Don't miss the Howard County 2024 Child Care Fair
January 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. / North Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 20723
Parents and caregivers, join the Office of Children and Families (OCF) staff and exhibitors to learn about early childhood programs, child care, preschools, and recreational opportunities. Meet with representatives from early care programs throughout the county, as well as community partners from the Office of Child Care, Howard County Public School System Early Childhood Programs, Howard County Library System, Howard County Autism Society and the Howard County Family Child Care Association.
OCF's Parents As Teachers program staff will also be on hand to provide information on “ How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” and connect families to the Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program. Admission is free. Registration is highly recommended, especially in the event of inclement weather. |
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Happy New Year from the Office of Children & Families
We are here for you as your family embraces the opportunities and challenges of a new year.
January's workshops can help you select child care, address challenging behaviors, tackle potty training, and boost healthy eating habits.
Our staff can also work with you individually to discuss concerns you may have about your child, identify their needs and help you find solutions. For assistance, information and referrals, call 410-313-CARE (2273).
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January Parent Workshops
Selecting high quality child care
January 8, 1 p.m. / Virtual workshop / Register
January 24, 7 p.m. / Virtual workshop / Register
January 28, Child Care Fair / Sessions between 10 a.m. and noon / North Laurel Community Center
Learn how to choose a child care program that works for your family - one that offers a healthy & safe environment that your child is happy to attend, is affordable, with a convenient location and hours.
Parent’s guide to challenging behaviors
January 17, 7 to 8 p.m. / Virtual workshop / Register
Consider all factors that impact a child's behavior, learn how to decrease negative behaviors and how to handle them if they occur. Ask questions and leave with skills and resources to help you be more confident in parenting. For parents of children ages two to eight.
Potty training basics
January 23, 6 to 7:15 p.m. / Virtual workshop / Register
Join an engaging discussion about potty training basics for little ones. Gain insight from caregivers as they share what their potty-training journey has been like. Discover ways to make the transition to the potty fun and hassle-free, while avoiding some of the pitfalls that can arise.
¡Comer exigente: Cómo ayudar a tu hijo a crecer y comer una dieta equilibrada!
Ayudar a tu bebé y niño pequeño a aprender a comer de manera saludable es importante, pero puede parecer difícil. Vamos a hablar sobre cómo crecen los bebés y los niños pequeños, cómo comen, cómo crecen y cuándo es bueno pedir ayuda.
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New parent programs at the Family Support Center
The Howard County Family Support Center (FSC) offers comprehensive, family-centered, community-based preventive programs for parents, caregivers, and their children from birth to age five. FSC staff promote the full development and wellbeing of children to enhance the quality of parent and child interactions, and link to services for overall parent and family self-sufficiency and sustainability.Upcoming programs include:
Hatchlings: New baby and me
January 9, 16, 23 and 30, 11 a.m. to noon
Family Support Center / 9790 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia / Free / Register
Welcome home, baby! This four-week series is for you and your baby up to six months. Enjoy fun songs and activities togther as you learn how to support your baby’s development. Participants will receive a FREE take-home gift during the series.
Join us on the journey to fatherhood, coming in March 2024
This four-part series is designed to support Howard County fathers develop healthy parenting habits, while networking and strengthening the bond between dads and their children from birth to age five. If you are interested in participating, complete a survey by January 8 or contact Kristin Reel at [email protected].
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The library van is coming to the Family Support Center!
Wednesdays, January 10 & February 14
10 a.m. to noon
Join us when the Howard County Library System (HCLS) van visits the Family Support Center in Columbia! If you are a parent or caregiver of children from birth to age five, you can:
- Attend a children’s class with library staff;
- Check out books and other items;
- Borrow activity kits and toys;
- Learn about community resources.
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The importance of reading and imagination
Toddlers are always using their imagination. Reading stories every day can stimulate their social skills and help them learn about the world. Incorporating family members in the stories enables your child to connect with what is happening in the book. Read about their favorite animals, topics and colors. Allow your child to take the lead in reading by giving them time to look at the words, describe and talk about the characters, and boost their confidence towards reading on their own.
Sign up for Basics Insights to receive weekly text messages with suggestions based on your child’s developmental stage, from birth to age five (available in English or Spanish).
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Is your child on the road to kindergarten?
If you are the parent of a child who will be five years old by September 1, 2024, save the date for one of the Howard County Public School System's (HCPSS) Road to Kindergarten parent information sessions.
Each session will cover:
- Expectations for school readiness; receive a Ready for Kindergarten toolkit;
- Details about the HCPSS kindergarten program;
- Information about kindergarten registration; HCPSS website; support for families and children during the transition to kindergarten.
Sessions will be held at the following date/time/locations:
- January 18, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. / Centennial High School**
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January 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. / Hammond High School*
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January 31, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. / Wilde Lake High School*
* A Spanish interpreter will be present at these sites.
** Chinese, Korean and Spanish interpreters will be onsite.
Child care is available for children ages two and older; the information session is designed for adults only. The program will include information regarding kindergarten readiness, program components and registration applicable to all HCPSS schools. Specific school information will be shared by schools after registration is finalized. For more information, visit HCPSS online or call 410-313-5693 (voice/relay).
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HC DrugFree offers lifestyle classes
January 16 - March 5, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
HC DrugFree's interactive skills-based class series is designed to strengthen student abilities in personal self-management skills, general social skills, drug resistance skills and more. Students learn how to handle real situations they may face in middle, high school and college and can ask questions.
This program will use developmentally-appropriate strategies for students to learn skills to help them resist high-risk behaviors including substance use (vaping, alcohol and other drugs) and more. Designed for students in grades six to nine, with some exceptions (siblings and friends are encouraged to take these classes together). For more information about future Life Skills and other classes and events, sign up for the HC DrugFree newsletter.
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Snow fun or no fun?
Whether you love it or not, snow offers a wonderful sensory experience for children of all ages. Sensory play engages multiple senses and offers essential learning benefits - to enhance motor skills, curiosity, creativity, and tolerance. Plus, it keeps little hands occupied.
The whole family can engage in snow play, which supports social skills such as sharing and cooperative play. Be aware of your child’s tolerance and preference to this sensory experience. Some children may be curious, while others are hesitant. Offer tools like gloves, shovels and buckets to encourage them to try it without overwhelming their senses.
Even if there is no snow in the weather forecast, you can create your own snow fun at home. Try these DIY activities with your family:
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Experience the Centennial Park sensory trail
DYK there's a new sensory trail loop at the Centennial Park North playground? This world-class trail loop includes musical features, sensory panels and play equipment near the all-access playground. New features include a sensory-friendly, rock abacus with unique textures, shapes and sizes; music stations; and multiple, unique play apparatus that individuals can use while in a wheelchair. Visit Rec and Parks online to learn more about accessible parks in Howard County.
A Grand Day Out: Fizz, Pop, Boom!
January 22, 10:30 a.m. / Ellicott City 50+ Center / Register
Make special memories with your grandchildren during an "explosive" intergenerational program on a day off from school for Howard County Public School students. The Science Guys of Baltimore will perform more than a dozen experiments, involving bubbling potions, chemical reactions and more! Best suited for children age 4-11, but all ages are welcome. Cost: $5/person; includes a take-home activity and snack. Call 410-313-1400 (voice/relay) for more information.
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Winter fun and learning at Howard County Library
Second annual seed share
January 20, 2 to 4 p.m. / Miller Branch
What can gardeners do in the cold of winter when the ground is frozen? Plan for next spring’s garden and come to the Howard County Seed Share! This is a great opportunity to acquire new varieties, save money and reduce seed waste, while learning and sharing with fellow gardeners. Free demonstrations and information will also be available; you do not have to bring any seeds to participate. All ages and experience levels welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more.
Learn a new language in 2024
Howard County Library (HCLS) offers a variety of free resources for those interested in learning new languages. Visit HCLS online to learn more and sign up for:
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Little Pim: Exposes young children up to age 6 to foreign languages with brief video vocabulary lessons in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Hebrew.
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MUZZY Online: A learning environment which uses a multimedia mix of stories, songs and interactive activities to immerse children in a second language - Spanish, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Korean, and English.
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Mango: Teens and adults can engage in fun conversational online lessons in more than 70 languages.
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Rosetta Stone Online: Engage in the proven language immersion method in 30 languages, with core lessons in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
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Start the new year off right with healthy food choices
If one of your 2024 resolutions is to move toward a healthier lifestyle for your family, here are some tips to help you make good food choices:
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Take small steps to help achieve your health and nutrition goals. Choose healthy snacks. Carrots and hummus or fruit and low-fat yogurt are examples of smart combinations to satisfy hunger between meals.
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Consider portion size. Increase portions of fruits, vegetables and dairy to meet daily recommendations while decreasing portions of highly processed foods that do not fall into food groups or are high in calories.
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Move daily. Walk for 30 to 60 minutes daily to improve health.
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Eat breakfast. Start the day with a boost of nutrition and energy. Aim for two to three food groups at breakfast when you can.
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Prepare food at home. Home-cooked meals are often lower in calories and have more variety than restaurant meals.
Healthy food choices do not have to be complicated. One-time food choices are less important than consistency and an overall eating pattern. Eating a piece of cake occasionally is different than eating a piece of cake every day. To learn more, visit HealthyEating.org. |
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Prepare to Care
January 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Loan Closet of Howard County / 7125 Riverwood Drive, Suite D1, Columbia 21046 / To register, call 410-313-1234 (voice/relay)
Prepare to Care offers families and older adults the opportunity to start talking about preferences and making decisions to create a long-term care plan. This workshop is for adult family members and children who want to learn how to help their parents and relatives as they age. Participants will learn about the ways to assess needs, how to design a plan, and what services are available. In addition, options available for aging in place, alternate placements and the potential financial and emotional costs involved.
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Help prevent the exploitation of children and others
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