Upcoming Programs for Parents

Post date: Jan 16, 2015 10:12:37 PM

Please share these learning opportunities with other Arlington families by forwarding this message, posting, or telling your neighbor! Note-there are several activities for February so you can plan aheadJ

Sunday, January 18. NAMI Support Group

Support group for families. Sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 1-2:30 pm, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5533 N. 16th St, Arlington. (Enter through the door marked “Office” nearest to the small parking lot off N, Inglewood St.) Please bring any magazines to donate to Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute. Questions? Contact Naomi Verdugo at Verdugo.naomi@gmail.com

Monday, January 19. Job Search Training

Computer C.O.R.E. is offering a free job search training session in the Fairlington Presbyterian Church at 3846 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302. During this session, attendees will learn how to search for jobs more effectively and sharpen how they present themselves to potential employers. Seating is limited to 25 people, so anyone wishing to attend should contact Tom Hutton at CORE to reserve their place at 703-931-7346 x101. Visit www.computercore.org for more details.

Tuesday, January 20. WEBINAR EVENT: How Families Can Shape & Strengthen the Early Intervention System

Do you want to know how you can shape and strengthen the Early Intervention System? The Arc of Virginia’s New Path Program is hosting a free webinar on January 20, 2015 at 10:30 AM to highlight the ways that your input can impact services across the state. We will discuss the Family Survey, early intervention advocacy, and how your voice can make a difference. To register, click here.

Wednesday, January 21. Paying for College—Little Known Secrets and Other Useful Information

This session will provide students and their parents with an overview on how to best navigate the daunting process of paying for college. The session led by financial advisor and educator on college financing, Brock Jolly, will provide parents with tips on how and where to save money. In addition, families will learn how to attend private universities for the same out of pocket costs as in-state schools, how to qualify for the maximum package and unique strategies for paying for multiple children attending college simultaneously. 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Yorktown High School-Auditorium. For more information, contact Clare Hessler at chrisandclarehessler@msn.com Sponsored by Yorktown High School Family Network.

Thursday, January 22. Supporting Your Child's Transition from Preschool to Kindergarten

Families of children receiving special education services are invited to join us to discuss the transition of preschool students with disabilities to kindergarten. This session will provide an overview of the transition process and special education programs, and information on the important role families play in their child's transition from preschool to elementary school. Registration is requested to assist us in planning for adequate materials. Kindly register online, via email to: emma.parralsanchez@apsva.us or by phone - 703.228.7239.Morning Session: 10:00am to 11:30am at the Integration Station at Reed (Children's School Entrance), 1644 N. McKinley Road, Arlington, VA 22205. Evening Session: 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the Syphax Education Center at Sequoia Plaza, 2110 Washington Boulevard, Room 101/103, Arlington, VA 22204.

Thursday, January 22. Super Sibs Club

Super Sibs Club is a series of Sibshops - peer recreation and support sessions for students, grades 2-5, who have brothers or sisters with disabilities, special needs, and/or significant health issues. Donations for activity fees* to cover the costs of snacks and materials are requested as follows - $10. for 4 hour sessions, (includes lunch) and $5 for 2 hour sessions (includes snacks). *Activity fee waivers are available. Registration is required. Kindly register online, or contact the Parent Resource Center atemma.parralsanchez@apsva.us or 703.228.7239 to register or obtain additional information

4:00pm to 6:00pm, Langston Community Center, 2121 Culpeper Street, Arlington, VA 22207

Thursday, January 22. Reunified Families: Acculturation and Parenting in the United States/Reunificación Familiar: Culturización y Crianza en los Estados Unidos

Taller para padres. Presentado en español. Cuidado de niños disponible desde las 6:00 p.m. Para inscribirse contacte a rdeleon@arlingtonva.us or 703/228-1568. Workshop for Parents. Workshop will be presented in Spanish. Childcare available beginning at 6:00 p.m. To register contactrdeleon@arlingtonva.us or 703/228-1568. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at DHS, Sequoia Building, 2100 Washington Blvd.

Friday, January 23. Middle School Sibshop

Middle School Sibshops are peer recreation and support sessions for students, grades 6-8, who have brothers or sisters with disabilities, special needs, and/or significant health issues. Sibs are encouraged to join us for a super fun evening. Dinner will be included! A $5.00 donation is requested, but not required, for dinner and materials. Registration is required. Kindly register online, or contact the Parent Resource Center at emma.parralsanchez@apsva.us or 703.228.7239 to register or obtain additional information. 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Boulevard, Room 113, Arlington, VA 22204.

Monday, January 26. Preparing for the Transition from High School to College: Information that Families of Students with Disabilities Need NOW!

This session will focus on post-secondary options with academic components - colleges and universities, as well as postsecondary programs designed for students needing intensive academic and vocational support services. Morning Session: 9:30am to Noon, Room 171. Evening Session: 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Room 101. Syphax Education Center at Sequoia Plaza, 2110 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22204. Registration is requested. Please register online, via email to emma.parralsanchez@apsva.us, or by phone - 703.228.7239.

Thursday, January 29. Celebrate Calm.

Celebrate Calm Founder, Kirk Martin, will provide practical strategies to: get your kids to listen the first time, stop defiance, disrespect, and yelling; stop whining, tantrums and sibling fights; get kids off video games/screens without a fight; create stress-free mornings, homework time and bedtime. 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N. Glebe Rd. Click here for the Workshop Flyer.

Thursday, January 29. An Introduction to Understanding Special Education

Do you have a child being referred for, or receiving special education services? Want to learn more about what to expect at meetings, and how special education services support students with disabilities? Parents and staff members are invited to join us to learn about the special education process, from referral to provision of services. Parents will receive information on how to prepare for special education meetings, and work collaboratively with staff to support their children throughout the special education process. Morning Session: 9:30am to Noon. Evening Session: 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Syphax Education Center at Sequoia Plaza, 2110 Washington Boulevard, Room 105, Arlington, VA 22204Registration is requested. Register online.

Friday, January 30. Celebrate Calm.

Celebrate Calm Founder, Kirk Martin, will provide practical strategies to: get your kids to listen the first time, stop defiance, disrespect, and yelling; stop whining, tantrums and sibling fights; get kids off video games/screens without a fight; create stress-free mornings, homework time and bedtime. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N. Glebe Rd. Click here for the Workshop Flyer.

Saturday, January 31. Energy Journey Game

The newest version of the interactive, life-size Energy Journey board game will debut at Wakefield High School. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the last game starts at 4 p.m. Don’t miss this fun & free community event – it’s great for kids and adults alike. Learn more and RSVP here. To volunteer (free t-shirt! snacks!) complete the online form.

Monday, February 2. El Parto, El Cuidado del Bebé y de si Misma: Cuidado de Recién Nacido/Childbirth and Infant Care Series: Newborn Care

Sponsored by the DHS Public Health Division, Maternity Clinic. 9:00-11:00 a.m. Free! Arlington Human Services Center, 2100 Washington Blvd., Room 272. Contact Brunilda Hernandez at 703/228-1243 or bherna@arlingtonva.us to register or for more information. Workshop is offered in Spanish. Sera ofrecido en español.

Thursday, February 5. Project Family @ Night-The Cost of Raising a Child and Money Saving Tips to Survive

How much does it cost to raise a child today? What’s the best way to manage all of these expenses? Join us for a discussion on the real cost of raising a child, learn strategies for saving money, and discuss how to save for the future. For parents of children ages 18 months-5 years old. Children can attend with their parent. Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie Street, Room 120. Register in advance by contacting Cheryl Fuentes at 703/228-1549 or cfuentes@arlingtonva.us Space is limited. Offered in collaboration with the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Friday, February 6. First Fridays Futures Planning: Letter of Intent - An Interactive Writing Workshop

In this session Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, presents information about this critical document when planning for your child’s future. A Will or a Trust will not necessarily ensures that your wishes for your child are always carried out. A Letter of Intent is a way to have your voice be heard when you are not there. This document is prepared by you to help those who care to interpret your hopes and desires for your child. Find out why we need a Letter of Intent and the purpose of this critical document when planning for your child’s future. 10 a.m.-12 noon. The Arc of Northern Virginia, 2755 Hartland Road Suite #200, Falls Church, VA 22043. Free, but must register in advance. RSVP For February 6th Now! Check out our website to see the more First Fridays Futures Planning Sessions. Sponsored by the Arc of Northern Virginia.

Friday, February 6-Sunday, February 8. Mothers and Daughters: Keeping Your Bond Strong through the Pre-Teen Years (ages 10-14)

Sil Reynolds and her 24 year old daughter, Eliza Reynolds, lead mothers and their 10-14 year old daughters in a weekend of initiation, communication, and celebration, taking time to nourish their relationship and learn how to respect and understand each other more completely. Through ritual, storytelling, art, and exercises in communication, new tools are gained that build bridges and keep those bridges strong through the teen years. Meets Friday from 7-9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Blueberry Hill Cohousing meeting room, Vienna, VA. Cost: $260/mother and daughter pair. Must pre-register by Jan. 23. Presented by Mindful Parenting. Contact Francine Ronis at francine.ronis@gmail.com or 571/213-9215

Friday, February 6. Family Night at The Mill

Join us at the new Arlington Mill Community Center for FREE family friendly programs. Come out for International Night! Go around the world in two hours with us and make memoies at a multicultural night to remember! All ages welcome, ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 7:00-9:00 p.m. For more info visit our event page. Cost: FREE to enter. Concessions for sale, cash only, starting at $1 per item. Sponsored by the Arlington Department of Parks & Recreation.

Monday, February 9. Childbirth and Infant Care Series: Newborn Care.

Sponsored by the DHS Public Health Division, Maternity Clinic. 9:00-11:00 a.m. Free! Arlington Human Services Center, 2100 Washington Blvd., Room 272. Contact Kathleen Pons Haines at 703/228-1288 or khaines@arlingtonva.us to register or for more information.

Thursday, February 12. 2015 APS Pre-K Registration Night

For Arlington parents with children turning 3 or 4 by Sept. 30, 2015. Families will have the opportunity to learn about each program, meet Pre-K staff and complete and turn in applications. Sponsored by the Arlington Public Schools. Information and resources to our incoming Pre-K families. Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd. 6:30-8:30 p.m. (6:30-VPI Presentation, 7:00-Primary Montessori Presentation. Interpreters will be available. Questions? Contact the APS Early Childhood Office at 703/228-8632.

Thursday, February 12. Healthy Co-Parenting

Workshop in Spanish for Spanish-speaking immigrant parents. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dept. of Human Services, 2100 Washington Blvd., Lower Level. Childcare provided. Register in advance with Bonita Parker at bparker@arlingtonva.us or 703/228-1102.

Friday, February 13. Teaching Peace, Living Peace

The Arlington Out of School Time Council Asset Brownbag Workshop. MJ Park from Little Friends for Peace will guide you to connect with others and be peacemakers. MJ will bring her inspirational and interactive workshop to help you become a peace maker in your interactions with children, as well as in all areas of your life. 11:45-1:45 p.m. Arlington Central Library, Auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St. Contact Michael Swisher at mswish@arlingtonva.us for more information.

Tuesday, February 17. Kinship Support Group

Come meet with other families like yours who are caring for their own. Dept. of Human Services, 2100 Washington Blvd., Lower Level. Meets every 3rd Tuesday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Childcare and dinner provided. For more information, contact Nakejah Allen at 703/228-1583 or nallen@arlingtonva.us Sponsored by the Arlington DHS Child and Family Services Division.

Thursday, February 26. Social Supports

Workshop in Spanish for Spanish-speaking immigrant parents. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dept. of Human Services, 2100 Washington Blvd., Lower Level. Childcare provided. Register in advance with Bonita Parker at bparker@arlingtonva.us or 703/228-1102.

Registration is open for "Your Child's Development 2015: Resource Fair for Arlington Parents and Caregivers of Infants and Preschoolers." This is the 7th annual FREE fair with resources and information from several County agencies and community organizations. This year's workshops are:

• "Supporting Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Children Aged 0-5: Foundations for Success"

• "Early Brain Development"

Come for all or part of the event. Coffee and refreshments will be provided by Arlington SEPTA (Special Education PTA).

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2015

Time: 9:00 am-12:30 pm

Place: Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th St. South, Arlington, VA 22204

Please register in advance for this FREE event!

By Internet at http://arlington2015resourcefair.eventbrite.com

By e-mail to gbaldelomar@arlingtonva.us

By phone at 703-228-1631

This event is sponsored by the Arlington Early Intervention Interagency Coordinating Council, which is comprised of several Arlington County agencies, Arlington Public Schools' offices, local community organizations, and Arlington parents. Flyers attached in English and Spanish.

Registration is ongoing for the Project Family Winter Session.

Project Family is a free, parents and children learning together program for Arlington parents and children ages infant to 5 years old. Classes available at 5 locations throughout Arlington, Mondays-Saturdays. See the full Winter Session schedule athttp://www.arlingtonfamilies.com under Parenting Resources. For more information or registration, contact Cheryl Fuentes at cfuentes@arlingtonva.us or 703/228-1549. Families may register at any time, pending space availability.

Calling Playful Volunteers! Are you willing to give 10 hours of your time to learn more about opportunities for kids to play outside in Arlington? The FitArlington Healthy Community Action Team will be launching a website listing the features available at different Arlington playgrounds. The website will help people find the local playground closest to wherever they are and to understand in advance what features the playground offers for children of different ages. We are looking for 15 energetic volunteers to visit 5-6 playgrounds each (we will group them all in the same geographic area). At each playground, the volunteer will take photos and complete a checklist noting what features are available at each site. The volunteer will enter data into an online survey tool. Prior experience visiting a playground is helpful, but not required. Training documentation will be made available to all volunteers to explain the survey. The surveys should be completed between February 10th - March 8th. We estimate the playground visits will take 15 minutes each and data entry time will take another 10 minutes per playground. Please contact Rachel Bedell (rachel.bedell@gmail.com) by January 28, 2015 if you are interested and available. Currently we are including all County and Arlington Public School managed playgrounds. If you know of a private playground that should be included on the list, please let us know by responding to Rachel at rachel.bedell@gmail.com

Please note--my new phone number is 703/228-1549.

Cheryl Fuentes

Coordinator, Project Family

Arlington DHS/Child & Family Services Division

2100 Washington Blvd., 3rd Floor

Arlington, VA 22204

703/228-1549

cfuentes@arlingtonva.us

www.arlingtonfamilies.com

Looking for something to do with your child? Need parenting information or resources? Visit www.arlingtonfamilies.com -a website that will link you to parenting information and resources for parents of kids of all ages-from infant to teen and everyone in between!