SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person and 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   Registration is free, however, donations are accepted to support the cost of future Sibshops: Donate Here

Monday, January 24, 2022. *School Planning Day – students are not attending school 

• 9 a.m-noon in-person
• 1-2:30 p.m. virtual

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

What Should I do Before my Child Grows Up? Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students with Disabilities

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school!

It’s never too early or too late to start preparing for your future. We want to help you start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult. 

Ensuring the postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for a month of webinars focused on planning for the future. 

Each week, webinar sessions will cover a range of topics: CTS programming and services for students with disabilities, short and long-term postsecondary supports, employment and postsecondary education considerations, Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post-school success. 

This event also includes two evenings of student/parent panels where members describe their firsthand experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and planning for their child’s future.

Wednesdays in February, 2022: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, & 2/23 6:30-8:30 p.m.

February 2

6:30 – 6:45    Session 1A Event/Workshop Overview                  6:45 – 7:35     Session 1B

I’m Determined: K-12: Learn why it’s important for students with disabilities to understand and possess self-determination skills from elementary school to adulthood.

7:35 – 8:30     Session 2

CTS Special Education Programs and Services Available in FCPS  Career and Transition Services (CTS) Overview: Learn about the different course offerings, programs, and services available from CTS. Opportunity to ask questions and interact with teacher and staff representatives. 

February 9

6:30 – 7:30     Session 1

The Arc of Northern Virginia: Transition Planning and Supported Decision-Making: Learn how to successfully plan for the move from school to the adult world, including how to empower your child or student to maximize independence and rights protection by using a chosen team of supporters. 

7:30 – 8:30     Session 2

Supporting Students Accessing Adult Services: Learn about how the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Community Services Board (CSB), and Career and Transition Services (CTS) work together to support students accessing adult service providers upon exiting FCPS. 

February 16

6:30 – 7:30     Session 1

College and Postsecondary Education Options: Understand the college planning process and learn how to find colleges/programs with the right support and services for your child or student. 

7:30 – 8:30     Session 2

My Journey - Part I: An FCPS Graduate Student and Parent Panel: Opportunity to hear from students and parents who navigated special education programs and services in FCPS.

The panel for Part I will consist of individuals with disabilities who are pursuing competitive employment and higher education opportunities after exiting FCPS. 

February 23

6:30 – 7:15     Session 1

Middle School Support: This session will provide an overview of planning for your future within the IEP and a discussion about why it’s important to start that planning early. 

7:15 – 8:30     Session 2

My Journey - Part II: An FCPS Graduate Student and Parent Panel: Opportunity to hear from students and parents who navigated the transition process in FCPS. 

The panel for Part II will consist of individuals with disabilities who are pursuing supported employment, group supported employment, or day support opportunities, and working with the Community Services Board (CSB) for on-going support after exiting FCPS.   

Register for What should I do before my child grows up? Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students with Disabilities