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/

February

Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group

Tuesdays, Feb. 6 to Apr. 25, 6:00-8:30 pm

Hone your Father Skills by meeting with other Dads to focus on self-awareness, self-care, parenting skills and relationships.

Pre-Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement

Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting Class —Families with children ages 5-11

Wednesdays, Feb. 7, to May 22, 6-8 pm
Families increase their empathy, find new ways to foster appropriate behavior, build self-esteem, and learn to have fun together.

Plan Ahead — Nurturing Parenting Class — In Spanish

Planifica con anticipación — Clase de crianza cariñosa — familias con niños 5 -11 años

Lunes, 19 de febrero al 20 de mayo, 5:30-8:00 pm, 2855 Annandale Rd. Falls Church
Las familias aumentan su empatía, encuentran nuevas formas de fomentar un comportamiento apropiado, desarrollar la autoestima y aprender a divertirse juntos.

Registrarse: ParentingEducation@fairfaxcounty.gov o teléfono Alba Quinones 703-324-7310

Plan Ahead — Chat with an Attorney about Special Education

Wed. Feb. 21. 9:00 am–3:30 pm, 3060 Williams Dr. #300

Fairfax,

Free 45-minute appointments are available for parents to receive guidance from an attorney on special education topics.

Early Childhood Academy — For Families of Young Children with Disabilities

Jan. 19 to Feb. 23, a self-paced course

Learn practical information to help you guide your child in developing skills to be successful in life.

Building Independence with the TFIL Team

Thu. Feb, 1, noon-1 pm

Learn about the Arc2Independence app that can be customized to help your child navigate daily routines and challenges.

ReelAbilities: The Creatives — Short Films & Art

Thu. Feb. 1, 7 pm, 8900 Little River Tnpk. Fairfax

These films focus on individuals with disabilities in art, comedy, entrepreneurship, filmmaking, and theater. $ varies

Tickets: https://reelopening2024.brownpapertickets.com

Mind in The Making with Ellen Galinsky

Fri. Feb. 2, 10-11 am

Learn everyday ways that your family can build your child’s skills, confidence, and ability to learn.

Morning at the Museum —National Museum of African American History and Culture

Sat. Feb. 3, 8-10 am, 1400 Constitution Ave. Washington, DC

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

Arlington SEPTA Summer Camp & Activities Fair

Sat. Feb. 3, 1-4 pm, W. Reed CC, 2909 16th St. S. Arlington

VA/MD/DC area providers of summer camps, inclusion & adapted activities, therapies, groups, and special events.

Snacks and activities will be available for kids.

ReelAbilities Film & Discussion: Okay! $ varies

Sun. Feb. 4, 10 am-noon, OR 4-6 pm 3800 Glenbrook Rd, Fairfax

Four talented autistic musicians come together as the ASD Band and break stereotypes as they write, record, and perform their first album.

Tickets: https://www.olamtikvah.org/event/reelabilities-film-festival2.html

IEP University (IEPU) — Self-Paced Course

Mon. Feb. 5 to Mon. Feb. 26, with access 24/7

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

Building Strong Parent Advocates — Self-Paced Course

Mon. Feb. 5 to Mon. Feb. 26, 6 hours of content

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

From Referral to Eligibility — in Spanish

De la referencia a la eligibilidad

Martes, 6 de febrero, 6:30-8:00 pm

Conozca las etapas iniciales de la educación especial en Virginia.

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

Gender and Autism

Wed. Feb. 7, 1 pm

Learn about emerging research on the factors hindering the identification of autistic females.

Special Education Series — In Spanish

Serie de Educación Especial

Martes o jueves, 7 y 22 febrero, 5 y 14 marzo, y 16 abril, a 6:30-8:00 pm

Conozca todas las características principales del proceso de educación especial en Virginia. Regístrese para una o más presentaciones.

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

Anatomy of an IEP

Wed. Feb. 7, 6:30-7:30 pm

Learn about the sequence and contents of the separate sections of an Individualized Educational Plan.

FCCPTA Meeting with School Board Meet and Greet

Wed. Feb. 7, 7-9 pm, 8115 Gatehouse Rd. Falls Church

The FCCPTA business meeting will be followed by an opportunity to meet with 6 new and 6 returning school board members.

FASD and Law Enforcement: Moving from a Reactive to a Proactive Focus

Wed. Feb.7, 7-8 pm:

Consider how to decrease the chance of an arrest and how to ensure the disability is known.

Lunch. Learn. Inspire.

Thu. Feb. 8, 11 am-1 pm

Share challenges you’ve noticed for someone with a developmental disability and benefit from the ensuing discussion.

Squeezed in the Sandwich Generation: How to Manage ADHD in Yourself, Your Children, and Your Elderly Parents

Thu. Feb. 8. 1 pm, with replay access

Consider strategies and tools to mitigate the challenges and how self-compassion can lead to more effective coping.

Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention

Thu. Feb. 8, 7-8 pm

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

Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults

Fri. Feb. 9, 8:30 am-3:30 pm, 2334 Gallows Rd. Dunn Moring

Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.

Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfURjssKCZM1qcU0bo_dRtdRb9zXv36cRApxB1ZrVP3sjLe6g/viewform?utm_campaign+=

Individual Education Programs (IEP) 101: Empowering You to Get the Educational Programming, Accommodations, and Supports Your Child Needs

Sat. Feb. 10, 10 am-1 pm, 6140 Rolling Rd. West Springfield

Parents of Autistic Children will host a panel of parents and experts on parental rights, behaviors, goals, and other IEP issues.

Questions? email: president@poac-nova.org

VA Hands & Voices Valentine's Day with Your Children

Sat, Feb. 10, 10:15-11:45 am, Tysons-Pimmet Library

Come meet parents with deaf children; enjoy snacks and activities.

ReelAbilities Film & Discussion: Being Michelle

Sat. Feb. 10, 1-4, 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton $ varies

A deaf autistic woman survives incarceration with the help of a blind life coach who teaches at the prison. (ASL & English)

Tickets: https://nvrc.org/nvrc-film-fest-2024-with-reelabilities/

Sensory Friendly Hours at the National Children’s Museum

Feb. 11, 9:30-11:30 am, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. Wash. DC

The museum will provide expanded accessibility, lower guest numbers, and pre-visit guides. $19

Tickets: https://nationalchildrensmuseum.org/tickets/

Is Your Child a Victim of Bullying? — In Spanish

¿Es su hijo víctima de acoso escolar?

Viernes, 12 de febrero, 6:30-7:30 pm

Aprender cómo identificar y prevenir el acoso, hablar con sus hijos sobre el acoso y cómo obtener ayuda cuando sea necesario.

Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4tytXhE1S3qA6M-ELlJ-Yg?

How to ADHD: An Insider’s Guide to Working with Your ADHD Brain (Not Against It!)

Tue. Feb. 13, 1 pm, with replay link

The author will discuss topics from her book, such as attending to time, improving sleep, and the cost of not treating ADHD.

Loving Formed Families Forward — Virtual Open House

Tue. Feb. 13, 1:00-1:45 pm

Join the staff and special guests for an overview of services and supports for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.

SSI and VA’s Medicaid Waivers

Tue. Feb. 13, 5-7 pm

Learn how to use these important benefits which can be tricky to navigate.

Onward to Preschool: Taking the Big Step from Early Intervention!

Tue. Feb 13, 6:30 pm

Learn what to expect from educators and coordinators as your child moves from early intervention, ITC, to preschool.

Teaching Self-Help and Independent Skills

Wed. Feb. 14, 10:00-11:20 am, OR 7:00-8:30 pm

This training is for FCPS families of children with a developmental or intellectual disability.

Register: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/special-education-instruction/applied-behavior-analysis-aba-program

AAC Early Starts Conference

Thu. & Fri. Feb. 15 & 16, 11 am-9 pm ET

Online conference with over 20 experts, AAC users, and caregivers sharing their knowledge and experiences.

Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication — Elem. Sch. Parents

Fri. Feb. 16, 10:00-11:30 am

FCPS Behavior Intervention Services staff will share practical tips on easing communication and behavior at home.

Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMamlXggcMNUbRrPsNJ__qmtdOMC9UTqIB3xGzPS0HURErvQ/viewform?utm_campaign+=

Opioid Overdose and Naloxone EducationTraining — in Spanish

Entrenamiento Narcan

Jueves, 16 de febrero, 6-7 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

From Inclusion to Belonging Conference

Sat. Feb. 17, 8:30 am-3:00 pm, Potomac Shores, VA

Keynote and breakout sessions focused on supporting mental health for those with DD/IDD. $ varies

Summer Camp Presentation by Fairfax County Park Authority

Tue. Feb. 20, 7-9 pm

After a short business meeting, the Special Education PTA (SEPTA) will host a presentation on summer camps.

Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Feb. 21, 6:30-8:00 pm

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

Strengths of the Dyslexic Mind

Wed. Feb. 21, 7 pm

Co-authors of The Dyslexic Advantage will discuss their perspectives of the strengths developed in some cases of dyslexia.

ReelAbilities Film: Imperfect $ varies

Wed. Feb. 21, 8 pm, 2310 Colts Neck Rd. Reston

Follow the lives of an award-winning theater group with disabilities doing a production of Chicago.
Tickets: https://restoncommunitycenter.com/event/centerstage-cinema-equity-matters-imperfect/

Using Sensory Integration Strategies to Increase Understanding and Peace at Home

Thu. Feb. 22, 1:00-2:30 pm, with extended access

Learn how understanding and using the sensory system can help kids and families stay calm and connected.

Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/resource/event/syf-webinar-using-sensory-integration-strategies/ $15-$0 with Coupon Code: SENSORY

Anatomy of an IEP — In Spanish

Anatomía de un IEP

Jueves, 22 de febrero, 6:30-8:00 pm

Conozca la secuencia y contenidos de los distintos apartados de un Plan Educativo Individualizado (IEP).

Registrarse: https://peatc.org/event/anatomia-de-un-iep/

How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Ways to Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child’s School Performance and How to Help

Fri. Feb. 23, 10:00-11:30 am

Consider how to find out more about the Why? Then learn how to help your child move forward.

Raising A Kid Who Can –- Book Talk & Discussion

Fri. Feb. 23, 11:00 am-12:30 pm

One of the three authors will discuss this accessible guide to supporting kids’ social emotional growth.

Cecily’s Advocacy Conference. $25

Sat. Feb. 24, 8:15 am-12:30 pm, 8224 Lochinver Ln. Potomac MD

A keynote, two workshops and a panel discussion around the topic of tools for creating resilience and well-being.

National Museum of the United States Army's "At Ease" Program

Sat. Feb. 24, 4-6 pm,

A hands-on special educational program and docent led tours will be available.

Tickets: https://tickets.thenmusa.org/Info.aspx?EventID=43

ReelAbilities Short Films & Speakers on Mental Health

Sun. Feb. 25, 3 pm, 2100 Westmoreland St. Falls Church

Two films and a panel on bipolar disorder and keeping people with mental illness out of prison. $ varies

Tickets: https://templerodefshalom.shulcloud.com/form/inclusion.reelabilities.feb24

Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention

Sun. Feb. 25, 4-5 pm

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

Let’s Talk about Talking: How Families Can Nurture and Support Communication Skills

Wed. Feb. 28, 7-8 pm

Learn about the development of children’s communication skills and related behavior challenges.

FBA/BIP Essentials for Families

Thu. Feb. 29, 6:00-7:30 pm OR Mar. 1, 10:00-11:30 am

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

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.

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

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).

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 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

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.

Ongoing 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@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316

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 F.I.R.S.T. Family Support Group meets on the 2nd Wed. monthly, in Herndon. Register: https://autismfirstus.com/events/

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

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/

CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

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

Fairfax Kinship Support Group meets virtually on the 1st Thursday monthly at 6:30-8:00 pm. An in-person group meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at Fairfax County Community Centers at 6:15-8:00 pm. Dinner and childcare are provided. Register: https://bit.ly/FxKinSupport

Formed Families Together meets monthly as peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. A Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. An In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-peer-led-support-groups-2023-2024-tickets-637423850897?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.fosterthefamilydc.org/supportgroups

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/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682

El Grupo de apoyo ASNV para padres y cuidadores en español 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 info@asnv.org

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

Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 3rd Thursday of the month for those raising the children of relatives or friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov

Military Families Support Group meets on the 2nd Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for military 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. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org

NAMI Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday monthly. https://namicva.org/event/online-family-support-group-for-parents-of-youths-and-adolescents/all/

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

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 Coffee Chat and Self-Care meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. 9:00-10:30 am to connect and to discuss self-care journeys. 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

Virtual Parent Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 2nd Tuesday of the month for parents and guardians of struggling children. To attend, email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov

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