November Calendar

Medication Administration Part 1 & 2 (Hybrid)

Monday, 11/3/2025, 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 11/5/2025 6:30-9:30 p.m.

This MSDE OCC approved workshop teaches childcare providers to safely administer medications, properly store them and accurately complete record keeping. This is a two-day training. To receive certification, you must attend both sessions.

4 HSN, 2 PRO| Carolyn Fleming| $70 register here

Discoveries of Infancy: The What and How of Learning (Virtual)

Tuesday, 11/4/2025, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Studies consistently show that babies learn the most and will likely remember what they learn when they can control what's happening. It's all about the experiences they choose (not necessarily those chosen for them) that help them learn fastest and most completely. This workshop rxplores the discovery of understanding that occurs in six main areas called the "Discovery of Infancy" theory.

2 PRO| Hayley Anthony| $5 register here

Helping Boys Blossom: Strength-Based Approaches for Teaching Boys (In-Person)

Monday, 11/10/2025, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Despite current research showing that there are not many differences between boys and girls, the statistics show that boys are still facing many challenges. In this training, participants will clarify their role in supporting boys' growth, barriers that are created, and strength-based approaches to help boys blossom.

1 CD, 1 CUR, 1 SN| Nicole Pontoriero| $5 register here

Creating a Trauma-Informed Culture of Care for Young Children (In-Person)

Thursday, 11/13/2025, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Childcare programs that prioritize educating staff on the impact of trauma for children, youth, and caregivers are called trauma-informed or trauma-sensitive programs. Typically, in trauma-informed programs, policies have been created to help children, youth, and staff who have experienced trauma to actively resist any further traumatization. These policies can have an impact on the entire program, and educators can further develop their own trauma-informed practices for their rooms. This training will help you identify what a trauma-informed program looks like and how elements of trauma-informed practices can be incorporated into your work.

2 CD, 1 SN| Abena Njeeri| $5 register here

Stranger Danger (Virtual)

Wednesday, 11/12/2025, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This workshop focuses on teaching children about personal safety and the many ways strangers access children; outside, at home and online. It will also delve into tips and skills to keep children safe from strangers.

2 HSN| Teresa Smith| $5 register here

Toilet Training: Catching the Cues of the Potty Dance (Virtual)

Monday, 11/17/2025, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This workshop is designed to address challenges of toilet training in a childcare program. We will discuss developmental readiness of the child vs the readiness of the adult, learn sure fire toilet training techniques including celebrating, the power of peer pressure, and begin to develop a program letter for your toilet training policies and practices.

2 CD| Georgia Ferentinos| $5 register here

This workshop aligns with the Potty Training Basics parent workshop. The alignment between educator professional development with parent learning opportunities creates coordinated approaches across the classroom and home. Children benefit from shared language and consistent expectations, and parents gain practical tools and strategies they can use at home. 

 A family that attended the workshop said, “This was helpful as my child attends Montessori and they work in collaboration with me to potty train.“

Crunch, Rustle, Explore! Fall Activities for Young Children (In-Person)

Wednesday, 11/19/2025, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This interactive workshop explores the rich opportunities Fall Offers for outdoor learning in the early year's settings. Participants will discover practical, low-cost activity ideas and learn how to use the season to support children's development.

2 CUR| Teresa Smith| $5 register here

Developmental Screening Essential (Virtual)

Monday, 11/24/2025, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This workshop is designed to empower educators with the skills and confidence to foster every child's potential by identifying and addressing concerns early. Ensuring that children have the support they need for healthy growth and development.

1 PRO, 1 SN| Lisa Hendricks| $5 register here

We're thrilled to offer a new professional learning opportunity for child care programs: an on-site Community of Practice (COP) focused on children's social emotional development. Explore new and practical strategies for creating "cozy corners," designed to promote self-regulation and feelings exploration. The CCRC/IECMH team will host this engaging, hands-on, 1- hour session right in your classroom, integrated into your daily schedule on a day that works best for you. Our team will work side by side with your teaching staff and the children, modeling and enhancing Cozy Corner practices. This innovative approach blends coaching with real-time classroom support, giving educators and children a chance to learn and grow. Be the first to join the Cozy Corner Community of Practice, schedule a COP today, contact Georgia Ferentinos, gferentinos@howardcountymd.gov.

The business series is designed to offer programmatic and operational coaching and support for Family Child Care providers to build their capacity as business owners. The 10-week series will cover contracts, policies, marketing, risk management, accounting and record keeping. The comprehensive series will provide systems and practices to enhance programming, boost enrollment, augment financial sustainability, and further grow your Family Child Care business.

The series is offered in-person and attendance is required for each session. Participants must have their own computer or laptop and a basic understanding of computer systems. (28 COK - 3 HSN, 25 PRO).

Monday January 5, 2026 - Monday March 23, 2026

No class January 19, and February 16

(Snow make-up dates - Monday March 30 and Monday April 13)

6:30-9:30 PM

register here

The Office of Children and Families has hosted the Child Care Fair for over 30 years and gives Howard County parents of young children an opportunity to learn about preschools, child care programs, and community resources in one single location. Registration is now open.

Exhibitor Fees: For Profit Organization - $75, Non-Profit (501c3) - $50 Use coupon code: OCFNONPROFIT

All registrations and payments will be handle on-line through ActiveNet. Both the registration and the Vendor Agreement must be received to participate. Registration closes on Monday January 5. Confirmation and additional event instructions will be emailed prior to the event. If you have any questions, please contact Georgia Ferentinos, gferentinos@howardcountymd.gov, 410-313-1943.

We look forward to seeing you at the Child Care Fair! To register please click HERE.

Exhibitor Registration click HERE

Exhibitor Agreement click HERE

Don’t let challenging behaviors become unmanageable, the IECMH team is here to help! 

To better serve the educator community and offer more comprehensive support services for early childhood educators and children, the CCRC and IECMH teams work together to provide Tiered support service to address challenging behaviors. Our IECMH behavior consultants work directly with teachers and individual children to support programs in managing and reducing challenging behavior, as well as supporting children's social emotional development. The behavior consultants offer developmental and classroom screenings; on-site behavior observations; goal setting and practice-based coaching, and resource and referral information for both infant/toddler and preschool classrooms. For more information, please contact Lisa Hendricks, lhendricks@howardcountymd.gov or call the Care Line, 410-313-CARE.

MD EXCELS, and Maryland Accreditation individualized support services are available. Work with the CCRC to enhance and improve program quality and increase educator professional qualifications. Contact the Office of Children and Families Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), 410-313-1940 or email Abena Njeeri, anjeeri@howardcountymd.gov or Janera Beavers, jbeavers@howardcountymd.gov

 Ready to Start or Renew Your CDA? We're Here to Help! Whether you're applying for your first CDA or renewing your credential, we offer personalized support with the application process, portfolio preparation, training hours/professional development plan, and review of documentation for renewal. Funding support for new applications ($525) and renewals ($250) available. Contact Janera Beavers, jbeavers@howardcountymd.gov for assistance.

The Resource Room features a Lending Library to enhance your reading centers, lesson plan ideas and materials, new die cuts, laminating services, and a computer lab (internet access and printing available). Children’s books are organized by theme (5 to 6 books per theme) and can be checked out for a 2-week period. Find lesson plan ideas and books for your library!

Resource Room Hours: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm

• Entrance will not be permitted after 4:30 pm
• All educator patrons must be escorted into the Resource Room
• Educator patrons may not remain in the Resource Room after 5 pm

For new and approved, expanded workshop offerings that meet Maryland child care requirements, coaching and support on all aspects of owning and operating a child care in Maryland,visit -

www.prosolutionstraining.com/md (English portal) and https://www.prosolutionstraining.com/md-espanol (Spanish portal). Courses are available through the MCCRN, a program of Maryland Family Network. Do note, any previous eLearning content purchased through Smart Horizons will still be accessible; training must be completed by June 30, 2022.  Please contact Maryland Family Network with any questions, MCCRNinfo@marylandfamilynetwork.org.

For additional Early Childhood Education& Provider news and updates in and around the State of Maryland, checkout Tuesday Tidbits

Complete the 2025 Basic Health and Safety Annual Update Training

The 2025 Basic Health and Safety Annual Update Training is available now on the MSDE CANVAS webpage. The training is mandatory and must be completed by all child care staff and family child care providers by December 31, 2025. Newly approved family child care providers and staff hired between October and December 2025 will have until March 31, 2026 to complete the training. This training is also recommended for child care substitutes and volunteers. It qualifies for two clock hours of continued annual training requirements. Upon successful completion of the training, the system will produce a "Certificate of Participation." Please download and save the certificate to email your licensing specialist. Review the flyer linked below for information about how to access the training. Learn how to access the training

Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund

OCF Workshops and News

Support your families’ success—share our monthly newsletter featuring workshops on parenting through divorce, managing behavior and reducing anxiety. View and share the
Parent Pages and OCF November Flier. 

Building a Parenting Plan to Create Holiday Calm

November 3, 7 p.m. | Register 

A co-parenting plan can help you avoid added stress during the holidays. Divorce and co-parenting mediator Allison McFadden shares how to create a plan that covers daily routines and minimizes conflict, with tools to reduce stress, support your children, and stay focused on what matters most.

Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors | November 12, 1:30 p.m. | Register

Get a better understanding of your child’s behavior, what influences it, how to prevent challenging behaviors and handle them calmly when they occur. For parents of children ages two to eight.

Ask the Parent Educator | November 13, 7 p.m. | Register 

Designed to provide parents and caregivers of young children (birth to age five) with practical strategies, guidance and encouragement, this session connects families with experienced PAT parent educators. Discuss child development, positive discipline, building routines, managing stress, and fostering strong parent–child relationships in a safe, judgment-free space.

Helping Young Children Manage Anxiety | November 18, 7 p.m. | Register 

Facing new situations, anticipating changes and making friends can overwhelm young children, impacting their well-being and family life. Learn to recognize signs of anxiety, identify the cause of your child’s worries and explore coping strategies to help them manage anxiety.

The Family Support Center (FSC) offers comprehensive, family centered, community-based preventive programs for parents, caregivers, and their children ages birth to five. Parenting little ones is hard, the FSC is here to help! Visit The Family Support Center for more information.

View and share the November Activity Calendar to see all the fun activities and workshops schedule(Spanish)

Howard County families can get one/one assistance with the Child Care Scholarship program application process by calling the Office of Children and Families Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), 410-313-1940 or emailing Amber Eash, the Family Resource Specialist directly, aeash@howardcountymd.gov or Carla Lunn, Resource and Referral Specialist, clunn@howardcountymd.gov.

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