- Advanced Academic Programs
We support schools in offering a continuum of advanced academic services for students in K-12 that builds upon students' individual strengths and skills and maximizes academic potential for all students. - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program
Supporting the special education instruction of students with autism and related disorders through the use of principles of ABA. - Assessment, Special Education
The Assessment program supports students with disabilities by helping to implement: - Testing accommodations for taking state assessments.
- Credit accommodations for graduating with a standard diploma.
The program also supports the identification of students participating in alternative assessment. This number must remain under 1% as mandated by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
- Assistive Technology Services (ATS)
Assistive Technology Services (ATS) helps students with disabilities in FCPS use special tools and technology to help them do their best in school. These tools, that include computer programs and communication devices, can help students learn and communicate better. ATS works with teachers and other school staff to find the right tools for each student. They also train teachers and students on how to use these tools. - Behavior Intervention Services
Behavior Intervention Services (BIS) helps schools create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. They work with teachers and students to improve behavior in both general and special education classes. BIS offers training to teachers and staff on how to deal with behavioral issues. They also work closely with the Family Resource Center. - Blind and Visually-Impaired (BVI) Program
Students with visual impairments may need specialized support to succeed in school. Students may receive itinerant level services at their neighborhood school. Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Career and Technical Education courses are available in all middle and high schools in FCPS. We also offer summer enrichment programs for students who have just completed kindergarten all the way through eleventh grade. CTE courses and programs allow students to learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education and/or entry-level employment. CTE programs include leadership, work-based learning, and industry credential opportunities along with overall career exploration for every student.
- Career and Transition Services (CTS)
Planning a student’s transition from school to post-school options is a critical part of the individual education program (IEP) process during the middle and high school years. Transition planning is ongoing and outcome-oriented, based on collaboration between students with disabilities, their families, school and adult service personnel, and the community.
CTS provides a range of student focused, coordinated activities and supports including career assessment; interdisciplinary and collaborative instruction related to career and technical education; parent and family involvement; as well as interagency and community partnerships. College Success Program
College Success Programs (CSP) include:
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program
Students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may need extra support to succeed in school. Students may receive itinerant-level services at their neighborhood school or attend the site base program and receive services in three modalities: Auditory and/or Oral, American Sign Language / Total Communication, and Cued Speech. - Early Childhood Identification and Services
The Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) program helps young children in Fairfax County, ages 2 to 5, who may have disabilities. The program checks to see if these children need special education services and helps them get the support they need to learn and grow. - English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
ESOL services prepare students to be college and career ready by developing proficiency in the English language. ESOL services help students achieve academic success, develop critical thinking skills, and solve problems. - Extended School Year (ESY)
Extended School Year (ESY) services provide extra educational support to students with disabilities. These services help students reach their goals in reading, math, social skills, and life skills. ESY services are required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and are offered at no cost to families. The ESY team works to make sure students get the help they need, whether it's during the summer or other times of the year. - Family and School Partnerships
Family and School Partnerships offers a variety of programs, resources, and outreach to help families navigate FCPS, support learning at home and build authentic partnerships between home and the classroom. We believe that when families, school and the community collaborate, students thrive! Join us to learn more about the new FCPS Family Academy that launched in August 2024. Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC)
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) is a Community Advisory Committee to the FCPS School Board which advocates for students who are underserved by identifying, reviewing, and assessing issues affecting minority student academic achievement within the policies, curriculum, practices, and procedures of FCPS.
Office of Special Education Instruction, Adapted Curriculum, PreK-12
The Adapted Curriculum program helps students accessing category B services. Program staff train and support school faculty and staff in the instruction of students with disabilities in key areas. The program helps teachers adapt lessons and materials to fit each student's needs.
Students with significant cognitive disabilities who are accessing an adapted curriculum most likely receive services for Intellectual Disabilities (ID) or Intellectual Disabilities Severe (IDS). They may also receive services for Autism, Noncategorical Elementary, and/or Physical Disabilities. These services are referred to as Category B services.
- Office of Special Education Instruction, High Incidence, K-12
The FCPS K-12 High Incidence Team supports schools, teams and teachers in understanding and implementing instructional best practices and specialized programs for students with disabilities who are accessing the VA Standards of Learning. Schools are supported through a variety of models, including trainings, in-services, workshops, facilitated team meetings, and individual coaching. - Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Services
Physical and occupational therapists help students with special needs succeed in school. They work with teachers and other school staff to help students learn new skills, use special tools or equipment, or find better ways to do things. Therapists also teach teachers and other staff how to help students use these strategies. - School Counseling Services
FCPS K-12 school counseling programs strive to empower students to become independent and productive individuals. Using a developmentally age-appropriate program, school counselors provide academic, social emotional, and college and career counseling services.
School Counselors and College and Career Specialists are available to partner with families and collaborate with other school professionals to meet the needs of each student. Caregivers are encouraged to reach out to these professionals when questions arise. - School Psychology Services
School psychologists positively impact the academic and social/emotional development of all students through the provision of mental health services that build resilience, life competencies and good citizenship. FCPS school psychologists provide a full range of prevention and intervention services that support the mental health and learning potential of all students and there is a school psychologist assigned to support every FCPS school/program. - Speech and Language (SL) Services
Speech-language pathologists work with school staff to help students with speech and language disorders. They help find students who might need help, evaluate them, decide if they need special services, and create plans to help them. They also work with students to improve their speech and language skills. School Social Work Services
School social workers are mental health professionals who make sure every student can succeed! They assess and address social, emotional, and behavioral factors that may stand in the way of students learning and doing their best. There's a school social worker assigned to every school and center in FCPS, so help is always nearby!
- Student Safety and Wellness Office
The Student Safety and Wellness (SSAW) office is dedicated to promoting prevention activities to increase community awareness and collaboration to support healthy life choices. It also provides prevention presentations for schools and parents on ways to prevent violence, bullying, gangs, and drug use. The office monitors state and federal websites to identify trends, professional development opportunities, and changes in regulations which may impact the FCPS student behavior code of conduct. Twice Exceptional (2e) Learners
The AAP and Special Education staff work closely to ensure that 2e students in advanced academic programs are provided with accommodations, specialized instruction, modifications, and/or services, as detailed in their IEP or 504 Plan in a variety of academic settings in response to the student’s individual needs.
Fairfax County Public Schools offers a continuum of advanced academic services for K-12 students. The continuum builds upon the students’ individual strengths and skills. AAP seeks to maximize the academic potential for all learners.
- ABLEnow
ABLEnow accounts help people with disabilities save money to pay for qualified expenses without being taxed on the earnings – and in most cases, without losing eligibility for certain means-tested benefits. Earnings grow free from taxes. ABLEnow accounts may be used to pay for a variety of expenses related to maintaining health, independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. - AIM-VA
AIM-VA provides accessible instructional materials (e.g. digital books, braille, large print) to eligible Virginia K-12 students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). These services are provided at no cost to the divisions or families. Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
AHKP is one of the Managed Care Organizations (MCO) for Virginia Medicaid. Learn about Medicaid and benefits available from the state.
- ArtStream
ArtStream provides performing arts opportunities for individuals 18 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. In our classes, workshops, theater companies, and cabarets participants improve their communication, social, and advocacy skills while developing friendships. - Autism Society of NoVA
Our Mission: ASNV improves the lives of autistic individuals and their families through community-building, advocacy, and education. Be SMART
The Be SMART campaign. launched in 2015, promotes responsible gun ownership in order to reduce the deaths, injuries and trauma that can result when a child or teen is able to access a gun. We offer presentations and education at community events to get the message out about secure storage and keeping kids safe from guns.
Brain Injury Services
Supporting survivors of brain injury, stroke, and concussion and their families on their recovery journeys. Their Pediatric Case Management Program provides services to children, teens, and young adults up to age 25. The services support families, schools, and community agencies in providing the best opportunities for appropriate development for a child, teen, or young adult student.
- Care Connection for Children of Northern Virginia
Care Connection for Children is part of the Virginia Department of Health statewide network of excellence serving children and youth with disabilities, providing FREE care coordination services. Our caring team works closely with families to coordinate care and find the best healthcare and community resources in Northern Virginia. Our team can also provide quick answers to questions from families and other interested parties who are searching for information and resources for children with disabilities. Center for Adoption Support and Education
The Center for Adoption Support and Education provides adoption-competent mental health services to all members of the adoption, foster care, and kinship care community. As the lead agency of the Northern Post Adoption Consortium, we provide free services to all adoptive families in Virginia's Northern region to promote community, permanency, and well-being.
- CHADD of Northern Virginia and District of Columbia
Our Chapter's mission, along with CHADD National's, is to "Improve the Lives of People with ADHD." We provide information and resources on ADHD to VA, MD and DC. - Decoding Dyslexia Virginia
Decoding Dyslexia Virginia is a grassroots movement focused on linking families to resources, support, and educational interventions for dyslexia. We aim to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children and inform policy-makers on best practices to identify, remediate and support students with dyslexia in Virginia. Our group is made up of parents whose children are dyslexic. We are not experts; we are not a business or an educational organization. We offer the community the benefit of our collective experiences. We encourage parents to meet with their local policy-makers to tell the story of their child, and ask for policies and/or legislation to identify and support dyslexic children in our public schools. DMV Unplugged
DMV Unplugged seeks to instigate and support change in the lives of children in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We aim to educate, organize, and support schools and families by translating current research about kids’ brains and technology and by offering practical, realistic solutions to this crisis in the lives of our children. We want to replace inertia and dread with collective action and hope.
- Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia
The DSANV supports individuals and families living with Down syndrome of all ages in the entire Northern Virginia area with age appropriate programs, seminars, social events and advocacy opportunities. Educate Fairfax
A 501(c)(3) non-profit education foundation that builds partnerships and raises funds to support students, educators, families, and schools within FCPS. We believe in providing access to innovative experiences and opportunities for FCPS students.
In Educate Fairfax, our mission is to energize the power of the community to invest in educational excellence and prepare students for the future. Our vision is that every Fairfax County Public School student has a path to success!
ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia
Our mission: to empower people with disabilities to live independently.
- Improve the quality of their lives;
- Determine their own lifestyles;
- Participate in all aspects of society;
- Secure their human and civil rights;
- Exercise self advocacy; and
- Ensure a system for consumer control and policy direction.
English Empowerment Center
The English Empowerment Center (EEC) teaches adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English so they can access employment and educational opportunities and more fully and equitably participate in the community. EEC offers a variety of in-person and online English classes, making them accessible to the largest number of adults in Northern Virginia with the most urgent language needs.
FACETS
At FACETS, we envision a day when everyone in Fairfax County has adequate and affordable housing and no one is homeless. We seek to relieve human suffering by providing direct assistance to those in need and by engaging and educating our community to generate long-term solutions to break the cycle of poverty.
Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators (FABSE)
The Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators (FABSE) is Fairfax County's premiere non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success for all children of the county– particularly children of African descent. NABSE boasts an outreach to a distinguished group of preeminent educators including teachers, administrators, superintendents as well as corporate and institutional members.
FABSE is committed to enhancing the educational experiences and success of African American youth by creating and utilizing instructional and motivational strategies that boost inspiration, attendance, and overall achievement.
Fairfax County Council Parent Teacher Association (FCCPTA)
Fairfax County Council PTA (FCCPTA), representing 173 PTAs, strives to be a powerful voice for all children; a relevant resource for families and communities; and a strong advocate for the education, health, and well-being of every child. FCCPTA cultivates meaningful partnerships among stakeholders (i.e., parents, caregivers, students, school system, and community) while serving as the primary resource for parent advocacy and engagement within Fairfax County. Our FCCPTA Executive Board, Advisory Committee Representatives, and Ambassadors provide an important connection between PTA, schools, and family. Our PTA Mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
- Formed Families Forward
Formed Families Forward is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster, kinship, and adoptive families of children and youth with disabilities and other special needs. We serve families, educators and child welfare professionals in the Northern Virginia area. Our mission is to improve developmental, educational, social, emotional and post-secondary outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and other special needs through provision of information, training and support to adoptive and foster parents, and kinship caregivers. We carry out our mission by providing training, webinars, consultations to families, resources, peer support groups for youth/young adults and parents and caregivers, life skills and parenting classes, and system navigation FREE of charge to families and professionals who serve families. Inclusive Pathways to Success
Inclusive Pathways to Success (IPS) is a nonprofit trade school created for young adults with differing abilities that will empower students, serve as their ally and build a new talent pipeline for the skilled trades in the greater DC area. We do not believe that our students’ disabilities, such as severe ADHD, autism, learning disabilities or mild intellectual impairment, are barriers to employment. IPS purposefully uses the term “differing abilities” and offers a new pathway for training that addresses students’ educational needs. IPS welcomes people who often go through life with unrealized potential and are not traditionally served by post-secondary programs.
INOVA Partnership for Healthier Communities
We provide uninsured children and adults with a link to affordable healthcare services through programs like Medicaid/FAMIS and free or low-cost medical care coverage programs. We also have in person assistance for Inova’s financial assistance program to support patients who have a balance with Inova and/or would like to establish care at one of the Inova Cares Clinics
Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS): Center for Workforce Development
The NVFS Center for Workforce Development's goal is to work with adults who are looking to make a change in their professional lives by providing them skills and education to obtain professional employment. Our Training Futures program is for adults looking to transition out of unemployment or survival work and into office administration jobs that provide stability, wage increase, benefits, and opportunity for advancement. The Escala program is for adults who are looking to start a business or even revive a prior business from overseas here in the U.S. and need assistance knowing how to make that happen. Both programs have seen their clients obtain great success and we are looking to continue helping members of the community reach their professional goals.
Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS): Youth Initiatives
NVFS’ Youth Initiatives programs provide teenagers and young adults with the skills and resources needed to build healthier well-being – at school, at home and within their communities. This includes connections to healthy activities as well as the skills to build and maintain healthy relationships with friends and family. Providing our youth with these tools helps them build brighter futures not only for themselves, but for their community as well.
- Organization for Autism Research
OAR is an organization founded and led by parents and grandparents of autistic children, who serve as the Board of Directors, providing leadership, life experience, and heart. Since 2001, our mission has been to apply research to the challenges of autism. Our Minds Matter
Our Minds Matter is a non-profit organization working toward the day when no teen dies by suicide. We work with schools and teens to help students take action to improve their own mental well-being and support a positive culture across their school community.
- Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
Building positive futures for Virginia's children by working collaboratively with families, schools, and communities in order to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life. Our special focus is children with disabilities. - Partnership for Healthier Communities
Partnership for Healthier Communities (PHC) is one of several community health-improvement initiatives of Inova’s Community Services Division. Partnership for Healthier Communities is designed to identify uninsured children and adults and connect them to an appropriate and affordable source of quality healthcare services through programs like Medicaid, CHIP and free or low-cost medical care coverage programs for children and adults. - Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia
The Pozez JCC's Inclusion & Disability Services department is committed to helping the community through activities designed to develop physical and social skills for individuals with disabilities. The program features small participant-staff ratios. We offer activities such as social skills classes, recreation programs, adapted sports, summer day camps for up to age 27, virtual programming, social clubs for teens and adults, educational workshops, and much more! - PRS, Inc.
PRS is a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Family Peer Support Partners (FPSPs) with PRS, Inc. are trained parents and caregivers who use their personal experience to offer support for parents and caregivers of youth diagnosed with mental health or substance use. FPSPs understand first-hand the challenges families may experience because they have navigated mental health and substance use systems with their own children. - Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School Options Program
The Options Program is an innovative, inclusive special education program for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities who require modifications to access the general curriculum. The Options Program provides the opportunity for students to grow socially, spiritually, and academically alongside their peers in a Catholic environment. The program focuses on academic as well as vocational skills, with each student’s education plan being highly individualized. A primary goal for each student is to be as fully integrated as possible into the total life of the school community.
