Parent Information Relating to Special Education
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted. In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
Note that The FCPS Parent Resource Center is still open, and it continues to provide direct assistance to families, educators, and community members. The staff there can help you find answers and solve problems.
Email: prc@fcps.edu Phone: 703-204-3941
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board is providing free access to Web and mobile tools to support our resilience and well-being. Appropriate for ages 13-adult. Start here: https://files.constantcontact.com/bbee573c701/92633049-c14e-4509-8384-f426ebbbfbe7.pdf
Setting the Stage for Distance Learning Success
Fri. May 1, 10 am-noon, Webinar
Learn strategies to help support your pK-12 child’s learning with realistic expectations, routines, and organizational supports.
Dr. Dan’s Support Group for Parents of Exceptional Kids
Mondays 1-2 pm, starting May 4, Online
This new support group for parents of special needs children and youth will be facilitated by a behavioral pediatrician.
Disability Benefits: VA’s Medicaid Waivers and Social Security
Mon. May 4, 7-9 pm, Webinar
Disability benefits are tricky. Learn about Social Security benefits and VA’s Medicaid Waiverswhat they are, who is eligible, and how do to apply.
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents
Friday, May 8, 9:00-10:30 am Online
Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices.
Maintaining Wellness and School Supports During COVID-19
Fri. May 8, 10 am-noon, Webinar
Learn strategies for maintaining wellness for self and family, how to notice children’s stress, activities to foster resilience, and other resources.
Motivating Responsible Behavior When Kids Are Home 24/7
Fri. May 15, 10 am-noon, Webinar
Learn how to manage sibling relationships, and resistance to homework, while having children help with chores around the house.
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents
Fri. May 22, 9:30-10:30 am, Online
Connect with fellow special needs parents & business owners, while building your referral network. Meets every other Friday.
Managing Stress in Children
Wed. May 27, 7:00 – 8:30 pm,
Learn the signs and symptoms of stress as well as techniques on how to engage in positive ways with your children to avoid stress at home and school.
Plan Ahead — Transition University — 5-session self-paced online course
Sun. June 7, 8:00 pm – Monday, July 20, 4:00 pm
Parents/guardians of school-age children can learn how to navigate the transition process to prepare their children for the adult world.
Plan Ahead — An Individualized Approach to Raising Your Challenging Child —9 session course
Tuesdays June 23-Aug. 25, Via Zoom
This program is to help parents identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it. For parents of children ages 3-12.
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 respected. Many, but not all, have switched to online format.
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
-
Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Tue. morning of the month in Sterling. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
-
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
OCD Family Support Group 1st Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m.. Contact familygroupocd@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859.
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/
Parents of Autistic Teens meets the 2nd Sat. of each month in Oakton. Contact: Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or Admin@ASNV.org
