DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

October 2025

Free Parenting Education Programs – Enrolling for Fall Classes

The Parenting Education Programs is taking registrations for virtual and in-person classes for the fall. Our in-person classes for parents of African American 5-18-year-olds, and for parents of 12-18-year-olds recently began and they are still taking registrations. Pease click here to submit a family enrollment form or email us. You can visit our website for the full schedule of classes that we are offering this fall. 

The next free Virtual Parent Café will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss “Positive Co-Parenting –Working as a Team for Your Child’s Wellbeing.” We’ll cover how parents can set aside their differences and work together to create a nurturing and stable environment where their children can thrive. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can join through MS Teams at https://bit.ly/DFS-Parent-Cafe-2025. For more information or to preregister, email or call 703-324-7720.

Clases gratuitas de crianza para madres y padres en Español

Criar a los hijos no siempre es fácil, pero usted no tiene que hacerlo solo(a). Este otoño, el Programa de Educación para Madres y Padres del Departamento de Servicios para la Familia del Condado de Fairfax ofrece clases gratuitas en español y en inglés para apoyar a familias con niñas, niños y adolescentes desde el nacimiento hasta los 18 años. Los grupos de papás apoyan el crecimiento de los padres en la crianza de los hijos y la superación personal. Para más información, visite el NotiCentro, el boletín en español del Condado de Fairfax.

Parenting Tips and Resources

Remember the ABC’s of Safe Sleep: Alone, on their Backs, and in a Crib, every nap and every night.

Fairfax County Public Library Reading Pick of the Month How do you go to sleep? by Kate McMullan. Follow along as three children learn about the bedtime routines of squirrels, parrots, dolphins, and many more. Meerkats sleep in a stack. Is that how these kids go to sleep? Or do they hibernate in snow all winter long like frogs? Or maybe they sleep the day away like skunks? No, that can't be right!

Join Us: Volunteer with DFS

We need dedicated volunteer classroom facilitators and mentors. Apply today with Body Safety to help empower children and prevent or interrupt abuse. Volunteer with the Parenting Education and BeFriend-a-Child programs to help encourage children and build stronger families.

Connect with us online,  by email, or call 703-324-7720.

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