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2020-2021 Webinars
Registration opens one month before each webinar. Sign up for our New You Choose newsletter to get an email when registration opens. Registrants will be provided a link by email on the morning of the webinar.
May 2021
COVID-19 Vaccines and the Vaccination Process in Fairfax County: A Webinar for Families
Join the Fairfax County Health Department and the Fairfax County Public Schools or FCPS Parent Resource Center for important updates about COVID-19 and the vaccines that have been developed to help prevent disease.
Topics will include:
- COVID-19 impacts (health, economic, education)
- The vaccine
- Community immunity: What is it and How do we get there?
- Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines— how they work and their effectiveness
- Safety of vaccines
- Vaccination process: Eligibility and How to register
- Tuesday May 4: Session in Vietnamese – Register here
- Tuesday May 11: Session in Korean – Register here
- Tuesday May 18: Session in Arabic – Register here
• Sessions are subject to change or cancellation based on the number of registrations
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Supporting Your Child’s Wellness Through Health and Physical Education
Every day we make decisions that impact our health and wellness. Health and Physical Education provides students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions. Join us to explore the curriculum and learn how to support your child in the Health and PE Program.
This webinar will focus on:
- Exploring K-12 Health and Physical Education Program
- Engaging reluctant students
- Encouraging Your Student to Make Healthy Choices Throughout the Summer
Friday May 7, 2021 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Register for Supporting Your Child’s Wellness Through Health and Physical Education
SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs
The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:
- Meet other siblings in a relaxed, virtual setting.
- Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
- Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
- Play games and have fun!
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Two time-slots are available: 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Sessions run 1-1.5 hours
How to Talk to Your Children About Body Safety
There are a lot of important conversations that we need to have with our kids, and how we treat our body and allow others to treat it, is one of them. It can be challenging to figure out where to begin and what is age-appropriate. This webinar is about how to talk to our kids about body safety and a program that you can utilize to support your effort.
Join us to learn more about the following:
- Program Overview: Body Safety Education Program for children
- Parent/Caregiver Body Safety Tips
- What to Look Out For, Potential Signs of Abuse
- What Can I do as a Safe Adult?
- Resources for Families
Friday May 21, 2021 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Presented by Francesca Watson, Body Safety Program Coordinator, Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
Register for How to Talk to Your Children About Body Safety
Parent to Parent: Surviving and Thriving During a Second COVID-19 Summer
Are you searching for peer support, advice, encouragement, and resources? This webinar will offer families opportunities to learn from each other as they grow in their parenting skills. Parents build their own sense of competence and power by building relationships and connecting with other parents who share common experiences, successes, and challenges.
Discussion Highlights:
- Parent to parent connection
- Self-care for kids
- Navigating decisions and establishing stability in uncertainty (or maybe “sanity” is a better word than stability!)
- Making plans and creating family fun in the unknown
Join Mary Elizabeth Fleming, Fairfax County Department of Family Services, and FCPS Parent Resource Center Staff for this important webinar.
Thursday May 27, 2021 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30- 8 p.m.
Register for Parent to Parent: Surviving and Thriving During a Second COVID-19 Summer
April 2021
SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs
The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:
- Meet other siblings in a relaxed, virtual setting.
- Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
- Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
- Play games and have fun!
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
Monday, April 5, 2021
Two time-slots are available: 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Sessions run 1-1.5 hours
Construyendo y manteniendo familias fuertes Un seminario web presentado en español (Building and Keeping Strong Families: A Webinar Presented in Spanish)
This webinar will provide strategies to build a stronger family, overcome life's challenges, take control over your family's future. (Presented in Spanish)
Topics will include:
- How to build resiliency
- Empowering families to:
- Create safe and stable homes
- Be involved in their children’s lives
- Build strong partnerships with schools
- Find and access resources within the school system and community
Presented by Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
- Aynalem Valdes: NVFS Mental Health Counselor Resident
- Ana M. Stevenson: NVFS Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Angela Aldave: FCPS Family Engagement Region Representative – Region 5
Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Skill, Not Will: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach Webinar for Families
Join us for the important session to learn some key strategies from the Collaborative Problem Solving® approach to managing challenging behavior.
The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach:
- Promotes the understanding that challenging kids lack the skill (problem-solving, flexibility, and frustration tolerance) - not the will - to behave
- Focuses on collaborating with the child/youth/young adult to solve the problems leading to challenging behavior and building the skills they need to succeed.
Avoid the use of power, control, and use motivational procedures instead.
Presented by staff from United Methodist Family Services: Carmen Dailey, Organizational Learning Manager, and CPS Certified Trainer.
Friday April 9, 2021 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch Skill, Not Will: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach Webinar for Families (coming Soon)
COVID-19 Vaccines and the Vaccination Process in Fairfax County: A Webinar for Families
Join the Fairfax County Health Department and the Fairfax County Public Schools or FCPS Parent Resource Center for important updates about COVID-19 and the vaccines that have been developed to help prevent disease.
Topics will include:
- COVID-19 impacts (health, economic, education)
- The vaccine
- Community immunity: What is it and How do we get there?
- Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines— how they work and their effectiveness
- Safety of vaccines
- Vaccination process: Eligibility and How to register
- Tuesday, April 13: Session in Spanish – Register here
- Tuesday, April 20: Session in English – Register here
- Tuesday, May 4: Session in Vietnamese – Register here
- Tuesday, May 11: Session in Korean – Register here
- Tuesday, May 18: Session in Arabic – Register here
• Sessions are subject to change or cancellation based on the number of registrations
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
FCPS Special Education Conference 2021
The 16th Annual Special Education Conference will be held virtually on Saturday, April 17, 2021. The conference will include a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded) sessions supporting our conference's theme: The time for inclusion is now.
Parents and community members will be able to register online. In addition, FCPS educators, administrators, and preservice teachers will be able to register online and earn recertification points for attending the conference.
Conference Highlights:
- Guest speakers and FCPS staff presentations
- A Student Strands for youth ages 14-22
- Sibshops for students in grades 7-12
- An Exhibit Hall with FCPS and community resources
- Inclusive Schools Presentations
Each year our conference draws an audience of parents, educators, administrators, preservice teachers, and community members eager to hear the latest research, strategies, and trends in the education of students with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
Saturday, April 17, 2021 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Watch Webinars for The Special Education Conference 2021
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
- Parents/guardians will be provided an overview of prompting and self-monitoring
- Parents/guardians will review general strategies to increase student independence with specific tasks such as completing homework, doing chores, etc.
Thursday April 22, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Register for Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
Finding and Riding the Emotional Regulation Wave: Strategies to Help Relieve Family Stress
COVID-19 has left our families stressed and feeling out of control. Join experts from Formed Families Forward for a review of how and why children and youth respond to stressors in different ways. Gain strategies for supporting your family through difficult times.
Webinar Highlights:
• Strategies for strengthening family relationships and building self-regulation tools
• Strategies for supporting the social-emotional needs of children and youth in hybrid and virtual learning settings.
Presented by staff from Formed Families Forward, Kelly Henderson, Ph.D., Executive Director, and Beth Spivack MSW, Family Support and Outreach Director.
Friday April 23, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
March 2021
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series: Teaching your Children to Follow Directions
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Parents/guardians will be provided an overview of instructional control
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Parents/guardians will review strategies to support their students with following directions
Thursday March 4, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch Teaching Your Child to Follow Directions
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series: Effectively Communicating with Your Child
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Parents/guardians will be provided an overview of the components of communication
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Parents/guardians will review strategies to increase effective communication with their child
Thursday March 18, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Watch Effectively Communicating with Your Child
Special Education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School Webinar
Join us for this important webinar to learn:
- What is Special Education?
- How do children qualify for services?
- What is Least Restrictive Environment?
- What is the difference between accommodations and modifications?
- What is an IEP?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of IEP team members?
- How can I work with the school team to develop an IEP?
- How do I advocate for my child at school and in the IEP process?
Friday March 19, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch Special Education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School Webinar
Challenges of parenting in the U.S and During the Pandemic: A Webinar for Arabic Speaking Families (presented in Arabic)
كيف تحتفظ بالتقاليد و المثل العربيه في المجتمع الامريكي
This webinar is for Arabic-speaking families who want strategies to address their children's challenging behaviors. Bridge the cultural gap to make your home run a bit more smoothly.
Participants will learn about:
- Parenting Styles
- Managing problematic behavior
- Providing structure and support during the pandemic
- Returning to normalcy
Presented by staff from Northern Virginia Family Services Multicultural Center: Hanan Elbakry, Bilingual Psychotherapist and Tuleen Hajoun, Bilingual Clinical Intern.
Wednesday March 24, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.
February 2021
Teen Depression: A Webinar for Families
You’re worried. Your child has been sad or irritable for days and doesn’t seem interested in activities they usually find fun. For 1 in 10 adolescents, it’s ‘depression’. NIMH conducts research studies to understand the causes of depression, how it’s affected by the teen brain, and the evaluation of new treatments.
This webinar will focus on these topics:
- What is “major depression?”
- Assessing depression in teens
- How to get help
- Treatment of depression
- Parenting a teen with depression
- Depression in teens and COVID-19
Presented by Chana Engel who is a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the Mood Brain & Development Unit at the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH).
Friday, February 5, 2021 10 – 11:30 a.m.
From Chaos to Calm: Strategies for Families to Create Calm and Confidence in the Midst of Chaos and Uncertainty: A Webinar for Families
How are YOU doing? Really, how are you?
Trying to lead a family during these times can be exceedingly difficult. Children's mental health is declining, and parents are concerned about their own mental health.
- Are you feeling helpless and overwhelmed by the uncertainty and fear surrounding your child’s future and the impact this time is having on their ability to learn?
- Are you worried about increased anxiety and stress leaving you feeling depleted and overwhelmed?
Learn practical tools that can be applied IMMEDIATELY to restore your sense of calm and focus so you have the energy and confidence you need to cultivate joy and connection in your family.
Presented by Corinne Coppola, M.A., and Well-Being Professional.
Friday, February 12, 2021 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Strategies to Support Social-Emotional Learning at Home: A Webinar for Families
Social and emotional learning starts at home. Parents and families are critical partners in helping their children develop social and emotional know-how. They can model the kinds of skills, attitudes, and behaviors we want all students to master.
This webinar will highlight:
- What is social-emotional learning?
- Strategies to use our children’s behavior and emotion as forms of communication.
- Strategies to create emotional safety.
- Strategies to recognizing and supporting personal and family strengths.
Join FCPS Social Worker, Jeanne Veraska & FCPS School Psychologist, Lisa Phifer for this important webinar.
February 17, 2021 6:30 - 8 p.m. or February 19, 2021 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch Strategies to Support Social-Emotional Learning at Home: A Webinar for Families
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series
- 9/24/20: Setting the Stage for Behavior: Routines, Procedures, & Expectations
- 10/22/20: Challenging Behaviors: Prevention Strategies and Teaching Self-Control
- 11/19/20: Challenging Behaviors: ABCs of Behavior & How to Respond
- 12/17/20: All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication
- 01/21/21: Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behaviors
- 02/18/21:Teaching your Children to Follow Directions (Cancelled)
- Parents/guardians will be provided an overview of instructional control
- Parents/guardians will review strategies to support their students with following directions
- 03/18/21: Effectively Communicating with Your Child
- 04/22/21: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
Thursday February 18, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Watch Teaching Your Child to Follow Directions (To be rescheduled)
Super Transition Week: K-12 and Beyond: Transition Planning for Elementary, Middle, and High School Students with Disabilities
*For families, caretakers, and educators of students receiving special education services*
It’s never too early or too late to start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult. Ensuring postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on effective transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for a week of transition focused workshops. Sessions each night will cover a range of transition topics: CTS programming and services for students with disabilities, short- and long-term postsecondary supports, employment and postsecondary education considerations, Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post-school success. This event also includes two evenings of student/parent panels where members describe their firsthand experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and the transition process.
February 22
6:30 – 6:45 Session 1A Event/Workshop Overview
6:45 – 7:30 Session 1B Middle School Transition Support
- This session will provide an overview of the Transition IEP process and a discussion about why it’s important to start planning early during the middle school years.
7:30 – 8:30 Session 2 CTS Programs and Services Virtual Exhibitor Fair
- Career and Transition Services (CTS) Overview
- Learn about the different course offerings, programs, and services available from CTS. Opportunity to ask questions and interact with teacher and staff representatives.
February 23
6:30 – 7:30 Session 1 ’m Determined: K-12
- Learn why it’s important for students with disabilities to understand and possess self-determination skills from elementary school to adulthood.
7:30 – 8:30 Session 2 Supporting a Student’s Transition to Adult Services
- Learn about how the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Community Services Board (CSB), and Career and Transition Services (CTS) work together to facilitate a successful student transition to adult service providers upon exiting FCPS.
February 24
6:30 – 7:30 Session 1 College and Postsecondary Education Options
- Understand the college planning process and learn how to find colleges/programs with the right support and services for your child or student.
7:30 – 8:30 Session 2 My Journey - Part I: An FCPS Graduate Student and Parent Panel
- Opportunity to hear from students and parents who navigated the transition process in FCPS. The panel for Part I will consist of individuals with disabilities who are pursuing competitive employment and higher education opportunities after exiting FCPS.
February 25
6:30 – 7:30 Session 1 The Arc of Northern Virginia: Transition Planning and Supported Decision-Making
- Learn how to successfully plan for the transition from school to the adult world, including how to empower your child or student to maximize independence and rights protection by utilizing a chosen team of supporters.
7:30 – 8:30 Session 2 My Journey - Part II: An FCPS Graduate Student and Parent Panel
- Opportunity to hear from students and parents who navigated the transition process in FCPS. The panel for Part II will consist of individuals with disabilities who are pursuing supported employment, group supported employment, or day support opportunities, and working with the Community Services Board (CSB) for on-going support after exiting FCPS.
Watch Super Transition Week: K-12 and Beyond: Transition Planning for Elementary, Middle, and High School Students with Disabilities (coming soon)
Is it Over Yet? How to Help your Child Cope with the Pandemic and the Eventual Return to Normalcy: A Webinar for Families
Join licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Bateman for a webinar focused on parenting strategies to help children cope with the challenges of the pandemic.
Strategies include:
- Coping with general stress, changes in daily life/routine, uncertainty about the future, loss of regular activities and social interaction, virtual school, etc.
- Executive functioning to assist with the challenges of virtual school
- Managing anxiety about health and safety
- Building resilience in children to reduce risk of separation anxiety, social anxiety, etc. once the pandemic ends
Friday, February 26, 2021 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Watch Is it Over Yet? How to Help your Child Cope with the Pandemic and the Eventual Return to Normalcy: A Webinar for Families (Coming Soon)
SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs
The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:
- Meet other siblings in a relaxed, virtual setting.
- Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
- Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
- Play games and have fun!
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Two time slots are available: 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Sessions run 1-1.5 hours
January 2021
Zoomed Out? 5 Strategies to Get Even the Most Reluctant Kids Focused, Engaged, and Motivated: A Webinar for Families
What’s a parent to do when kids are already unfocused and unmotivated when it comes to virtual learning? Ann Dolin will help “right the ship” so that parenting doesn’t feel like a grind. In this webinar, Ann shares practical, easy-to-implement virtual learning strategies for:
- Tackling the daily power struggle of just getting started
- Helping children to focus during teacher-led instruction
- Dealing with social avoidance (not wanting to be seen and heard in front of peers)
- Keeping kids engaged by encouraging them to ask questions and advocate for themselves
- Opening the lines of communication to improve the parent/child relationship
Presented by Ann Dolin, M.Ed., educational consultant and award-winning author. Ann is the President and Director of Educational Connections, Inc.
January 7, 2021 6:30-8 p.m.
January 8, 2021 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Exploring Post-Secondary Options through the College & Career Center: A Webinar for Students and Their Families
Preparing for life after high school requires research, exploration, and planning. Student success is individualized based on achieving goals and determining the best fit and match in postsecondary planning. Discover a student's potential by exploring options now!
This webinar will focus on:
- Higher Education Options
- Financing Your Plans
- Apprenticeships
- Military Opportunities (Enlistment vs. ROTC)
- Testing (SAT/ACT)
- Gap Year Experiences
Join Tisa Frederick and Carla Shaw, FCPS College and Career Specialists for this important webinar.
Thursday January 14, 2021 6:30-8 p.m.
Transition IEP Workshop: A Webinar for Families
Join FCPS Career and Transition Services to learn the importance of the IEP Transition Plan for effective postsecondary planning in middle and high school. We answer questions such as these:
- What should parents be looking for?
- What questions should you ask the school team?
- What questions should you ask your student?
- What role does the IEP play in increasing self-advocacy?
- How do IEP goals support postsecondary planning?
Thursday, January 14, 2021 10 a.m. – noon.
Watch Transition IEP Workshop: A Webinar for Families (Coming soon)
Supporting Your K-2 Children in Math: A Webinar for Families
Families with children in K-2, will explore and dive deeply into how to support their child in mathematics.
We will focus on three big ideas:
- Math Takes Time,
- Focus on Understanding, and
- Asking Questions.
This session will support parents as they partner with their child and examine what is the critical content of their child’s mathematics and ways to support learning that content.
Presented by Spencer Jamieson, FCPS Elementary Math Specialist
Friday January 15, 2021 10 -11:30 a.m.
Watch Supporting Your K-2 Children in Math: A Webinar for Families
Supporting Your Grade 3-6 Children in Math: A Webinar for Families
Families with children in Grades 3-6 will explore and dive deeply into how to support their children in mathematics.
We will focus on three big ideas:
- Math Takes Time,
- Focus on Understanding, and
- Asking Questions.
This session will support parents as they partner with their child and examine what is the critical content of their child’s mathematics and ways to support learning that content.
Presented by Spencer Jamieson, FCPS Elementary Math Specialist
Friday January 22, 2021 10 -11:30 a.m.
Watch Supporting your Grade 3-6 Children in Math: A Webinar for Families
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series
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9/24/20: Setting the Stage for Behavior: Routines, Procedures, & Expectations
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10/22/20: Challenging Behaviors: Prevention Strategies and Teaching Self-Control
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11/19/20: Challenging Behaviors: ABCs of Behavior & How to Respond
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12/17/20: All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication
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1/21/21: Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behaviors
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Parents/guardians will review methods to increase target skills
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Parents/guardians will review problem solving strategies if target skills are not increasing
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2/18/21:Teaching your Children to Follow Directions
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3/18/21: Effectively Communicating with Your Child
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4/22/21: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
Thursday January 21, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Watch Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behavior
SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs
The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:
- Meet other siblings in a relaxed, virtual setting.
- Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
- Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
- Play games and have fun!
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
Monday, January 25, 2021: *Teacher workday – students are not attending school
Two time slots are available: 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Sessions run 1-1.5 hours
College 101: A Webinar for Families of Students with Disabilities
Discover questions you should ask to begin the college conversation. Explore the differences between high school and college experiences and crucial skills needed for college success.
This webinar will focus on:
• Learning about college options
• Navigating disability services
• Navigating college accommodations.
Presented by Beth Felson, Success Coach at Spectrum Transition Coaching LLC
Friday January 29, 2021 10 -11:30 a.m.
Watch College 101: A Webinar for Families of Students with Disabilities
December 2020
Conectando con nuestros hijos de manera positiva UN webinaro para las Familias (Making Positive Connections with Our Children: A Webinar for Families) Presented in Spanish
Are you struggling to communicate with your children? Need new strategies? Please join us to learn how to communicate calmly while eliminating the stress that comes from your children not listening.
Webinar Highlights:
- Strategies to parenting your kids from a place of love and connection
- How to help you and your kids regulate your emotions.
- Strategies to get your kids to listen to what you say
Presented by Ana M Stevenson, LCSW and Aynalem (Nalem) Valdes, Mental Health Counselor Intern Northern Virginia Family Services, Multicultural Center
Thursday, December 3, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Positive Discipline: Keeping Your Sanity While Getting Your Teens to Cooperate
This workshop will provide information to parents on various discipline techniques and routines to use for adolescents.
Specific information to be presented will include:
- The Teen Brain
- The Purpose and Meaning of Discipline
- Constructive Communication
- Choices and Consequences
- Rules and Rewards
Presented by Marcus Garr and Debi Hackney, Social Service Specialists, Parenting Education Programs, Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
Friday, December 4, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch Positive Discipline: Keeping Your Sanity While Getting Your Teens to Cooperate
Postsecondary Education Considerations for Students with Disabilities
Join FCPS Career and Transition Services to learn about postsecondary concerns for students transitioning to college.
Highlights will include:
- Disclosure
- Accessing Accommodations
- Disability Support Services
- Differences Between High School and College
Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 10 a.m - noon.
Wacth Postsecondary Education Considerations for Students with Disabilities (coming soon)
Coping Strategies for Anxious Kids
“Dry mouth, sweaty palms, a pounding heart. Everyone feels anxious once in a while. But for approximately one in eight teenagers, anxiety is more than just a temporary worry or fear — it can stress them out too much to even come to school. And that can leave parents desperate.” Kavitha Cardoza
Join Dr. Erin D. Berman, a Clinical Psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland for an important session helping children cope with anxiety.
Webinar Highlights:
- How to identify an anxious child
- How to change anxious thinking
- The science and biological roots of anxiety in children
- How computer technology is transforming the understanding of anxiety
- Current treatment options
Friday, December 11, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series
- 9/24/20: Setting the Stage for Behavior: Routines, Procedures, & Expectations
- 10/22/20: Challenging Behaviors: Prevention Strategies and Teaching Self-Control
- 11/19/20: Challenging Behaviors: ABCs of Behavior & How to Respond
- 12/17/20: All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication
- Overview on the reasons why behaviors may occur
- Overview about reinforcing positive behavior
- General tips for encouraging replacement behaviors
- 01/21/21: Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behaviors
- 02/18/21:Teaching your Children to Follow Directions
- 03/18/21: Effectively Communicating with Your Child
- 04/22/21: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
Thursday December 17, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Watch All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication
November 2020
SibShops: A Webinar for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs
The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:
- Meet other siblings in a relaxed, virtual setting.
- Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
- Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
- Play games and have fun!
Monday, November 2, 2020, 10 - 11:00 a.m. or 1 - 2:00 p.m.
Digital Citizenship Series: Tips for Parents: Helping Kids Navigate Life in the Digital Age
- Series Part 1: How to Find Balance with Technology
- When technology becomes the primary place for school and connecting with others, what does it look like to set boundaries?
- We will discuss ways to stay connected with the world and how to get back on track when it goes too far.
- Friday, November 6, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
- Series Part 2: Hot Topics: What Concerns You the Most?
- What can you do to set your child up for success to handle whatever challenges and temptations they may face with technology?
- What can you do to help them rebound when they make a mistake? We will be asking you to share your top concerns about the world of technology and your child so that we may craft this webinar around advice and resources on the hottest topics.
- Friday, November 13, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch Digital Citizenship Series: Tips for Parents: Helping Kids Navigate Life in the Digital Age
College Boot Camp 2020: A Webinar for Students
Join Career and Transition Services online for a virtual College Bootcamp! This virtual College Boot Camp is for students with an IEP that are graduating in 2021 and plan to attend college. Career and Transition Services staff will work with students on starting the application process.
- Do you have an IEP?
- Are you graduating in 2021?
- Do you want to go to college?
- Do you need help getting started?
THEN THIS BOOT CAMP IS FOR YOU!!!!!
Participants will:
- Complete a college search in Naviance
- Identify and explore your top three colleges
- Get familiar with the Common App ®
- Determine your next steps
*Please note parents are welcome to sit in on the workshop with their students, however this event is for students.
*If parents are interested in learning more about postsecondary options, we encourage parents to attend Postsecondary Education Options on December 9, 2020.
Monday, November 9, 2020, 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Watch College Boot Camp 2020: A Webinar for Students
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series
- 9/24/20: Setting the Stage for Behavior: Routines, Procedures, & Expectations
- 10/22/20: Challenging Behaviors: Prevention Strategies and Teaching Self-Control
- 11/19/20: Challenging Behaviors: ABCs of Behavior & How to Respond
- Strategies and methods to teach self-control strategies
- General tips on how to proactively, prevent challenging behaviors
- 12/17/20:All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication
- 01/21/21: Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behaviors
- 02/18/21: Teaching your Children to Follow Directions
- 03/18/21: Effectively Communicating with Your Child
- 04/22/21: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
Thursday November 19, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Watch Challenging Behaviors: ABCs of Behavior & How to Respond
October 2020
How to Get Your Child/Adolescent to Open Up to You
We all want to know what's going on in our children's lives. We want to know about school and about their friends. We want to hear their successes and their struggles. But what happens when your kids won't tell you what's going on in their lives? What if you ask questions and all they do is shrug and mumble "It was fine," or "I don't know"?
Webinar Highlights:
- Strategies to use with reluctant children
- How to open lines of communication with your children
- How to increase productive, effective communication
Presented by Parenting Specialist, Rachel Bailey, M.A., CPDPE.
Friday October 2, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch How to Get Your Child/Adolescent to Open Up to You
Alcohol, Drugs, and Vaping: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Talking with your teen or young adult can be challenging. Having meaningful, ongoing conversations about drugs and alcohol, however, is key to helping keep your son or daughter healthy and safe.
Presentation Highlights:
- Current trends in substance use and abuse
- Impact of substances on physical and emotional development
- Paraphernalia display and discussion
- Tools for parents
Presented by Tiffany Jones, FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist.
Friday, October 16, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch Alcohol, Drugs, and Vaping: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Moving on To Life in the Community: A Virtual and Free Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities
Don’t miss this VIRTUAL and FREE Resource Fair for students with disabilities and their parents!
Learn about vocational, residential, leisure, recreational, independent living and advocacy options. This resource fair is for all individuals requiring ongoing employment and community support services after graduation.
Presenters include: Career and Transition Services, The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and the ARC of Northern Virginia.
6:30-7:15 Overview Presentation
7:15-7:30 Participants move to virtual breakout rooms
7:30-8:30 Virtual Q&A with Adult Service Providers
Wednesday October 21, 2020, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series
- 9/24/20: Setting the Stage for Behavior: Routines, Procedures, & Expectations
- 10/22/20: Challenging Behaviors: Prevention Strategies and Teaching Self-Control
- Parents/guardians will review strategies and methods to teach self-control strategies and general tips on how to proactively prevent challenging behaviors
- 11/19/20: Challenging Behaviors: ABCs of Behavior & How to Respond
- 12/17/20:All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication
- 01/21/21: Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behaviors
- 02/18/21: Teaching your Children to Follow Directions
- 03/18/21: Effectively Communicating with Your Child
- 04/22/21: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
Thursday October 22, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Watch Challenging Behaviors: Prevention Strategies and Teaching Self-Control
Dyslexia Awareness Month: A Webinar for Families
Join the FCPS Dyslexia Specialist, Carrie Leestma for an Update on FCPS Resources.
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 10 - 11:00 a.m.
Launching Your Adolescent into Adulthood
A recent survey of young adults in the US reported that nearly 45% of young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 now live with their parents - even though they are employed.
This session will provide:
- 10 Tips to help launch your young adult successfully into adulthood
- Strategies to teach your child “soft” employment, money management and communication/self-advocacy skills.
Presented by Dr. Amy Fortney Parks, LPC, ACS, Owner of The Wise Family Counseling & Assessment Services in Alexandria and Arlington
Friday, October 30, 2020 10 - 11:30 a.m.
September 2020
Survive and Thrive with Virtual Learning: Practical Strategies to Make At-Home Learning Work for You
Are you worried about managing your child’s virtual schooling this year? Do you hate becoming the “school police” when your child won’t focus? Do you have to balance your child’s schooling with your own remote workload? We hear you, and we’re here to help.
You’ll learn how to avoid parent-child conflict around academics with practical tips for:
- Establishing routines and expectations that really work
- Creating ideal spaces for virtual learning
- Keeping kids focused while learning online
- Minimizing distractions from video games and other screens
- Getting your own work done at the same time (Yes, it’s possible!)
Don’t tackle this unusual year without a plan. Instead, join us and feel more prepared and confident for the year ahead, with a toolbox full of practical strategies that actually work. We can’t wait to see you there!
Presented by Ann Dolin, M.Ed., educational consultant and award-winning author. Ann is the President and Director of Educational Connections, Inc.
Tuesday, September 1, 2020, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Friday September 11, 2020, 10 -11:30 a.m.
10 Ways to Stop Power Struggles & Start Motivating Your Kids
Do you need help calming your explosive household? Tired of yelling at, negotiating with and bribing your child? Do you want your child to take responsibility for their schoolwork, chores and attitude? How can you prevent kids who need consistency from falling behind with distance learning models? How are teachers/parents going to keep kids on task without shutting down?
It’s time to stop the yelling, arguing and power struggles with toddlers and teens.
Celebrate Calm Founder, Kirk Martin, will show you how to create stress-free mornings, school, dinner and bedtime. We promise you will laugh and leave with a dozen practical strategies that really work.
Webinar Highlights:
- Stop Defiance, Disrespect, & Meltdowns
- Get Your Kids to Listen the First Time
- Create Stress-Free Mornings, Homework, & Bedtime
- Get Kids Off Screens Without a Fight
- Motivate Strong-Willed Kids without Crushing Their Spirits
- Prevent kids who need consistency from falling behind with distance learning models.
Friday September 18, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Watch 10 Ways to Stop Power Struggles & Start Motivating Your Kids
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series
- 9/24/20: Setting the Stage for Behavior: Routines, Procedures, & Expectations
- Overview on establishing and maintaining routines, procedures, and expectations.
- Strategies to teach and reinforce routines, procedures, & expectations
- 10/22/20: Challenging Behaviors Part 1: Prevention Strategies and Teaching Self-Control
- 11/19/20: Challenging Behaviors Part 2: ABCs of Behavior & How to Respond
- 12/17/20:All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication
- 01/21/21: Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behaviors
- 02/18/21: Regaining Control and Teaching your Children to Follow Directions
- 03/18/21: Effectively Communicating with Your Child
- 04/22/21: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
Thursday September 24, 2020, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Watch Setting the Stage for Good Behavior: Routines, Procedures, & Expectations
August 2020
1-2-3 Magic: The 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting A Webinar for Families
1-2-3 Magic allows you to get back in charge of your home, enjoy your family again, and help your kids develop their emotional intelligence.
In this presentation, you will learn how to set limits for and connect with your children by breaking down the task of parenting into three straightforward steps:
- Get your kids to STOP difficult behavior (whining, arguing, tantrums, etc.).
- Get your kids to START doing what you want them to do (picking up, going to bed, doing homework, etc.).
- Powerful strategies to reinforce the bond between you and your children.
Presented by Lauren Hawkins and Robin Yuckenberg, FCPS Behavior Intervention Teachers
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