Virginia Family Special Education Connection

This website provides a one-stop-shop for parents, families and caregivers of children with special needs to:

• Access local school system contacts and disability services in your community
• Explore an abundance of resources, including assistive technology and behavioral supports to help your child succeed.
• Learn about and plan your child’s educational program
• Understand your legal rights and responsibilities

Parents and families can and do make a difference in their child’s education.

Learn more about FFF- 2019 ‘Your Need to Know’ TV program

Formed Families Forward was pleased to be featured on the Fairfax Public Access television show “Your Need to Know”. Learn more about how FFF started and the wealth of services and programs we offer to foster, adoptive and kinship families!

Section 504 Flow Chart

This handout from PACER Center offers a flow chart for distinguishing Section 504 support from special education/IDEA services.

Special Education Eligibility- A “Less Than 5” minute video

This FFF “Less Than 5” minute video reviews the special education eligibility process and offers families some helpful tips.

Getting Ready for IEP meetings- A ‘Less than 5’ minute video lesson

This FFF “Less than 5” minute video lesson highlights some key information and hints for preparing for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.

Pathways to Success modules for families

From the Virginia I’m Determined project, the Pathways to Success is a series of online learning modules for parents and caregivers.

The Pathways to Success are set up for you, at your own pace, to learn about how to support your child in becoming more self-determined. If you are just beginning, you can follow the Parent Path in the order it has been created, and if you just want to learn more about a certain aspect, you can simply skip to that part and grab the information you need

Definition of Parent- VDOE Guidance Document

This Va Department of Education Guidance Document for Implementing New Special Education Requirements for the Definition of Parent, is dated May 2009, continues to be in effect. See final page for the Code definition of Parent for purposes of special education.

Engaging Families in Mental Health and Disability Services tip sheet

This one pager from the new Northern Virginia Family Network (NVFN) designed for professional staff who work with families and youth. It offers some brief, straightforward suggestions and reminders about effectively communicating and building partnerships with families who are in need of education, mental health, disability and other services and supports.

Members of the NVFN are found on the back of the flyer.

US Department of Education IDEA website

The U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and our grantees.

Accommodations Menu list

A 16 page list of possible accommodations for children and youth with disabilities, that might be appropriate for 504 plans and individualized education programs (IEPs).

Parent and Educator Resource Guide on Section 504 from the US Department of Education

Some students with mental health challenges and other conditions may be considered students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; some may also be considered students with disabilities who require special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Learn more about Section 504 with this Parent and Educator Resource Guide on Section 504 from the US Department of Education.