Making the Most of Special Education
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Resource parents will be equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively support youth with educational needs. The training will explain the nuts and bolts of an IEP and 504 plan to guide participants in understanding, reviewing and helping to develop effective, measurable IEP goals that address the youth’s unique needs. Two hours of training credit. RSVP online by April 24, 2026.
Family Fun Day in the Park
Saturday, May 9, 2026
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lake Accotink Park
Fairfax County Resource Families, please join us for an open house in the great outdoors. There will be a special presentation honoring YOU, our resource families, as well as an interactive resiliency training with an expressive arts activity. You'll explore how connection, community, and nature can strengthen family resilience and support healthy family functioning. There will be a light lunch and snacks, and opportunities to enjoy the park’s amenities including boat rentals, carousel, trails, minigolf and more. Families must RSVP online by May 1, 2026.
On Demand Opportunities to Build Your Knowledge & Understanding
Each year, our partner the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, provides thousands of hours of skill-building sessions and trainings to foster, kinship, adoptive, and guardianship caregivers. They are hosted by their programmatic staff, primarily The Institute for Child Welfare Innovation. Sessions are free, and most are held virtually. Some upcoming topics include Mental Health Considerations, Know Your Rights, Know Your Role, The Importance of Sibling Bonds, Separation, Loss & Grief, and many more. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the meeting link and a follow-up email with information about joining the meeting and obtaining training materials. Please note that some sessions do not count for training credit hours, so email Jennifer Woods and Neda Ghodsi with questions regarding whether in-service credit may be provided for attending.
Foster Parent College Available for Online In-Service Training!
Recently, the Virginia Department of Social Services renewed its contract with Foster Parent College which offers training on a variety of key topics. FPC is self-paced and can be accessed online from anywhere at your convenience 24/7. You may choose to take any class you believe will be helpful for your own personal growth and development. All classes are free to approved foster parents with Fairfax County, and you will receive in-service training hours for completing FPC courses. If you would like to receive a list of courses for review or if you have any questions about registering or assistance with login, please reach out to one of the in-service trainers; Neda Ghodsi and Jennifer Woods.
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