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.
Ongoing and On Demand events and courses follow this monthly list of events.
When other events are announced they will be posted with these at: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
April
Plan Ahead — Spring Forward Family Fun Day $ varies
Sat. May 3, 8:30 am-2:00 pm, 10900 Univ. Blvd. Manassas
Families formed by adoption, foster, or kinship care will have age appropriate fun for kids and expert sessions for parents.
Register by April 4 for Early Bird prices: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-spring-forward-foster-adoptive-kinship-family-fun-day
Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group
Tuesdays, May 6 to Aug. 4, 6:30-8:30 pm
Hone your Father Skills by meeting with other Dads to focus on self-awareness, self-care, parenting skills, and relationship skills.
Pre-Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement
Sibshops— For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Tue. Apr. 1, 1-4 pm, 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
Helping Your Child with Self-care: Avoiding Too Little or Too Much
Tuesdays, 10-11 am
A 4-session video course is followed by one or more of the live discussions.
Apr. 1, Eating
Apr. 8, Sleeping
Apr. 22, Exercising
Apr. 29, Doing Homework
Register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/uhhvfbz? $ varies
How to Raise a Self-Driven Child
Thu. Apr. 3, 6:30 pm, 4759 Reservoir Road, NW, Wash. DC
Learn how to foster the inner drive all youth need to develop themselves and successful lives, particularly those with disabilities.
Register: https://www.labschool.org/speaker-series-registration
Effective Communication Strategies for A Child with ADHD
Thu. Apr. 3, 7-8 pm
Learn effective ways to help your child manage his or her emotions, follow directions, and build independence.
Safety Fair with Practice Crisis Scenarios
Sat. Apr. 5, 11am – 2:00 pm, 2700 S Lang St. Arlington
Find many resources for families with disabled individuals, and work with first responders to role play a variety of situations,
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/event/safety-fair-with-practice-crisis-scenarios-2/
Special Education Series
Wednesdays, Apr. 9 to June 4, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn detailed information about each of the steps of the special education process in Virginia.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_94hq66ZTSza_YYu8AxTpRA?
From Referral to Eligibility: A Deeper Dive
Wed. Apr. 9, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the initial stages of special education in Virginia, and how to get it started.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_94hq66ZTSza_YYu8AxTpRA?
What We Know About Brain Plasticity: Why Effective Teaching Matters
Wed. Apr. 9, 6:30 pm
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/2217244305831/WN_3iJRdZOyTsa45qkBDunEvw#/registration
Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD)
Wed. Apr. 9, 7 pm, 8270 Willow Oaks Corp. Dr. Fairfax, Rm 10008B
Citizens are encouraged to submit public comment on the needs of students with disabilities and how those are being met.
Information: https://www.fcps.edu2committee/advisory-committee-students-disabilities-acsd#meeting-information
Smart but Stuck: How Executive Function Impacts Performance
Thu. Apr. 10, 9-10 am,
Learn how to help your child overcome frustration and build the skills she or he needs to succeed.
Dispelling Myths About Supplements for ADHD
Thu. Apr. 10, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn about effective, evidence-based treatment options for ADHD and the research on alternative ADHD interventions.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/supplements-for-brain-health-adhd/?
Math Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Fri. Apr. 11, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about early numeracy objectives, along activities you can do to develop basic math skills at home.
Parenting a Child with ADHD: When YOU also have ADHD
Fri. Apr. 11, noon-1 pm
Gain an understanding of the ways to effectively attend to your needs while meeting the needs of your school-aged child.
Register: https://www.rosscenter.com/ross_event/parent-and-child-with-adhd/
The Power of Behavioral Parent Training for ADHD
Tue. Apr. 15, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn about the components of behavioral parent training, and how it can help children of all ages.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/behavioral-parent-training-adhd/?
Squared Away 2025
Tuesdays, Apr. 15 to May 6, 6:30-7:30 pm
Military parents of a child with a disability can learn how to participate in your child’s special education in Virginia.
Apr. 15, Building Your Child’s Team
Apr. 22, How to Communicate with Your Child’s School
Apr. 29, Navigating Special Education and Disability Services in VA
May 6, Exploring the Parts of an IEP: An Interactive Activity
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Voc3sOHdQSqvF9Mznizd5A?
Empowering Twice-exceptional Students to Understand the Role of Accommodations in Accessing Learning
Tue. Apr. 22, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about 504 and IEP accommodations, ways to help your 2e child understand them, and how to effectively use them.
Chat with an Attorney about Special Education
Thu. Apr. 23, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Free 45-minute appointments are available for parents to receive guidance from an attorney on special education topics.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/event/april-chat-with-an-attorney-about-special-education/
Are My Student’s ADHD Accommodations in Danger? Fallout from the Department of Education (DoE) Changes
Wed. Apr. 23, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn about the role of the DoE in special education, potential upcoming changes, and how to advocate during these times.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-accommodations-department-of-education-iep-504/?
Anatomy of an IEP
Wed. Apr. 23, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the sequence and contents of the separate sections of an Individualized Educational Plan.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_94hq66ZTSza_YYu8AxTpRA?
L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention — For Black and African American Communities
Thu. Apr. 24, 7-8 pm, open to those age 18 and over
Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond in your community.
Register: https://ncaclets04242025.attendease.com/?
Early Childhood Academy — For Families of Young Children with Disabilities
Fri. April. 25 to Tue. May 20, a self-paced course
Learn practical information to help you guide your child in developing skills to be successful in life.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1570515?
“Solve My Problem!” Q&A Sessions on Living with ADHD
Fri. Apr. 25, 4:00-4:45 pm
A psychologist will answer your questions about living with, and raising kids with ADHD, anxiety, RSD, and more.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-help-live-solve-my-problem/
Fairfax County Unified Response Day: Bridging First Responders All Abilities
Sat. Apr. 26, 10 am-noon, 4600 West Ox Rd. Fairfax
Families with individuals with disabilities can meet, and practice scenarios, with first responders in a low-pressure setting.
Register: https://bit.ly/FFXUnifiedResponseDay2025
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Sun. Apr. 27, 4-5 pm, open to attendees age 18 and over
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl04272025.attendease.com/?
Supporting Student Well-being Through Trauma-Informed Practices & Social and Emotional Learning
Tue. Apr. 29, 7-8 pm
Learn about the impact of stress and trauma on children, and parental and school strategies to strengthen and nurture resilience.
Register: https://bit.ly/FFFTIPwebinar
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Wed. Apr. 30, 9:00 am-3:30 pm, $25
Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.
Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/ereg/Registration.aspx?
Plan Ahead — Dads Parenting Group
Tuesdays, May 6 to Aug. 4, 6:30-8:30 pm
Hone your Father Skills by meeting with other Dads to focus on self-awareness, self-care, parenting skills, and relationship skills.
Pre-Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/father-engagement
Plan Ahead — Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors
Tuesdays, Jun. 17 to Aug. 5, 7-9 pm, $250
The course includes a 100-page workbook and virtual learning and discussion meetings for caregivers of offspring of all ages.
Pre-registration: https://formedfamiliesforward.org/services/parenting-classes/
Ongoing and On Demand
Digital Portfolios for Military Families
These portfolios can make moves easier by organizing medical, educational, financial, legal, state disability services, and emergency services information. https://peatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/FINAL-PEATC-Military-Portfolio.pdf?
PCSing with an Exceptional Family Member (EFM) Checklist — for military families
This two page timeline check list facilitates both preparation and arrival tasks. https://peatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PCSing-Checklist.pdf?
Guide to Summer Camps 2025
The FCPS Family Resource Center has assembled this guide which provides a large list of general purpose camps as well as individual lists of camps that specialize in particular disabilities. The guide carries NO recommendations or endorsements by FCPS.
Access: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/
media/pdf/SummerCampsGuide%202025.pdf
Learning Your Way — Online Self-Paced Courses
Special Education 101, Trauma Basics, Dispute Resolution, Other Health Impairments: ADHD, FASD, Tourette Syndrome, Kinship Care, Constructive Collaboration, Positive Parenting
Register for access 24/7: https://formedfamiliesforward.org/services/learning-your-way-online-courses/
FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter
Sign up at News You Choose: https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/family-communication-resources/news-you-choose
Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) Toolkit
This Toolkit can help a family navigate an MDR process when a student with an IEP is considered for disciplinary action.
Access: https://peatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Manifestation-Determination-Review-MDR-Toolkit.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.
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
The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism
An introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including recommended programs, services, and tips for caregivers, Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm
NAMI Basics — 6 session course
This course is for adults who care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD).
Register: https://www.nami.org/support-education/mental-health-education/nami-basics/
Children’s Challenging Behaviors
This 6-hour workshop focuses on children’s challenging behaviors, mental health conditions, special education, and advocacy skills.
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions — 2 Day Training
Gain an overview of the CPS model including the use of assessments and problem solving. $179
Register: https://cpsconnection.com/virtual-and-in-person-trainings/
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. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile
Fairfax County Community Connect
The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts. https://www.communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county
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
Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:00-11:30 am pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592 Contact: director@asnv.org
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 meets monthly via Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays to support family members of an age 18+ loved one with mental illness. Contact: Ramon.Palazzolo@fairfaxcounty.gov or 571-328-4179.
DADS of Special Needs Kids of Any Age meets monthly in the evening during the school year on the 3rd Tue. or Thur. in Falls Church, to eat and talk at a favored resturant. 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://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwKFIpb7CnnDy-DhQQXAmqq8kqrMLtT4ajtFquXHVYTUphTg/viewform
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/FFFkinSG
Formed Families Together meets monthly (except July) 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.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/9085dfe9-2b13-4683-b28e-492f084a9dc6
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.fosterthefamily.org/locations/dc#support-groups
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 and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov .
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.
Family Support Group for Parents of Youth meets online monthly on the 3rd Monday at 7 pm. Register: bit.ly/PSGArlington Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com to arrange to chat when needed.
NOVA Adopt Friends Parent Peer Support Group for adoptive parents meets on the 3rd Thursdays monthly 6:00-7:30 pm. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/resource/event/for-northern-virginia-families-nova-adopt-friends-virtual-parent-peer-support-group-8/
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Monday 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 during the school year on the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am, usually at 6121 Franconia Rd, Alexandria. 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/event-4534279
Sowing Special Seeds is a group of families (with offspring who have special needs) who maintain gardens at South Run Rec Center. Meeting times vary. Contact: Brenda Zepf,
703-475-6277 or zepfmb@gmail.com
Support Group for LGBTQ+ Families meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at 7:00-8:30 pm. Facilitated by professionals. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/resource/event/an-online-support-group-for-lgbtq-families/
