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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.
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
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
Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee (ASEAC) Meeting
Tuesday, October 28, 2025: 7pm – 9pm
VIRTUAL Meeting
Please use this link to register to attend the meeting
ASEAC meets monthly from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. All ASEAC meetings are public meetings and anyone can attend and participate. Any person who would like an interpreter and/or any person with a disability who needs accommodation to access the meeting should contact the Parent Resource Center at 703-228-7239 or [email protected] at least five business days in advance of a meeting to request interpretation/accommodation.
If you wish to receive email notification of our meeting dates and agendas, please send ASEAC an email at [email protected] and request to join the email list.
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
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
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.
OCTOBER EVENTS
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Signal Regulation and Thriving in a World of Overload
Tuesday, October 14: 1-2pm or 7:30-8:30pm
Use this link to register for the session
In this lecture, Dr. Jon L. Thomas will be covering the following points:
- Learn new and novel ways of seeing ADHD not as a simple attention deficit, but as a difference in signal regulation.
- Review the unique ways people with ADHD experience time, struggle with shifting gears, and ride the highs and lows of motivation.
- Introduce Signal Mapping – a groundbreaking framework, developed by Dr. Thomas, that helps decode what truly moves ADHD brains into action.
- Discuss the bigger picture of living in today’s era of signal overload, where social media, short-form content, and constant noise affect not only those with ADHD, but increasingly, everyone.
Dr. Thomas invites you to “do a little homework” before his lecture and read two articles from his Substck page:https://substack.com/@drjonthomas
You will have a more clear understanding of his motivation strategy through signals that will guide your questions following the lecture.
There are 2 opportunities to attend this lecture: the first lecture, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM will be live, with the second lecture at 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM being the recorded lecture. Both lectures will have live Q&A portions to pose your questions to Dr. Thomas.
- October 23- Heroes and Role Models webinar, hosted by FFF.
- November 9- Circle of Support Conference, hosted by The Arc of Greater Prince William, Woodbridge.
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
October 20, 2025
3rd Mondays 7:00-8:30pm
Use this link to register
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:
- Michelle Best ([email protected])
- Sandy Minners ([email protected])
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)
See peatc.org/events for descriptions and more information.
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.
English Special Education Series
Use this link to register
- October 22: From Referral to Eligibility – Learn how the process begins and what to expect every step of the way.
- November 5: Anatomy of an IEP – Break down each section of the IEP so you know what matters most.
- November 19: Measurable IEP Goals – Understand about developing meaningful goals and why they’re essential to progress.
- December 3: The Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings – Get strategies for effective communication and collaboration at the table.
- December 17: Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia – Explore your rights and the tools available when disagreements arise.
Special Education Series in Spanish/Serie De Educación Especial EN ESPAÑOL – Otoño 2025
Registrate
PEATC presenta esta serie de talleres virtuales para padres y profesionales que desean aprender más sobre la educación especial en Virginia. Regístrese una vez para asistir a algunos o todos los talleres informativos.¡Aquellos que asistan a todas o más de tres talleres, podrán participar de una rifa y ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $50!
- Octubre 21 – De la Referencia a la Eligibilidad
- Noviembre 5 – Descifrando el código: 504 vs. IEP
- Noviembre 19 – Anatomia de un Programa de Educacion Individualizado (IEP)
- Diciembre 3 – Planificación de la Transición y el Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP)
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].