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.

Register for Teen Depression:  A Webinar for Families

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.

Register for From Chaos to Calm: Strategies for Families to Create Calm and Confidence in the Midst of Chaos and Uncertainty: A Webinar for Families

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.

Register for 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
  • 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.

Register for Teaching Your Child to Follow Directions

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.

Register for Is it Over Yet? How to Help your Child Cope with the Pandemic and the Eventual Return to Normalcy: A Webinar for Families               

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.

Register for Zoomed Out? 5 Strategies to Get Even the Most Reluctant Kids Focused, Engaged, and Motivated: A Webinar for Families

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.

Register for Exploring Post-Secondary Options through the College & Career Center: A Webinar for Students and Their Families

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.

Register for Transition IEP Workshop: A Webinar for Families

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:

1. Math Takes Time, 
2. Focus on Understanding, and 
3.  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.

Register for 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 child in mathematics.

We will focus on three big ideas:

1. Math Takes Time, 
2. Focus on Understanding, and 
3.  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.

Register for Supporting your Grade 3-6 Children in Math: 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

• 1/21/21: Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behaviors 

  • Parents/guardians will review methods to increase target skills

  • Parents/guardians will review problem solving strategies if target skills are not increasing

• 2/18/21:Teaching your Children to Follow Directions

• 3/18/21: Effectively Communicating with Your Child

• 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.

Register for 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

Register for SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs

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.

Register for College 101: A Webinar for Families of Students with Disabilities 

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.

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.

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.

Register for Coping Strategies for Anxious Kids

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 - 8:00 p.m.

Register for All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication

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:

1. Complete a college search in Naviance 
2. Identify and explore your top three colleges 
3. Get familiar with the Common App ® 
4. 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

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.

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.

Watch Survive and Thrive with Virtual Learning: Practical Strategies to Make At-Home Learning Work for You

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

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

Watch 1-2-3 Magic: The 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting A Webinar for Families