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A publication of the Howard County Office of Children and Families
Family Institute
April 2022
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Car Seat Safety from Birth to Booster
Join Terri Taylor, the Coordinator for Safe Kids Howard County and a Certified Car Seat Technician as she discusses the do's and don'ts of car seat safety. Schedule an in-person car seat check with Terri for FREE, right here in Howard County!
Tuesday, April 5 / noon to 1:00 p.m. / Free Virtual Workshop / Register
Nothing I Do Works: A Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors
The Pyramid Model is a comprehensive, research-based approach that considers all the factors that impact a child, family and a child's behavior. Learn how to help decrease negative behaviors from happening and/or what to do when they do occur. Ask questions and leave with skills and resources that you can use immediately to help you feel more confident in your parenting. For parents of children ages two to eight.
Wednesday, April 6 / noon to 1:00 p.m. / Free Virtual Workshop / Register
Sleep Safety Starts with You!
Join Natalie Hall, the Coordinator for the Cribs for Kids® Program as she discusses the latest safe sleep practices recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Safe sleep for your baby means a restful sleep for you!
Tuesday, April 12 / noon to 1:00 p.m. / Free Virtual Workshop / Register
Keeping Our Children Safe: Talking With Children About Boundaries and Consent
There is no such thing as a "perfect age" for talking to children about body boundaries (both theirs and others), consent, and respect. Join Hope Works for an honest and candid conversation about how to talk with children about setting and respecting boundaries. We'll provide various scenarios and use role play to engage with participants and discuss these important topics.
Monday, April 25 / 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. / Free Virtual Workshop / Register
Childhood Immunizations, Where to Start
Join Erin Anderson, nurse, mother, and the Assistant Director of Nursing at the Howard County Health Department as she discusses childhood immunizations. Learn more about immunization schedules and how the Health Department can help get you back on track.
Tuesday, April 26 / noon to 1:00 p.m. / Free Virtual Workshop / Register
Get Ready for Baby, Ready to Hatch
Mother Goose on the Loose Hatchlings is an interactive early literacy program for expectant parents. Through songs and fun activities, you will learn how babies exposed to books and reading grow up to become children who perform better in school; how reading and singing helps your baby’s brain and language development; and how reciting nursery rhymes & singing songs helps your baby get ready to learn to read. Attendees will receive a FREE book, calendar and song sheet. In partnership with Howard County Library System.
Wednesday, April 27 / 6:30 p.m. / 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia / Free Workshop / Register
For questions about Family Institute Workshops, call 410-313-5992 (voice/relay).
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April Is the Month of the Young Child
The Month of the Young Child focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognizes the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. The early years of childhood (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later in life. Today we know more than ever about the importance of children’s earliest years in shaping their learning and development. This month is a time to recognize that children’s opportunities are our responsibilities to ensure that each and every child experiences the type of early environment - at home, at childcare, at school and in the community - that will promote their early learning.
To kick off the month, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) dedicates a week of celebrations, April 2 - 8 for the Week of the Young Child:
Kick-Off Saturday
Some things you can do on 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
- Play music at home
- Support math readiness through music
Tasty Tuesday
- Cook with young children to help develop their math skills
- Introduce your child to a variety of foods
Work Together Wednesday
- Support your child’s leaning by playing with them
- Incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) with play
Artsy Thursday
- Find ways to display your children’s artwork for the community to see
- Use art to explore preschoolers understanding of differences
Family Friday
- You are your child’s first teacher - engage in an activity together
- Explore the great outdoors with your child
For additional activities for the month, click here.
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Children's Discovery Fair: Move, Groove and Discover
Saturday, April 23 / 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
North Laurel Community Center / 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road / Laurel, 20723
Free Event
The Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) will sponsor the 18th annual Children’s Discovery Fair, a free event for preschoolers, parents, and caregivers. This school readiness event is a celebration of Howard County’s Month of the Young Child and is part of the Launch Into Learning initiative. This event offers fun, interactive learning activities for children ages 3 to 5. Parents will learn important information about school readiness and community resources. Pre-registration encouraged.
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Reading and discussing stories is one of the five pillars of the Basics movement, meant to help every family help their children achieve their full potential. Getting your child reading from an early age will provide them with the strong foundation they need to be successful readers and writers in the future. Reading with your children as early as infancy can have a lasting and positive impact. Reading with your children shows them the correlation between the pictures and the words on the page. Reading the words on the pages isn't even necessary; children can learn a lot simply by discussing and describing what’s happening in the pictures on each page.
Tips on reading and discussing stories with your children include:
- Changing your voice for different characters
- Showing your interest in the story
- Involving your children by allowing them to turn the page or hold the book
- Describing the pictures
To learn more about reading and discussing stories with your children and the other pillars of the Basics movement, click here.
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April is Financial Literacy Month, celebrated in Howard County as Money Matters Month, an opportunity for individuals to learn tips to manage finances effectively and create a path towards financial empowerment and success. Your money matters! Every day, individuals make financial decisions which impact earnings, savings, investing and spending. Your credit, debt burden and borrowing power are money management tools which also impact your financial health.
The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) will participate in Money Matters Month this year, starting with the in-person kick-off event, Passport to Financial Literacy, an interactive program for teens on April 2. All month, OCP and other County agencies will offer webinars, programs and workshops on topics including creating and building a financial and credit foundation; wealth building, managing your finances, financial aid, and home buyer readiness; home improvement, foreclosure prevention, investing in cryptocurrencies and estate planning. For more information, click here.
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Celebrate the Month of the Military Child
There are more than 1.6 million military children who face unique challenges and experiences as a result of their parents' service. While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks. In April, communities around the country celebrate military children and the sacrifices they make. Reach out to a veteran or military family in your community and encourage your children to do so as well. If you are military family seeking resources in Howard County, contact the Office of Veterans and Military Families at [email protected] or click here for more information.
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Child Abuse Prevention
April is Child Abuse Prevention month. This year’s theme is Thriving Children and Families: Prevention with Purpose. Everyone has a role to play in helping the families in our communities be resilient and access support. Learn more about protective factors; prevention starts with you!
#ChildAbusePreventionMonth #ThrivingFamilies
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Family Support and Resource Center
Campfire and Hike
Saturday, April 2 / 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. / Ages 9 to 14 / $10 fee
Robinson Nature Center
An afternoon of nature exploration and campfire fun at Robinson Nature Center in partnership with Howard County’s Therapeutic Recreation Program. Robinson Naturalists, ASL interpreters and Therapeutic Recreation staff will facilitate the guided portion of the program. Afterwards, participants who are deaf and hard-of-hearing can enjoy time to socialize with one another while roasting marshmallows over the campfire. To register please call 410-313-0400.
Autism in the Park
Saturday, April 2 / 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. / Free event
Blandair Park
Celebrate Autism Awareness Day at the Laura’s Place Playground in Blandair Park. Visit with first responders, elected representatives and learn about the autism community. Enjoy interactive play, entertainers, face painting, music and ice cream. Sponsored by Howard County Autism Society, Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks - Therapeutic Recreation, Howard County Police Department, Equipment Connections for Children, and Howard County Fire & Rescue.
2022 Transition Symposium – Stop Waiting and Start Planning
Free Virtual Webinars / Ages 14 to 21
The annual Howard County Transition Symposium is coming to you this year from the comfort of your couch! This series is for families and youth with an IEP/504 Plan as they plan the transition from school to adult life. Sessions include:
Employment First
Thursday, April 21 / 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Presentation will address the strategies and considerations associated with promoting, building and supporting acceptance, inclusion, and neurodiversity in the workplace and community. Featuring speakers from the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Supporting Employment Equality and Community, Howard County Autism Society Autism Hiring Program, and Howard County Office of Workforce Development. Register
You Can Get SSI and Medical Assistance, Go to Work and Live to Tell About It (Includes bonus information about SSDI)
Tuesday, May 24 / 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
What are these programs, how do you apply, and are they appropriate for your young adult with a disability? Presented by Michael Dalto, Benefits Consultant, High Note Consulting. Sponsored by Transition Outreach Partnership. Register
To request ADA accommodations to participate, contact Erica Lewis, ADA Specialist, Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, one week prior to each webinar at [email protected] or call 410-313-6402.
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Adaptive Gaming Day
The Maryland Technology Assistance Program in collaboration with Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is sponsoring an Adaptive Gaming Day for youth and adults with disabilities.
This free event is an opportunity to engage with peers and try out the latest gaming devices available. Gamers are encouraged to bring their own games, controllers and PC's. Adaptive Gaming Day will be held at the Gary J Arthur Community Center Tuesday, April 12.
To register or request accommodations to participate, call 410-313-7275v (voice/relay) or click here.
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New Moms Support Group
Monday, April 4 / 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
St. John Baptist Church
Howard County General Hospital presents the New Moms Support Group. Share experiences with other new moms and their babies up to 5 months old. This eight-week group includes support, referrals, guest speakers, parenting topics, and an opportunity to meet and connect. Register
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Understanding a Child’s Challenging Behavior
All of children’s behaviors are a form of communication. Challenging behavior is a form of communication that is meant to get an immediate response. As parents and caregivers, our first step is to try to understand what is causing the behavior, then discover why your child is choosing the behavior and next to encourage healthy and positive communication skills. Once you have done this you can work towards building your child’s vocabulary skills and teaching them ways to communicate their wants and needs in a positive way.
Understanding why your child is choosing the behavior is critical to identifying the meaning of the challenging behavior. Here are four quick steps to help you learn more about your child’s behaviors:
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Observe: When your child is displaying challenging behaviors, try to step back and watch. See if you notice what happens before or what happens after the challenging behavior.
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Track: Try to narrow down when the challenging behavior occurs.
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List: Write down thoughts or ideas of why your child might be displaying the challenging behaviors. Are they trying to avoid something or get something?
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Teach: Once you understand where the behavior is coming from or what is causing the challenging behavior this is the time to teach your child positive and new ways to behave in the situation. (role-play, read stories, talk ahead of time)
Learning about how your child reacts to certain situations and understanding the meaning of their behaviors will make it easier for you to teach him appropriate ways to deal with challenges like frustration, stress and fatigue.
More information on Understanding Challenging Behaviors can be found here.
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STEAM Fun with Lois Ehlert
Saturdays, April 2, 9 & 16 / 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
East Columbia Branch
Ages 5 to 9
Hands-on STEAM fun based on Lois Ehlert stories! Let’s read books together and have fun doing a STEAM-related activity. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Poetry Scavenger Hunt
Ongoing April 4 - 14 / 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. / Drop-in / Central Branch
Ages 5 to 11
Participate in self-directed poetry activities around the Central Branch Children’s Department. Pick up an activity booklet at the Children’s desk to get started. Pre-readers can engage with adult assistance.
Little Learners: Build with Magformers-Shapes
Tuesday, April 5 / 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. / Central Branch
Ages 2 to 5 with adult
Hear stories about shapes. Build 2D and 3D structures with Magformers and MegaBloks and learn through trial and error. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Little Learners: Garden Delights
Tuesday, April 12 / 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. / Central Branch
Ages 2 to 5 with adult
Learn about what plants need to grow and what comes from plants. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Literature and Laughs!
Thursday, April 14 / 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
East Columbia Branch
Ages 7 to 10
Reading, laughing and creating together...if you are in grades 2-4 and enjoy doing these things, bring your grown-up and join us! Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.
Give Earth a Chance: Celebrate the Nation's 51st Earth Day
Wednesday, April 20 / 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. / Central Branch
Ages 6 to 11
Celebrate the nation's 51st Earth Day with a craft and books that demonstrate support for the environment. Register
Get Ready for Baby, Ready to Hatch
Thursday, April 21 / 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Central Branch – Warfield Room
Expectant Parents, Ages 19+
The Howard County Library presents a program for expectant parents. "Mother Goose on the Loose Hatchlings" is an interactive early literacy program that provides an opportunity for expectant parents to learn more about their baby-to-be through songs and fun activities. Parents will receive a FREE book, activities calendar and song sheet. A Spanish interpreter will be present. Register
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GreenFest 2022
GreenFest is Howard County’s largest celebration of Earth Day. Held on the Howard Community College campus, this annual event provides residents the opportunity to learn about growing plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region, backyard composting and more. There will also be giveaways including rain barrels and compost bins. The GreenFest event is Saturday, April 9, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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