From: Cathy Greulich Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA):
Parent Information Relating to Special Education. All these opportunities are FREE  unless noted.  In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.

Plan Ahead — Fairfax County’s Pre-Notification 9-1-1 Program Enroll now in this new public safety program for individuals with disabilities. Details & Registration:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile. 

Plan Ahead — Research Study on Improving Social Skills for Children with ASD Two 1-hr. online sessions per week for several weeks this fall. Children ages 10-14 will participate in activities that are designed to increase social interactions that can help them make friends. Information:  email Jasdeep Aujla  Jaujla2018@my.fit.edu or707-704-5341

Quelling Math Anxiety:  How to Identify and Effectively Teach Students with Dyscalculia Tue. Aug. 3, 1 pm, with replay linkLearn how to distinguish the difficulties students may encounter with math, and helpful tools and strategies to increase learning. Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/math-anxiety-dyscalculia-adhd/

Introduction to Supporting Those at Risk Tue. Aug. 3, 7-8 pm Gain information and resources on how to support someone who has experienced suicidal thoughts and/or a past suicide attempt. Register:  https://afspncacstar08032021.attendease.com

Returning to Post-COVID School: How to Help Students Thrive by Improving Organizational and Study Skills Tue. Aug. 3, 7-8 pm This event will describe specific ways to support skills such as getting started, paying attention, and note-taking. Help your student thrive. Register:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3193906871873006094

“We regret to inform you…” A Parent’s Role in School Discipline Advocacy Thu. Aug. 5, 6:30 pm. If your child gets in trouble at school, learn about the school-to-prison pipeline and what to know before you are faced with a suspension or expulsion. Register:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2U9hPpSsQIikbD35XtnVmg

Formed Families Back Together Picnic! Fri. Aug. 6, 5:00-7:30 pm, Van Dyck Park 3720 Old Lee Hwy. Fairfax. Foster, adoptive and kinship! Families are invited for a service project, games, activities, and a meal together. Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-together-summer-picnic-and-service-event-tickets-159525014613

Back to School: How to Help Your Kids Manage Anxieties and Prepare for a Return to the “Normal” Classroom Tue, Aug. 10, 7-8 pm Learn about the array of emotions children and youth may be experiencing and ways to build self-regulation and resilience so they may thrive.  Register:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6375901219277732623

Caregivers with ADHD:  How to Help Your Children Thrive While Meeting Your Own Challenges Tue. Aug. 10, 1 pm, with replay link. Learn how ADHD symptoms affect the daily rhythm of parenting and how to manage the overlap of caregiver ADHD symptoms with a child’s needs. Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/parent-with-adhd-caregiver-webinar/?

Supporting Student Mental Health and Wellness in the Fall Wed. Aug. 11, 7:00-8:30 pm Learn how schools are preparing to meet the emotional and behavioral health needs of students this fall.  Suggest questions for presenters. Register:  https://conta.cc/3hWqbWm

Understanding Special Education — in SpanishEntendiendo educación especial Lun. el 16 ago. 6 pmEsta taller le ayudará a aprender los pasos del proceso de educación especial y las formas importantes en que puede y debe participar en las reuniones del IEP.Registrarse:  https://bit.ly/3B3tDat

“I Forgot My Homework… Again!” Fortifying Executive Functions to Solve School Disorganization Wed. Aug. 18, 1 pm, with replay link. Learn how to set up an efficient structure for your child to organize the day, emails,  and schoolwork to ensure its completion. Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/executive-function-adhd-school-organization/?

Virginia Partners in Spanish VA partners en español Mie. el 18 ago. 1:30 pmLos profesionales de Virginia pueden compartir eventos, actualizaciones y cualquier información esencial que pueda beneficiar a nuestra comunidad Latinx. Registrarse: https://bit.ly/2W7BN1x

The ABC of Collaboration — in SpanishEl ABC de la Colaboración Mie. el 25 ago. 7 pmAprenda sobre el proceso de colaboración y cómo trabajar con la escuela de su hijo para ayudarlo a aprender.Registrarse:  https://bit.ly/3xWUByC

Deficient Emotional Self-Regulation: The Overlooked ADHD Symptom That Impacts Everything Thu. Aug. 26,1 pm, with replay link. Learn about the causes and effects of deficient emotional self-regulation for those with ADHD, along with effective treatments. Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/emotional-dysregulation-adhd-desr-barkley/?

ADHD Ages & Stages Part 1: Common Challenges and Practical Strategies for Children Tue. Aug. 31, 1 pm, with replay link. Gain insights, practical strategies, and resources for successfully supporting children with ADHD in the elementary school years. Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-in-children-challenges-strategies/

Ongoing and On Demand:

Special Education During a Pandemic Learn what the laws specify that schools should provide, and how you can best support your child. Access:  https://drroseann.com/special-education-during-a-pandemic/

Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape Webinar, available 24/7Access:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs

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. Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scholarships

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://publiccourseapi.nami.org/Learner/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F

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.Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm   $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. Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm

Support Groups for Parents
All these support groups are open to newcomers, most are online, 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 should be confirmed.

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 Northern Virginia Virtual Support Group 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom.  Meeting ID:  83085728013  

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

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 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.govwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group

Formed Families Together are 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.

Chat Group for Latino Parents — in Spanish Grupo de Chat para Padres:  Unete a nuestro Grupo de chat mediante la aplicación de WhatsAppy podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al Group: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw

Support Group for Spanish Speaking Parents— in SpanishGrupo 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 monthly on the 2nd Wed. 6:30-8:00 pm for those raising children of friends or relatives.  Contact:  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 Virginia Parent Support Group meets monthly, the 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 pm. Contact:  nanjum@namiVirginia.org or 804-285-8264 x 206

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.  Contact Diane Manning dmonnig@thearcofnova.org .

Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent 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