available by appointment at Lee High School and Woodson High School during the months of July and August. Supportive consultation is available if your child may be anxious, not sleeping well, a target of bullying, or experiencing other social or emotional issues. Assistance will be available in accessing community resources and referrals for services through county agencies. A parent may have questions about the special education process, such as which tests will be administered, who decides the tests used, and what the scores mean. School psychologists and school social workers can also offer guidance on how to manage challenging behaviors, as well as how to work collaboratively with the school team. School psychologists and school social workers will be able to help you with these and other issues. To make an appointment with a school social worker or a school psychologist, please call Donna Douglas at 703-503-2506. Lee High School is located at 6540 Franconia Road, Springfield, VA 22150, map: commweb.fcps.edu/directory/map_base.cfm?locid=2009 Woodson High School is located at 4107 Whitacre Road, Fairfax, VA 22032, map: commweb.fcps.edu/directory/map_base.cfm?locid=2021 For additional information on FCPS School Psychology Services and School Social Work Services visit: www.fcps.edu/dss/KIT/parentopportunity.htm Dunn Loring Administrative Center to Become Parent Services Center on June 1 Effective Tuesday, June 1, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Dunn Loring Administrative Center will become the Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, providing a variety of programs, resources, and services for parents in one convenient location. The Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services is accessible by Fairfax Connector, Metrobus, and Metrorail (Orange Line: Dunn Loring-Merrifield station) and is located at 2334 Gallows Road in Dunn Loring. In addition to existing offices, FCPS is moving several staff members from the Departments of Instructional Services, Special Services, and Communications and Community Outreach into Dunn Loring from the Devonshire Center, which will be vacated later this year in order to be returned to eventual use as an elementary school by the start of the 2012-13 school year. The FCPS offices that will be based at Dunn Loring and the services they offer include: Student Registration Student Registration provides school enrollment services for students who speak a language at home other than or in addition to English (multilingual specialists are available to help families with limited English proficiency) and for others who require special enrollment assistance, such as foreign exchange students, students whose natural or legally adoptive parents do not reside in Fairfax County, tuition-paying students, and students in foster care. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Assessment If a language other than or in addition to English is spoken in the home, the student's English skills (in reading, writing, listening, and speaking) are assessed at the time of enrollment. Results of this assessment and review of the student's academic records determine the level of English language proficiency of each student. Students who have limited English proficiency are provided ESOL services as part of their instructional program. Family and School Partnerships Family and School Partnerships promotes student success in school and in life through: * Parenting classes, FCPS orientations, parent liaisons, and other parenting resources for families. * Training, resources, and professional development workshops for FCPS staff members, community members, and visiting professionals. * Bilingual community liaisons, who meet with parents--as part of the student registration process--to provide information about the school system and the individual school(s) the child (ren) will attend. Community liaisons also inform parents about and connect them with applicable resources available at the school(s) and in the community. Parent Resource Center (PRC) The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) promotes parent awareness of the services provided by FCPS for children with special needs and their families, such as: * Parent training opportunities, workshops, classes, and support groups. * The opportunity to consult with a specially trained special education parent liaison about parenting, special education, 504 eligibility, and community resources. * Use of an extensive lending library to find a book, DVD, CD, or other resource. * Use of computers to access resources and complete research on topics related to individuals with disabilities. * Access to a network of referrals to meet individual needs (educational, transitional, vocational, recreational, and health). * Workshops to help parents understand the rules, regulations, and procedures that affect families of children with special needs. * The center encourages parent participation in the educational decision-making process and fosters the parent-professional partnership. * The PRC also serves as a resource for educators and the community. Family and Early Childhood Education Program (FECEP- Head Start-Early Head Start) The Family and Early Childhood Education program (FECEP- Head Start-Early Head Start) is a free child development program for pregnant women and children aged birth to five, including children with disabilities or special needs, from income-eligible families. Parents and community professionals work with program staff members to provide comprehensive services that address children's educational, social, health, nutritional, and emotional needs. Families can learn more about the program and apply for services at the Dunn Loring Center. Early Childhood Identification and Services (Child Find) (Note: Child Find is scheduled to move August 19-20; check http://www.fcps. edu/dss/sei/ ecids/index. htm for updates.) Child Find serves children aged two to five who have been identified as having significant developmental delays in one or more of the following areas: speech, language, fine and/or gross motor skills, social-emotional, vision, and hearing. Children who may be in need of special education or related services are referred to Child Find for information, developmental screenings, and possible referral for additional comprehensive evaluations to determine eligibility for services. Note: For more information, contact the Department of Communications and Community Outreach at 571-423-1200. Falls Church Parent Resource Center For a complete list of all upcoming workshops and activities go to the PRC web site http://www.fcps.edu/cco/prc/workshops. htm contact us by email prc@fcps.edu or phone 703-204-3941 or 703-204-3955 (Spanish). Parent Encouragement Program Upcoming Summer Events www.parentencouragement.org/pubs/pepsched.pdf 703-242-8824 The Parent Encouragement Program (PEP), Inc. is a non-profit educational organization for parents, teachers and others who want to deal constructively with children and teens. PEP is dedicated to the building and strengthening of healthy, harmonious adult-child relationships in the home or classroom. All PEP services (classes, workshops, talks, library) present a practical, proven approach to childrearing based upon the Adlerian philosophy of mutual respect, shared responsibility, developing competence, and winning cooperation. Locations: Ashburn Village Pediatrics 44050 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Suite 189 Ashburn, VA 20174 Christ the King Lutheran Church 10550 Georgetown Pike Great Falls VA 22066 St. Luke Catholic School 7005 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA 22101 Church of the Good Shepherd 2351 Hunter Mill Road Vienna, VA 22181 “The Parent Encouragement Program . . . offers some of the best parenting classes in the nation.” Marguerite Kelly, Family Almanac, The Washington Post, 8/7/2009 The Parents' Place of Maryland Upcoming Events More Info: www.chadd.org Check the PPMD online calendar for times and locations and other training opportunities. www.calendarwiz.com/ppmd F.A.N.tastic Fridays are a free drop-in program for families who have a son or daughter (between the ages of 3-22) on the autism spectrum. A variety of planned leisure activities for families to enjoy together. Games, arts & crafts, sports, and a special program each month. A great opportunity for families to socialize, network, and learn about the resources available throughout Northern Virginia. Cost: Free! No registration required. They are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at various locations around the County. For more information, contact Katelyn Murdock at 703-324-5517, katelyn.murdock@fairfaxcounty.gov. with Special Needs
7701 Royce Street, Annandale, VA 22003 Families needed to support this Pilot Program Saturday, September 25th from 10:00 to 11:00 we will be doing our first part, we will take time to meet the kids, do a scavenger hunt around the center and look at some interesting animals, including snakes and other reptiles. Saturday, October 23rd from 10:00 to 11:00 we will be looking at animal coverings and patterns (And even touching some!) we will be going outside to collect leaves of different shapes and sizes and then coming inside and making our own with paper and crayons and markers. Saturday, November 20th from 10:00 to 11:00 we will be listening to some animal sounds and then going outside to make them for ourselves. We can include 10-12 children in this program and each child will get 100% of our attention. Sign up for this program is on a first-come/first-serve basis. Children should be in first through sixth grade. Parents may stay if they would like to, but we will have staff members from the county there to take good care of the kids. If you are more comfortable (or just curious about the program) please feel free to stay, we would love to have you. Just let us know your preference when you sign up. If you have concerns about being able to attend all three pieces of the program, or if the child needs to come in late or leave early , it will not be a problem. Again, just let us know. If your child requires assistive devices (i.e. wheelchair, hearing aid, communication device) please let us know and we can be sure to have the appropriate assistance. If you are unsure whether this program is appropriate for your child, please call us. We look forward to making this a fun experience for everyone! If you are interested in enrolling your child(ren) in any of the sessions, please contact Samantha directly at (703)635-8421 or samantha.skobel@studentmail.fcps.edu.
(POAC-NoVA), Upcoming Events
National Golf Club, 16850 Sudley Road, Centreville, VA on Thursday, August 5, 2010. Directions and a map are at www.fairfaxnationalgolfclub.com/directions.php. 8:30 Registration, and 10:00 Shotgun Start. Foursomes – $500, Singles – $125, and Hole Sponsorship – $200. We hope you can join ASNV, Hooters and local fire fighters for what promises to be a great time for a worthwhile cause. You may sign up at any local Hooters restaurant, you are welcome to contact myself or tournament organizer Kit Hessel at 571/221-1022 if you have questions. As in the past, we expect the tournament to sell out, so we encourage you to sign up soon. Thank you for your support of our families. For more info, go to http://www.autism-society.org/site/Clubs? club_id=1200&sid=14740&pg=event.
Society for "Nanny McPhee Returns". It is on Saturday, September 4, 2010 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the AMC Tyson's (Mclean) - 703-734-6212, AMC Potomac Mills (Woodbridge) - 703-490-3801, and AMC Rio Cinemas (Gaithersburg) 301-948-6673. Cost is $6 per person. AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy new current in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC's "Silence is Golden" policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is in question.
Chapter's 6th Annual Walk for Autism-Virginia will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA 20112. This Autism Walk /10K Ruck March/ 5K Run and Community Resource Fair will help raise awareness about the increasing frequency of autism and raises funds to help pay for autism treatments in the form of mini-grants. These grants are awarded to families dealing with the financial burden of autism. Many autism therapies are not provided in schools or covered by health insurance. More info is at www.walkforautismva.org. Last year, despite the rain, over 700 people registered for the walk consisting of many walkers, 50 teams and 40 runners. Twenty-eight companies sponsored the walk, helping to raise funds and support children afflicted with autism. Because of the tremendous level of support we received, 46 families in Northern Virginia received mini-grants worth approximately $60,000. We are grateful for the remarkable support provided by the community. As the rates of autism increases each year, so do the number of families in need. Our goal is to support every family in need. In order to make this possible, we need even more support from the community.
AND INFORMATION MEETINGS for 2010 will normally be on the third Saturday of each month from 1 to 4:30pm usually in the library of the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA (From the Capital Beltway (495), take exit 52A, (Little River Turnpike West; also called Route 236 West). The JCCNV is located on the right-hand side, 1.5 miles west on Little River Turnpike, at the intersection of Guinea Road). More info on the JCCNV is at www.jccnv.org/displayContent.asp?id=64. IMPORTANT: Free Childcare Now Available at POAC- NoVA's Monthly Support Meetings! POAC-NoVA is offering free childcare at all meetings held at the JCCNV. Reservations are a MUST. Please contact Dana Chilbert at (703) 537-3031 or by e-mail at DanaC@JCCNV.org at the JCCNV to reserve your spot ahead of time. This MUST be done for EVERY single child whether disabled or not! In order to have sufficient staff on hand, you must make a reservation. We cannot accept children without contacting the JCCNV at least 24 hours before the meeting. You will also need to agree to the JCCNV Special Needs Department Termination of Service Statement available at www.poac-nova.org/pdfs/JCCNV%20Special%20Needs% 20Department%20Termination%20of%20Service% 20Statement.pdf. and Wellbeing Date: Saturday, August 7, 2010 Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: Oakwood School * 7210 Braddock Rd., Annandale, Virginia 22003
but did you know that there is a simple, inexpensive way to bring balance to all the systems of the body which will help you self-heal? Reflexology can: *increase circulation to all your internal organs *bring hormonal balance to your system *give your immune system a boost *increase your energy *decrease the pain of a migraine *promote more restful sleep *relieve the symtoms of fibromialgia *reduce anxiety In fact, it would take all day to list the benefits of reflexology. So, come to the August 7th Tool Box to learn more and get some hands on experience with an ancient healing method. Our guest speaker, Ann Marie O'Lone, is a Brain Gym® enthusiast who has many years experience working in Montessori schools, home schooling, tutoring and teaching sewing to children and adults. Even though all her work with children has been and continues to be very satisfying, she has always had an interest in alternative healing methods. After some soul searching, she decided to take a reflexology course at the Baltimore School of Reflexology, and received her certification in December, 2008. As a part of the training Ann Marie was required to work on and document 100 pairs of feet. This was an amazing experience and it convinced her that there is so much merit in this technique that she should share it with anyone who is interested. To register: Call 703-912-1607 and leave your name and phone number. We need to have an idea of how many people are coming so we can prepare sufficient materials. You may join us even if you do not call ahead. Donations to Kinesthetic Learning, Inc. are tax deductible and gratefully accepted. MEDICAID WAIVERS & SSI WORKSHOPS in 2010 The Arc of Northern Virginia and members organizations of the Virginia Ability Alliance offer these workshops for families who want to know more about VA Medicaid Waivers and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both issues can seem overwhelming at first glance, but you will get a basic introductory overview and will know the first steps to take at the conclusion of this workshop. There is a free download of waiver information from The Arc website. These workshops have been very well received, so make sure to RSVP to reserve your spot. The workshops are FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Addressing the needs of all individuals with disabilities as they plan for a secure future! Date: Saturday, September 25 Time: 1-4 pm Location: Jewish Comm. Center-NOVA, 8900 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA 22031 Date: Sunday, November 14 Time: 1-4 pm Location: Jewish Comm. Center-NOVA, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031 RSVP to: The Arc of NoVA, 98 N. Washington Street Falls Church, VA 22046 www.thearcofnova. org Phone: 703-532- 3214 ext. 101 Fax: 703-532-3398 E-mail: info@thearcofnova. org Parents of Exceptional Children, (POEC) Upcoming Events www.poec.org The goal of POEC is to promote the active participation and contributions of special needs children and youth in their communities, to make sure their voices and success stories are heard. Parents of Exceptional Children (POEC) is a non-profit organization for parents and friends of children with special needs. POEC provides education workshops, information materials, and peer support to families with exceptional children who have intellectual, learning, physical disabilities, and/or special health care needs. Membership Benefits: *Friendly, Supportive, Objective Parents and Professionals on List Serve *Networking Opportunities *Social Support *Dad's Group (NEW) *Education Sessions
A Blueprint Jill Hudson and Amy Bixler Coffin, in their book Out and About: Preparing Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Participate in Their Communities, offer an easy-to use Blueprint for parents taking their children on a community outing or for educators preparing a field trip. The Blueprint offers 11 tools to consider for these outings. Below, they have been adapted for a trip to the movies. 1. Waiting plan. Waiting is a part of every activity and many children will need some support to wait. For example, if the child is waiting in line to buy popcorn, a wait card or a simple fidget might make the waiting easier. 2. Communication. For the child who requires support to communicate, his communication system needs to travel with him. His communication device may include special icons that will allow him to request popcorn or make comments about the movie. More verbal children may require prompting to order something from the concession stand. 3. Social. An important part of any outing is the social interaction. To make the most of the outing, the child may need to role-play what it is like to go to the movie or read a social narrative about what will happen in the movie theater. The child may also need a script to ask peers what they liked about the movie. 4. Visual. Visual supports help to make an outing a success. A “first … then …” card, a list of what the child will do at the movie, or a wait card can help clarify the order of events or expectations. 5. Hidden curriculum. Consider what “unwritten rules” are necessary for the child to know at the movie theater. For example, at the movies children can eat their own popcorn and perhaps their parents’ popcorn, but they are not permitted to eat the popcorn that belongs to other families. 6. Sensory. Many children become overwhelmed by noise or lights. The child attending a movie might need earplugs or sunglasses to minimize sensory input. In addition, the child may need a favorite blanket or small toy to feel comfortable in a new environment. 7. Motivation. Sometimes outside motivators or reinforcers are needed to helpthe child complete activities. Offering a small reinforcer during the activity or after the activity can urge a reluctant child to try something new. 8. Behavior. Are any behavior supports needed to help the child experience success during the movie? Before an outing, consider taking a voice volume card and making a plan of action for if the child becomes anxious. For the AMC-ASA Sensory Friendly Films, there will be a space available for children to de-stress. If anxiety or other behaviors are of concern, having this information is invaluable. 9. Transition. Transition supports help the child move from place to place – from the concession stand to the theater or from the bathroom to the car. Picture cards or scripts can be helpful during transitions. 10. Siblings or other students. Are any special plans or considerations needed for other children during the outing? For example, if the child with autism becomes anxious and needs to leave the theatre briefly to calm, will the sibling remain in the theater or accompany his brother who is feeling stressed? 11. Rewind. This tool allows for review following the movie or other event. Rewind can be used to celebrate the family’s success or revisit the plan to ensure that supports are added, as needed. The Out and About Blueprint is an option for parents who are planning an outing for their family that could become. It takes into consideration the needs of the individual in a simple yet comprehensive format. For more information about the Out and About Blueprint, visit the Autism Asperger Publishing Company at www.asperger.net/bookstore_9991.htm. CHADD of Northern Virginia, PO Box 2645 - Fairfax, VA 22031, 703-641-5451, www.novachadd.org Fairfax County Council of PTAs Special Education Calendar of Events Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center, (PEATC) Richmond Regional Office, 2922 W. Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23223, 804-819-1999, Fairfax Regional Office: 100 N. Washington Street, Ste. 234, Falls Church, VA 22046, 703-923-0010, www.partners@peatc.org JSSA Announces Spring 2010 Northern Virginia Growth and Learning Programs Children and Teen Workshops JSSA and the JCC of Northern Virginia present: Camp Shalom This exciting program for children with ADD/ADHD and Asperger's syndrome is based on the latest research, proven methods for improving children’s social skills, and JSSA’s successful Social Skills Therapy model. The camp’s mission is to improve each child’s ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with peers and build a solid foundation for making and keeping friends within a relaxed, fun and creative environment. The camp day includes morning therapy sessions and afternoon focus on programs to reinforce what was learned and help build social connections. Admission Process: Applications are dated and time stamped. Interviews will be conducted in February and March with each child submitting an application. Counselors from both JSSA and JCCNV will participate in each interview. Families will be notified of acceptance into camp after the interview and application have been completed. Social skills topics covered include: friendly behaviors— initiation of friendships, listening, taking turns and sharing; making conversation, responding to others, working as a team; impulse and emotional self-control; inhibition and delay; anger management; handling teasing, relaxation/stress management and more... When: Session 1 (June 28–July 9): Grades 1-3 Session 2 (July 12-23): Grades 4-6 - ADD/ADHD campers only Session 3 (July 25-August 6): Asperger's syndrome campers only Session 4 (August 9-20) Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday Where: The JCC of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax For more information, please visit www.jccnv.org/documents/Camps2010-web.pdf Children and Teen Workshops JSSA—Going Places! A Social Club for Teens with Asperger's Syndrome. JSSA and the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) present a social club for teens between 14-17 diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and related disorders. Group activities are geared towards getting to know each other and building essential social skills. A variety of monthly outings will be offered. The next event will take place on Sunday, July 11. Call 703-537-3040 for more information or to register.
the Autism Spectrum This ongoing monthly support group will discuss participants' interests and concerns including: identifying community resources, building a support network and balancing one's own needs with that of your adult son or daughter. Group meets on Wednesdays, July 28, August 25; 7:00-8:30 p.m. at JSSA, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax. Please call 703-204-9100 to register. Skill Builders, LLC presents Sensory Social Summer Groups Description: These groups, led by an SLP and OT, are designed for children with sensory integration difficulties as well as speech and language delays. Ideal for children of various ages to provide them with an engaging social atmosphere that emphasizes sensory activities through play with peers. Activities will include: arts & crafts, snack, gross motor play, storytelling, sensory experiences, fine motor fun, and language enrichment opportunities through social interaction. Groups will be limited to 4-5 children (depending on age and developmental levels) and will be held on a weekly basis throughout the summer. Dates and Times: Late June to early August Rate: $100 per session For more information about this group, or to register, please contact Cari Syron, M.A., CCC/SLP at 703-941-7757 ext. 101.
Fairfax location! Study Skills Made Easy This hands-on class will teach students how to organize, plan, and study more effectively based on their unique learning style. Each of the eight sessions will be packed with useful study techniques for students entering grades 6-9, including: * Active reading strategies * Organizational tools—for your binder, desk, and home * Goal setting how-to’s * Time management—Short/long term planning * Note taking and memory techniques * Transition skills for students changing schools Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of August (3rd-26th) Make up sessions: August 31st and September 2nd Time: 4:15 pm to 5:30 pm Location: 3923 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 Summer Keyboarding Class Each hour and fifteen minute session will include 45 minutes of keyboarding using the Typing Quick & Easy software and a half hour of introduction in the use of Inspiration writing software. Session 1: 5th-7th Grade - Tuesdays and Thursdays in July from 7/6 to 7/29; 3:30-4:45 Session 2: 5th – 7th Grade-Mondays and Wednesdays in August from 8/2 to 8/25; 3:30-4:45 Location: 3923 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 703-934-8282, www.ectutoring.com, 301-469-6060 |
Fairfax County Upcoming Events
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