Special Education Parent Resource Center

The Anne R. Lipnick Special Education Parent Resource Center (PRC) assists parents to become partners in their child's education. Focusing on the child's needs, we promote training parents to be advocates for their children while establishing cooperative partnerships between families and schools.

The PRC serves the diverse families of children with disabilities in the Alexandria City community. We promote the understanding of the special education process, by conducting free workshops and training sessions. Parent support groups, individual support and consultations are also available. Our services are available at no charge to all residents of Alexandria with children ages 2 to 22, regardless of whether enrolled in public school, private school, preschool or at home.

Family Engagement Workshops

Access the Family Engagement Series workshops in multiple languages. All workshops are posted on the calendar.

• learn about the special education process
• learn how to work collaboratively with the school system
• meet other parents of children with disabilities
• borrow materials from our lending library, available to parents and teachers
• access our resource file, which has information about different disabilities, inclusion, accommodations and adaptations, writing IEPs, and more
• learn about the many different ways special education services can be provided

Useful Organizations and Websites

The Arc of Northern Virginia
The Arc provides a variety of resources unique to the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at all stages of life.  These range from training, resource lists, services for long-term financial planning, and support, among others.

3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 208-1119
Transition Points Guides for all life stages

Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV)
ASNV offers support and resources for individuals with autism and their families.

(571) 328-5792

Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia
DSANV offers resources to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families to help them live a full and meaningful life in their community.

(703) 621-7129

Learning Disabilities Association of America
The Learning Disabilities Association of America provides support for people with learning disabilities, their families, teachers, and other professionals.  It provides information on the latest research, strategies and practical strategies, and networks of support.

(412) 341-1515

CHADD of Northern Virginia
CHADD of Northern Virginia offers webinars and training, support groups, strategies, and a network of professionals to help individuals with Attention Deficit Disorders, their families, and educators.

(703) 641-5451

ADHD coaching tips
These tips and suggestions offer guidance for those seeking the services of a coach to help manage executive function challenges.  

Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
The focus of PEATC is building collaboration among families of children with disabilities, schools, and communities to promote success in school and in the community.  PEATC offers training and advocacy and is particularly supportive of military families.

8003 Forbes Place, Suite 310
Springfield, VA 22151
(703) 923-0010

Community Services Board of Alexandria
The Community Services Board provides a wide variety of supports and services to City of Alexandria residents with and without disabilities throughout the lifespan.

4850 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 746-3400

Intake Line for Medicaid Waiver
Residents should call this number to start the process of becoming eligible for Medicaid waivers.  Medicaid waivers provide funding for services for individuals with disabilities and medical needs throughout the lifespan.

(571) 213-7963

Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
DARS provides employment support and training for individuals with disabilities.

5904 Old Richmond Hwy #410
Alexandria, VA 22303
(703) 960-3411

Social Security Administration
SSA provides financial benefits to qualified individuals with disabilities.

PLAZA 500, Suite 190
6295 Edsall Road
Alexandria, VA 22312
(800) 772-1213

Virginia Department of Education  
The Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education- This document is available in several languages and provides clear, accessible information on the Special Education Process.

early childhood

Infant & Toddler Connection of Alexandria (PIE Program)
Part of a statewide program to provide support to families and early intervention for infants and toddlers experiencing developmental delays.

4850 Mark Center Drive, 5th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 746-3350
(703) 746-3363

Child Find of Alexandria
Child Find offers free screenings and evaluations of young children aged 2-5 with a suspected developmental delay or disability.

Jefferson Houston School
1501 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 578-8217                                                                                                                                                                

recreation

City of Alexandria Therapeutic Recreation 
Therapeutic Recreation offers a variety of programs for Alexandria residents with disabilities of all ages.

1108 Jefferson Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 746-5422

Best Buddies in VA
Best Buddies promotes one-to-one friendships between individuals of all abilities.

Special Olympics
Special Olympics provides sports opportunities in a wide variety of sports for adults and children with intellectual disabilities.

Special Needs Summer Camps in Virginia
Very Special Camps provides a listing of both day and overnight camps for all sorts of special needs.  These can range from camps to encourage social skills to medical challenges.

respite care

Jill’s House
Provides overnight respite care for children with developmental disabilities to give their families and caregivers a break.

9011 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, Virginia 22182

Adoptive, foster, and kinship families

Formed Families Forward
Formed Families Forward offers support, training, and resources designed to address the unique needs of families formed through adoption, foster care, or kinship.

10304 Eaton Place, Suite 100
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 539-2904

Mental health support

NAMI-Northern Virginia
NAMI offers support, training and strategies for individuals living with a mental health condition and their families.

REACH
Crisis services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

(855) 897-8278 (Call any time, 24/7)                                   

developmental concerns

The following medical organizations address concerns and evaluate children where autism or another developmental delay is suspected.

Children’s National Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)
(301) 765-5430

Kennedy Krieger Institute Center for Autism and Related Disorders
(443 )923-7630

Pediatric Specialists of Virginia
(703) 876-2788