February

Medication Administration $70

Mon. February 5 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Virtual

Wed. February 7 6:30 – 9:30 PM In Person 

C. Fleming / 6 HSN

This MSDE-designed workshop will teach providers what they need to know when administering medication to children. Learn how to give oral, topical, inhaled, and emergency medicines to infants and children; how to keep accurate records, regulations for hygiene, safety, and measurement. This is a two part series. You are required to attend both sessions to receive credit for the course.

Including All Children and the ADA Virtual 

Mon. February 5 / 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM / $5

R. Gordon 3 SN

Workshop will cover information, strategies and resources on how to develop and implement an early childhood environment that is inclusive to all children and their families. The fundamental principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be covered using best practices standards to create policies and procedures that reflect the ADA and strategies for inclusion. This will meet the licensing requirement for the Including All Children and the ADA Training.

Intro to the Maryland Credential Virtual 

Thurs. February 8  / 6:30 – 8:30PM / $5 

A.Sullivan 2 PRO 

The Maryland Child Care Credential Program recognizes individual childcare providers who increase their qualifications beyond the requirements of state licensing and registration regulations. The Program is voluntary. Registered family childcare providers and childcare center staff are encouraged to participate. If you would like more information on the how to participate in the Maryland Child Care Credential this workshop is for you!

Basic Health and Safety with Supporting Breastfeeding In Person

Tues. February 13 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5

S.Gold Raynes 3 HSN

This training provides information about health and safety topics for all child care providers to meet the requirement of the licensing regulation. Key topics include: establishing and maintaining safe and healthy environments, teaching safe practices to prevent and reduce injuries, identification and reporting of abuse or neglect and proper sanitation practices and procedures. Completion of this training does not meet requirements for specified training in Medication Administration, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, CPR or First Aid.

Recognizing and Responding to Challenging Behaviors Virtual 

Thurs. February 15 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5

G.Ferentinos 2 CD

This workshop reviews the importance of recognizing challenging behaviors. Participants will learn what challenging behaviors look like, how to identify them, and what they can do to help. Participants will also learn how to create written observations of behaviors to identify patterns and implement strategies to prevent challenging behaviors from occurring.

Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/ First Aid In Person  

Thurs. February 22 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $90

C.Fleming

Cultivating Creative Problem Solvers In Person  

Thurs. February 22 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5

N. Pontoriero 3 CD

Teachers lose valuable instruction time to time spent mediating conflicts between students. In this training participants will learn how to teach their young students to manage their emotions and resolve conflicts collaboratively with their peers. Participants will also practice appropriate responses to resolving conflict.

Chatting with Children: Interactions that Go Places In Person 

Mon. February 26 / 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM / $5

L. Rhodes 3 CUR

Chatting with children is a very basic way to share information as children go about their play. Sitting and talking about what is going on both teacher and child can learn. A teacher can make observations that lead to lesson planning; and the child can gain new vocabulary, synthesize information, and talk about their project which gives them new insight and leads to knowledge building.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Child’s Perspective Virtual 

Wed. February 28 / 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM / $5

A.Sullivan 3 SN

This workshop will explore the world of autism as seen through the eyes of a child with a focus on the range and variance of symptoms as a spectrum disorder

MSDE has updated the CPR and First Aid Trainers. Please click HERE for more information.

The Basic Health and Safety Training update for calendar year 2023 is now available. The training is FREE and only available online. Registration is NOT required. Click on the flyer button below for instructions on how to access the training.

The training must be completed by March 31, 2024. All family child care providers and child care center staff are required to complete this annual update. Upon completion of the course, individuals will be awarded 1.5 hours of continued training. Staff hired during December 2023 must complete the 3-hour Basic Health and Safety training by March 31, 2024.

Upon successful completion of the training, the system will produce a “Certificate of Participation”. Please download and save the certificate. Please save it to your device, email it to yourself, or print multiple copies in case you need another copy. The Division of Early Childhood will not keep copies of your certificate on file.

Need help applying for the MD Child Care Credential or guidance on increasing your qualifications beyond the requirements of state licensing and registration regulations? The CCRC will offer weekly Virtual Office hours between 1:30 – 2:30 starting in April. Meet one on one with our Early Childhood Program Specialist; they will walk you through the process from start to finish; offer support with gathering training certificates, PAU’s and completing the application. Virtual Office Hours are open to all Center Based and Family Child Care programs, including those new to the MD Credential. Each session will have a specific focus, however, call in with any questions.

All sessions will be held between 1:30 – 2:30.



February Dates

Tuesday February 13

Tuesday February 27 - Program Overview; First Time application/Core of Knowledge Training/PAU 

On-site Credential Office Hours available. Our Early Childhood Program Specialist will come to your program between 1:00 – 3:00 pm and assist your staff with the application process, review certificate and training hours as well as answer any questions about the Maryland Child Care Credential Program. Contact the Office of Children and Families Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) Early Childhood Program Specialist Marissa Hill, mhill@howardcountymd.gov

In Person

Mon. February 26th – May 20th $0

6:30 – 9:30pm 3.0 HSN, 25.0 PRO, 6.0 COM

K.Reel and L.Hendricks

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. (No Class 3/25, 4/1)

Professional Development Institute (PDI)

Autism, the Art of Learning

Saturday May 11, 2024

MSDE Approval Pending 

Explore how to incorporate science into every teaching. Participants will explore experiment materials kit. Theme for March seminars – “Egg-Citing Science”

Friday March 8, 2024, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Registration Link

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search/detail/131970?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Saturday March 9, 2024, 9:00 am – noon

Registration Link

http://apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/Activity_Search/131971

Welcome new children and families to your programs with all the programmatic supports you need! Enhance educator skills around transitions, daily routines/schedules, welcoming new children to the program, and child/teacher social emotional interactions. Prevent challenging behaviors before they start! Coaching and mentoring around program enhancements such as room arrangement, lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and overall classroom management also available. Contact the Office of Children and Families Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) Early Childhood Program Specialist, Marissa Hill, mhill@howardcountymd.gov

Don’t wait until challenging behaviors become unmanageable! 

To better serve the educator community and offer more comprehensive support services for early childhood educators and children, the CCRC has increased is capacity with the addition of the IECMH Program team. The expanded team includes behavior consultants who 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; onsite behavior observations; goal setting and practice-based coaching, and resource and referral information. The Behavioral Consultant team works collaboratively with the Early Childhood Program Specialists to offer comprehensive services. For more information, please contact the Care Line, 410-313-CARE.

MD EXCELS, Maryland Child Care Credential and Maryland Accreditation individualized support services 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 Marissa Hill, mhill@howardcountymd.gov

The updated 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. No appointment necessary.  View the list of books here

Looking for Training? Search the Maryland Child Care Training Calendar. Lists of trainers, training organizations and online training organizations.

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 and Provider news, and updates in and around the State of Maryland, checkout Tuesday Tidbits

Registration is open for the annual BCCCRC Emotional Wellness Conference!

Date: Saturday, March 9th 

Time: 8:15am - 4:00pm

Location: Notre Dame of Maryland University

Please take note that if you register for the conference, you will also need to register for your breakout individual breakout session that you would like to take.

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 https://www.howardcountymd.gov/children-families/family-support-center for more information.

February Programming:

4's and 5's Social Skills Group: 

Feb 7th - Runs for 12 weeks 3-4pm

Join us for a 12-week Social Skills Group, facilitated by Lighthouse Center for Therapy & Play. Topics will include learning skills, emotional management, friendship skills, coping with change, boundaries, and more!

Caregiver must attend with their child. Email kreel@howardcountymd.gov for more info

Click Here to View the Flyer

I Need to Save Some Money: 10 Strategies to Help you Reach your Savings Goal!

Feb 15, 2024 06:30 PM

 It’s easy to say, “I’m going to save money,” but that’s an empty promise, without a plan. Participants will learn how to create a plan to save and the importance of savings which helps cover future expenses, manage financial stress, plan for vacations and more. This workshop will focus on options for parents of children prenatal to 5 years of age to start or increase their savings. 

Click Here to register

On The Journey to Fatherhood

Join our FREE, four-part series supporting Howard County fathers of all ages in developing healthy parenting habits, building networks, and strengthening bonds with their children ages 0-5.

The series include:

• Beyond the Bump (Dad's Toolkit for Doctor Visits)

Thursday April 6th 6pm-7pm

• Dads, Diapers and Dollars (The road map to financial success)

Saturday April 27th 12pm-1pm

• Dads Empowerment Workshop

Thursday May 16th 6pm-7pm

• Navigating Fatherhood Solo

Saturday June 8th 12pm-1pm

1. Beyond the Bump Dad's Toolkit for Doctor Visits

Gain valuable insights on the right questions to ask during both pregnancy check-ups and pediatric visits. This interactive workshop is designed to empower dads, ensuring you play an active and informed role on the journey of fatherhood.

2. Dads, Diapers and Dollars The road map to financial success (ages 0-5)

Discover generational wealth, savings, and investment strategies. participants will also Receive free diapers along with insights from financial experts and engaging speakers.

3. Navigating Fatherhood Solo (ages- 0-5)

Navigating fatherhood alone? This event is tailored towards dads facing divorce, separation, custody battles, or loss of a partner. Connect with other dads, share experiences while building a support network.

4. Dads Empowerment Workshop Rise to the Challenge

Develop job readiness skills, mental health support, mentorship, and get connected to essential resources.

Click Here to Register

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.

New families joining your programs? The Office of Children and Families offers Family Workshops on topics ranging from challenging behaviors, potty training, immunizations to healthy eating? All this information and more can be found in our E-blast as well as our Parent Pages. Share upcoming Family Workshop Information with families as well as encourage them to sign up for our monthly Parent Pages newsletter - Subscribe to Parent Pages

Help your families boost their engagement and be more successful!

Below is information to share with families either digitally or print off for a family information board.

Workshops and Newsletter for Families

The Office of Children and Families offers Family Workshops on topics ranging from challenging behaviors, potty training, Kindergarten readiness, lifelong skills and more. All this information can be found in our monthly newsletter, the Parent Pages.

Share upcoming family workshop information with families as well as encourage them to sign up for our monthly Parent Pages newsletter. 

Kindergarten Readiness Newsletter

Children that are five by September 1 will be starting kindergarten this fall. The Transition to Kindergarten Committee has put together monthly Kindergarten Readiness Newsletters for tips on how to help children be ready for their first day! Click here to share February’s edition with your families today. Color version is for digitally sharing. Black/ White is for printing as it has an easy QR code to access the file with live links to more information.

The Basics Howard County

90% of brain development happens in the first five years. Share this flier and encourage families to sign up for free text messages from The Basics Howard County to receive tips to boost their child's learning and brain development at home.

For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/basics

February Workshops

Discipline and Communication in the Elementary Years

Mon. February 12 7:00 - 8:15pm Virtual

Discipline is about teaching and skill building, not punishment. Your goal as a parent is to help your child to become self-disciplined. Attend this session to develop strategies to proactively prevent meltdowns by preparing your home and routine to encourage success. Become familiar with temperament types, tune into different needs and learn how to use this information to individualize your interactions with your child. We will discuss ways to effectively communicate with your child and the importance of structure, consistency and self-esteem to help build a growth mind set.

Click Here to Register

Hearts for your Heart

Tues. February 13 10:00 - 11:30am In Person

Children ages 2 to 5 are invited to participate with their parents in activities that support a healthy heart and Valentine art.(This event is open to 12 families at this time) Engage in an art project and music and movement activities.

Click Here to Register

Setting Your Child Up for Success in Kindergarten

Tues. Feb 20 12:30 - 1:45pm Virtual

Is your child excited for the “big” school, but you are nervous for this next step? Need help feeling prepared to help your child with this transition? There are many fun things that you can do now as your child launches into learning. Understand what kindergarten readiness looks like and how you can help your child be ready. Leave with activities and ideas to practice at home with your child as so that you are encouraging lifelong skills and a love of learning.

Click Here to Register

Una guía para padres sobre comportamientos desafiantes

Aprenda cómo ayudar a disminuir la ocurrencia de comportamientos negativos y/o qué hacer cuando ocurren. Asista a esta sesión, haga preguntas y salga con habilidades y recursos que puede utilizar de inmediato para sentirse más seguro en su crianza. Para padres de niños de dos a ocho años.

Para padres, abuelos y personas involucradas con niños de 2 a 8 años Miércoles 21 de februro: 7:00 p.m. horas

Regístrate para recibir el recordatorio de la sesión virtual: Aqui

New Fast Track Child Care Scholarship Presumptive Eligibility

Wed. February 21 2:00 - 3:15pm Virtual

The Maryland Child Care Scholarship program provides financial assistance to help with the cost of child care. Now, applying for a Child Care Scholarship is faster and easier than ever. Visit the Child Care Scholarship Program site to see if you qualify. Join Amber Eash and Carla Lunn, Family Resource Specialists, from the Howard County the Office of Children and Families for an informative workshop to explain the process of applying and what documentation is needed. There will plenty of time for questions and answers

Click Here to Register