Full Menu

Event Calendar

To request ADA accommodations and/or language interpretation for a Parent Resource Center event, please contact us at 703-228-7239 or [email protected] at least 7 days prior to event.

Upcoming Events Graphic

 

 

 

 


ADHD Parent Series
Thursdays, October 9 – 30 and November 6: 11:30am-1:30pm
In person at the Syphax Education Center, or via Zoom
Use this link to register
Join the Parent Resource Center Coordinators, Gina DeSalvo and Kathleen Donovan, and our parent partner, Susan Scott, for this free series.

  • Session 1 – October 9: ADHD – What Parents Need to Know
  • Session 2 – October 16: ADHD – Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Session 3 – October 30: ADHD at Home
  • Session 4 – November 6: ADHD at School
  • Session 5 – November 13: ADHD and Adolescence

View event flyer


Superintendent Team Chat with Dr. Francisco Durán and other APS leaders
Tuesday, October 7:  7pm to 9pm
Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22204
This evening is designed to provide opportunities to discuss topics relevant to the needs of students receiving special education in APS. Questions are submitted by SEPTA members and compiled by SEPTA’s board. A week prior to the meeting all the questions are submitted to the Superintendent and Office of Special Education to allow time to gather data necessary to answer questions as fully as possible.
Use this link to RSVP and submit questions
View event flyer
Sponsored by Arlington SEPTA


Helping Kids Stay Calm and Manage Their Emotions: A Parent Session on Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 7pm – 8pm
Presented by: Deborah Hammer, Autism and Low-Incidence Disability Specialist
Self-regulation is the ability to manage your feelings, actions, and thoughts so you can stay calm, make good choices, and handle challenges in a positive way. Many children and teens – especially those with learning differences – struggle with this. Join us as Deborah Hammer helps us understand and respond to kids experiencing challenges with self-regulation.

Join us to learn:

  • What self-regulation means for kids
  • What co-regulation means for parents
  • Strategies to help kids manage emotions
  • Tools to build focus and resilience at home
  • How to support kids when emotions run high

Use this link to register for the session. 
View event flyer


Your Child’s IEP: What Parents Need to Know
Wednesday, October 22
Morning Session: 10am to Noon
Evening Session: 7pm to 9pm

This session is designed for parents/caregivers of students who receive special education services, and will provide parents with the information they need to become active members of their child’s special education Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, and will address:

  • IEP Team: Members & Roles
  • Components of IEPs
  • Writing measurable goals
  • Tracking progress
  • Parent/student input & participation
  • Placement and services
  • Parent consent
  • Building collaborative relationships

Join us in person at the Syphax Education Center, or online via Zoom.

View event flyer
Use this link to register


AAC Family Game Night
Thursday, October 30: 5-6:30pm
Lubber Run Community Center
300 N. Park Drive, Arlington, VA 22203
Use this link to register for the session
View event flyer
Students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and devices, along with their families and APS staff, are invited to join us. This event is open to all ages, grades and AAC proficiency levels. Bring your communication devices, lighttech boards and the whole family.

  • Meet and greet other families and APS staffEngage with fun games and activities
  • Meet our AAC Coaches and AsTech Team
  • Explore opportunities to combine play and AAC at home!
  • Enjoy a light meal provided by Whole Foods, Offices of Student Services & Family and Community Engagement, and Arlington SEPTA

COMMUNITY PARTNER WEBINARS/VIRTUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES and MEETINGS

The events included below are shared for informational purposes, and listing may not be inclusive of all available community learning opportunities and inclusion of opportunities does not reflect endorsement by Arlington Public Schools.   

Arlington County Events

Arlington County Logo

 

 

 

 


Therapeutic Recreation Corner
Office: 703-228-4740
TTY: 711
Email:[email protected]
Follow TR on Facebook!

  • Visit the Therapeutic Recreation Facebook page to see recreational activities posted weekdays that can help you practice your skills or develop new skills ones. Their daily themes are:
    • Monday: Self-Regulation skills
    • Tuesday: Fine motor skills
    • Wednesday: Gross motor skills
    • Thursday: Communication skills
    • Friday: Social skills

Parenting Wisely
Parenting Wisely, for parents/guardians of children ages 6 to 11. This self-paced course is available 24/7, online, in English and Spanish.
Parenting Wisely English flyer
Parenting Wisely Spanish flyer


download

 

 

 

 

Reoccurring programs:  Visit here to learn more and sign up.

  • TRUST TALK TUESDAYS
    These small group discussions will focus on Special Needs Trusts and futures planning. Questions pertaining to general disability issues in regards to future financial planning are welcome.
  • CHAT WITH AN ATTORNEY
    Parents can schedule a free 45-minute meeting with an attorney to receive advice and guidance on any number of special education topics for their student.
  • BASICS of MEDICAID WAIVER
    In this one hour presentation, Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advocacy, will review what Waivers are, services Waivers offer, how to apply, and give tips for families on waiting lists for services.
  • Building Independence with the TFIL Team
    The Tech for Independent Living Team invites you to join their monthly virtual event on the first Thursday of each month to discover the amazing Arc2Independence app.
  • Transition Lunch and Learn
    These sessions are not recorded. Planning to transition from school to adult services can be overwhelming. Once your child exits the school system, adult services are based on eligibility criteria and funding availability. These small group sessions are an opportunity to begin creating a plan for the future. Learn what employment and meaningful day support services are available, how to explore post-secondary options, what transportation supports exist, how to help your child make decisions and advocate, when to apply for SSI and manage benefits, and what recreation activities are available. This informal opportunity is to ask questions and discuss with the facilitator and other participants.
  • Metro Travel Training
    Interested in travel training?
    Come join our Tech for Independent Living (TFIL) team on a metro trip! Individuals with disabilities and a designated adult are invited to join our TFIL team on a short Metro trip. During this practice trip, individuals with disabilities will learn basic travel skills and will become more comfortable traveling on the Metro. SmarTrip cards will be provided. These in-person travel training events are FREE to attend, but pre-registration is required.

A New Kind of Transition Series
October 4, 2025 – 9:00-11:30am
Mandatory In-Person Kick-off Session
October 6-31, 2025 – Transition Series Webinars Provided Virtually
The Arc of Northern Virginia is excited to launch a reimagined Transition Series this October, designed to meet you exactly where you are on your journey. Whether your loved one is just beginning to explore post-school options or you’ve been navigating services for years, this year’s series features custom “tracks” to help you focus on what matters most to you. From “Planning for the Future” to “College Bound,” “Finding a Job,” “Building a Meaningful Day,” “Funding Supports,” and more, participants will select their interests and needs when they register—so the information you receive is tailored, not one-size-fits-all. They’ll start things off with a mandatory Kick-Off Session that sets the stage:

  • A warm welcome and overview of the program
  • A Parent Panel sharing real-life transition stories and advice
  • Resource Tables featuring local organizations ready to support you

Then, throughout October, dive into live weekly webinars (all recorded and available to rewatch later for registered participants). Topics include:

  • Supported Decision Making & Legal Authority
  • Medicaid Waivers
  • SSI & SSDI
  • Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts
  • Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) & DARS Vocational Support
  • Future Planning strategies …and much more.

This is a thoughtful, flexible roadmap for families and self-advocates navigating the often-overwhelming world of adulthood with disabilities.

Registration is now open!  Scholarships are available for registration fees if needed, just ask! Space is limited.

OCTOBER EVENTS

Trust Talk Tuesday – Tuesday, October 7
Transition Lunch & Learn – Thursday, October 9
Arctoberfest – Saturday, October 18
Trust Talk Tuesday – Tuesday, October 21
TFIL Talks – Tuesday, October 28

C.A.S.E. logo Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
C.A.S.E. offers a variety of events and support groups for adoptive families. They’ve also shared the following sessions:

 

Formed Families Forward logo

 

 

 

 


Kiwanis Club of Arlington, VA and VHC Health

Arlington Community Health Fair
Saturday, October 18, 2025 |11am to 3pm
Carlin Springs Elementary School
5995 5th Road S., Arlington, VA 22204

Adults and children are welcome to attend this free event, which will include the following:

Screenings

  • Vision
  • Diabetes
  • Blood Pressure
  • Chagas Testing

Activities

  • Fire Safety
  • Nutrition
  • Exercise
  • Children’s Books

Free raffles for a chance to win 4 bikes, and free flu shots for the first 100 attendees.

View English flyer
View Spanish flyer


Lab School 2025-2026 Speaker Series

  • October 15, 2025 | 6:00-7:00 PM
    Sharing the Diagnosis: Talking to Your Child About Their Neurodiversity
    Presented by Katia Fredriksen, PhD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Director of Training, The Stixrud Group and co-author of Different Thinkers and Yael Rothman, PhD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist and co-author of Different Thinkers
    Use this link to register
  • November 12, 2025 | 6:00-7:00 PM
    Growing Up in Public
    Devorah Heitner, PhD, Author of Growing up in Public: Coming Of Age In A Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World
    Use this link to register
  • January 28, 2026 | 6:00-7:00pm
    Bounce Back Stronger: Proven Tactics to Build Resilience in Your Child
    Nina Shiffrin, PhD, Psychologist and Director of Research, Alvord Baker
    Register Now
  • February 18, 2026 | 6:00-7:00pm
    Executive Functioning and Dysregulation: Understanding and Supporting Neurodiverse Students
    David Black, PhD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Director, Center for Assessment & Treatment (CAAT)
    Register Now
  • March 18, 2026 | 6:00-7:00pm
    The Secret Power of a Growth Mindset at Home and School
    Mary Cay Ricci, Educational Consultant, Author of NYT Best Selling Education Book, Mindsets in the Classroom and Ready to Use Resources for Mindsets in the Classroom
    Use this link to register

NAMI Arlington – Parent Support Group
Parents/Caregivers of School Age Students and Teens (PK-12) for 2025-2026
3rd Mondays 7:00-8:30pm

This group is geared to parents whose child is experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, including: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, mood disorders and more. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is respected.

Questions? Contact:


NAMI VA logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAMI Virginia Offers FREE training and support groups for Peers, Friends, Family, Parents, Caregivers, Youth, and Young Adults. Find more information about local training and support through your local Affiliate.

NAMI Family Support Group for Parents and Caregivers of Youth under 18.
  • First and Third Wednesday of the month
    7 – 8:30 PM on Zoom
    This Family Support Group, following NAMI’s signature programming model, is for parents or caregivers of children under the age of 18. For more information, please contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected] or join here. Hosted by Virginia Family Network.
  • Parent Leader Network Call
    Second Monday of the month 10- 11:30 AM on Zoom
    Connect with other parent leaders, learn new skills, and find out about upcoming learning opportunities. For more information, please contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected] or join here.
    Hosted by Virginia Family Network.
  • Book Club
    Second and Fourth Thursdays 7-8 PM on Zoom
    This is an online book club for parents and caregivers. The books will center on mental health and wellness, discovering yourself, and systems that parents and young people have navigated. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents in a relaxed environment. The group is ongoing, so you can jump in at any point! For more information, please contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected].
  • Virtual Coffee Chat for Self-Care
    Third Thursday of the month 9 AM on Zoom
    Connect in a relaxed, informal setting and discuss your own self-care journeys while drinking your morning coffee, tea, or water! Contact Nicole Anjum at [email protected] with questions and join here.
  • Monthly Lunch & Learn
    Last Thursday of the month at noon on Facebook
    .
    Lunch and Learn is a monthly, one-hour-long presentation on topics for parents and caregivers. Past presentations centered on trauma, restraint, and seclusion, self-care, school during COVID-19, and more. Please send questions to Nicole Anjum at [email protected] and Join us on our VFN Facebook Page.
  • Youth Move Virginia Youth & Young Adult Peer Support Group.
    This youth support group creates a space for youth to take initiative in conversations, activities, and movements about mental health. Contact Miranda Schnoor at [email protected] for upcoming dates and any questions or register here.
    Hosted by Youth MOVE Virginia
  • Apply for Youth MOVE Virginia’s Youth Advisory Board (Open until May 20)

download

 

 

 

 

See peatc.org/events for descriptions and more information.



Special Education Workshop Series – FALL into Knowledge 2025
(Wednesdays)
All sessions will start at 6:30 p.m. and will last 1 – 1.5 hours.
These webinars will be presented on Zoom. They will not be recorded.

  • October 15 – Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
    Explore your rights and the tools available when disagreements arise.

PEATC & VDOE Training Opportunities

Self-Paced Trainings – New topics released every Sunday at 5pm

  • SEAC Training – registration open now; perfect for families AND staff.
  • Transition University
    October 6, 2025 – December 8, 2025
    This free 5-session self-paced online course focuses on providing parent-friendly transition information to help make transition planning easier. This course is designed for parents/caregivers of elementary, middle, or high school students that receive special education services, and the professionals that support them. The goal is to share factual information on transition services and to help make the transition from school services to the adult services world less confusing. The training will take approximately 9 hours and can be accessed anytime during the 9 week timeframe.

Spanish-Speaking Family Resources

PEATC LATINX

Grupo de Chat para Padres: Únete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podrás mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino está haciendo.
Entra al GRUPO


PLANET WORD – Sensory Friendly Morning
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
925 13th St. NW, Entrance on K Street
Use this link to get tickets

Sensory Friendly Morning is designed for families with neurodivergent children or teenagers to explore the museum at a quieter, less-crowded time. The recommended age for this experience is 10 and up, but all are welcome! The experience is self-guided, and guests can choose to participate in additional activities. Some exhibit elements will be adapted to accommodate sensitivities to light and sound.

All guests are invited to participate in a Halloween theme with optional, not-scary costumes and trick-or-treating around the galleries for fun fidgets, bookmarks, and mini-books.

Prior to the event, registered guests will receive pre-visit materials to help them prepare for their visit including a social narrative and sensory map. Registered guests are welcome to drop in any time during the event.
For questions or concerns regarding accessibility needs, please contact [email protected].