
Multilingual Family Resources
Did you know that FCPS offers a Podcast in different languages?
The FCPS Multilingual Family Podcast is available in Arabic, English, Korean, & Spanish. The podcasts are produced in conjunction with the Offices for ESOL Services, Family and School Partnerships and Professional Learning and Equity. Listen to the podcast to hear timely, important information related to school news.
Family Literacy Opportunities
Fairfax County residents with limited English skills are eligible to participate in Family Literacy
The Family Literacy program is offered in two semesters of 12 weeks each. The fall semester runs from the end of September until mid-December, while the spring semester runs from late January or early February through April. Registration takes place in the fall and winter.
Parent Information Phone Lines
FCPS language lines are available in eight different languages to assist parents who do not speak English as their first language. Lines are available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu & Vietnamese.
Find the phone number at: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-information-phone-lines
Fairfax County English Language Learning Resources
Fairfax County through the Fairfax County Public Library and other agencies offers resources for English Language learning including test prep, resources for improving speaking and writing, and reading resources.