Sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) the Week of the Young Child, April 1 though 7, is a fun-filled celebration of young children and their families, featuring hands-on, collaborative activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art. Here are some ideas for each day:

Kick-Off Saturday: Post a video, blog, or social media post sharing why you celebrate the Week of the Young Child and what you do to prepare.

Music Monday: Create and record your own unique version of a song or write your own!

Tasty Tuesday: Enhance math, science, and literacy skills by creating healthy snacks.

Work Together Wednesday: Support your child’s learning through play - build a fort with pillows to incorporate STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) with play.

Artsy Thursday: Find ways to display your children’s artwork for the community to see.

Family Friday: Explore the great outdoors with your child.

For more ideas and resources, visit the NAEYC website.

Activities from PBS KIDS

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, the Howard County Library System (HCLS) has resources to help you and your child plan a garden together. From planting vegetables and perennials, in raised beds or containers, HCLS' collection will help you transform your space into a plant-filled paradise. Browse more than 70 gardening books and toys for budding young farmers and adults, too.

Did you know HCLS also lends garden tools? The DIY Education Center at the Elkridge Branch has gardening implements such as shears, spades, rakes, and wheelbarrows, and it’s all free to borrow. Browse the gardening tools in the collection, and visit during business hours to apply for a DIY library card and pick up the tools that you need.

Spring is in the air! After a long winter, it's thrilling to feel the warm sun on your face and enjoy longer days. There are lots of way to celebrate the changing seasons with your children, including hands-on learning activities, crafts, and by simply observing nature.

For more ideas, visit Celebrating Spring | PBS KIDS for Parents.

Join Howard County Recreation & Parks for Kid’s Fest at Meadowbrook Park! This exciting event features an egg hunt, sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food, and much more. Bring the whole family and enjoy fun for all ages. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required (cost: $8 per child age 2 to 12). On-site registration (cashless or online) the day of the event is $10 per child (2-12 years of age). For more information and to register online, visit the Kid's Fest website. 

Get Back to the Basics while engaging in FREE hands-on learning activities, interactive games, crafts, stories, and free dental screenings at the 2023 Children's Discovery Fair. Join us to celebrate the Month of the Young Child and help your child on the path to kindergarten readiness. View the event flier in English, Spanish, Chinese or Korean. For more information, call 410-313-1940, email [email protected], or

visit www.facebook.com/HoCo.road.to.kindergarten.

Howard Community College

Howard County's celebration of Earth Day showcases local resources to help us all become good stewards of the environment. Family-friendly activities include a native plant sale, compost bin/rain barrel demonstrations, used sports equipment collection, and more! Visit GreenFest.org for details and stop by and see us at booth #48 for information for children and families.

Are your children always assisting their grandparents with technology issues? The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence has partnered with AARP's Senior Planet to help older adults learn new skills, save money, explore telemed healthcare, make new contacts, and much more. Classes are held in Howard County and geared for adults 50 and over. View the schedule of upcoming online and in-person programs to learn how you can stay connected. For more information, email Malarie Burgess or call 410-313-6542.

Career Links connects income-eligible parents to resources for educational success. If you are interested in furthering your college education goals by taking credit or non-credit courses at Howard Community College, contact Maureen Marshall at [email protected] or call 443-518-4954.

April 18 / Noon to 1:00 p.m. / Virtual via Webex / Register

Student loan debt in the United States totals $1.757 trillion. With increasing costs of higher education, it can be hard to save for future college expenses. Join the Office of Consumer Protection and the Cash Campaign of Maryland to learn how the Save4College State Contribution program can help. Eligible Marylanders can receive up to $500 in state contribution when they open a Maryland 529 College Investment Plan. This workshop will explain the purpose of these accounts, the eligibility requirements for the contribution, and how to apply.

Laughter is a great way to strengthen our children’s social emotional learning. As children laugh and learn during play, they increase their ability to regulate their emotions, thoughts, or behaviors, and strengthen self-management and impulse control skills. Humor and laughter can relieve stress and promote positive relationship experiences. Laughter makes children feel good, so encourage them to let out a loud and hearty laugh! For more ideas, visit Children and laughter: A Winning Combination (Michigan State University).

Kick off Money Matters Month on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, featuring activities designed for teens and adults to learn about financial literacy. Check out these free workshops for youth and adults (advance registration is required):

During the Month of the Military Child, our Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) reminds us military children serve right alongside active-duty parents, so it is important to celebrate their sacrifices and service, too. Military families and their children experience circumstances that most civilians won’t come across in their lifetime, including the fear and uncertainty that comes with a parent deploying, and frequent relocations which make it difficult to establish roots in one place. If you know of a military family in your neighborhood or school, reach out to help them feel connected to their community. Military family resources are also available on the OVMF website.

Youth and young adults age 14 to 24 can connect to leadership, volunteer, recreation and job opportunities. Plus, attend career readiness and resumé workshops, meet with program providers and learn about great things to do in Howard County. Parents and siblings are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jermira Sarratt or Ninah Dawson at 410-313-1060.

To your toddler, many medications look like their favorite candy or sweets. Practice medication safety in your home with these six tips to store medicines out of reach of children.

Share the flier with other parents, grandparents and caregivers.

April 29, 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. / Register

Join the Howard County Health Department Cribs & Car Seats Program to boost your car seat safety knowledge. Taught by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), the class covers car seat basics, correct car seat use based on ages and stages, and how to keep kids safe in a variety of vehicles. Observe a car seat demonstration and get hands-on practice placing children safely in their car seats. Note: This is not a car seat check-up event. Free.

Construction of the County's Family Support Center (FSC)* is underway, and, weather permitting, will open in August. The FSC is designed to assist parents and caregivers by offering free comprehensive, family-centered, community-based preventive programs for children from birth to age five. To learn more, contact OCF at 410-313-1940 or [email protected].