The 2024 Parents Guide is here!
It can be challenging to manage the demands of day-to-day life while meeting the developmental needs of young children; we hope the information and resources in the Parents Guide will make things a bit easier.
Our staff can also work with you to discuss concerns you may have about your child, identify needs and help you find solutions. For assistance, information and referrals, call 410-313-CARE (2273).
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March Parent Workshops
Set your child up for success in kindergarten
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 to encourage lifelong skills and a love of learning.
Eat, learn, grow for families – STEM
March 14, 7 to 8 p.m. | Virtual | Register
Focus on early learning literacy and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills, learn how to explore STEM topics at home with your children.
Growing young readers
March 21, 7 to 8 p.m. | Virtual | Register
Parents are a child’s first and best teacher. Learn how to develop a young child's literacy skills at home to build a foundation for a lifelong love of reading.
Potty training basics
March 26, 6 to 7:15 p.m. | Virtual | Register
Discover ways to make the transition to the potty fun and hassle free, while avoiding some of the pitfalls that can arise when trying to potty train little ones.
Parent’s guide to challenging behaviors
March 27, 7 to 8 p.m. | Virtual | Register
Learn how to help decrease negative behaviors from happening and/or what to do when they do occur. For children ages two to eight.
Stories, exploration and play
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10 to 11 a.m.
Family Support Center | 9790 Patuxent Woods Dr., Columbia 21046 | Register
Enjoy stories, songs and activities to support your baby, explore free play in the child development space and receive a FREE take-home gift. (For English and Spanish speaking families with children up to age two.)
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Family Options Support Group
March 14, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Family Support Center | Call 410-313-5816 to register
Are you a first-time mother, pregnant or parenting a child under two? Are you 19 years old or younger? Join the Family Support Center and the Howard County Health Department to meet other moms, gain resources and supports, and explore our child development room. Snacks provided. For more info, call Lauren Soummers at 410-313-5816 (voice/relay).
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On the Journey to Fatherhood
April 4 & 27, May 16, June 8
This FREE four-part series supports Howard County fathers to help them develop healthy parenting habits, build networks and strengthen bonds with their children, ages zero to five. Participants will be entered into a raffle to win prizes. Email Kristin Reel or call 410-313-5987 (voice/relay) for more information. |
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Howard County Library System (HCLS) Updates:
Pop-up Library
The Howard County Library System (HCLS) pop-up library van will visit the Family Support Center on March 14, 10 to 11 a.m. If you are a parent or caregiver of children from birth to age five, attend a class with HCLS staff; check out books, activity kits and toys; and learn about community resources.
The Source Magazine
The March/April issue of HCLS' magazine, Source, is out! Articles in in the current issue highlight: Teen Live!; Spring Break at the Library (including HiTech programs for teens); graphic novelist Ira Marcks; Women’s History Month; National Poetry Month; Enchanted Garden classes and more. Pick up your free copy at any branch or read it online.
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Is your child ready for kindergarten?
HCPSS Family Resource and Wellness Fair
For families of Howard County Public School students with IEPs and IFSPs
March 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Free
Cedar Lane School, 11630 Scaggsville Road, Fulton
As part of its Parent Empowerment Series, the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will hold a Family Resource Fair for families of students receiving special education, speech, hearing, vision, and adapted PE services. Learn about equipment, resources, and tools available in the community and within HCPSS; connect with community activities for students; and get wellness and health-related information. Registration is not required. Email [email protected] for more information.
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Read and discuss stories
It’s story time! Find your favorite blanket and cuddle up with your child to read a sturdy, colorful book with lots of pictures. Making reading a part of your daily routine is a great way to bond with your child. Make up funny voices for the characters in the story, point out colors on the pages and focus on the pictures rather than the actual words. Sign up for Basics Insights weekly text messages for parenting tips based on your child’s developmental stage, from birth to age five. Learn more about how children learn to think, available in English or Spanish.
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Kids may need a little help to make friends
Friendships are important — they enrich our lives, boost our self-esteem and provide moral support. Developmentally speaking, making a friend in school is every bit as important as getting an A. Learning how to form successful peer relationships is a critical skill for kids, and one that they will be using — and refining — all their lives. Parents can’t make friends for their children, but they can help them develop and practice key social skills. If you see your child struggling to make friends or getting rejected by other kids, here are some steps you can take to help.
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Kid’s Fest
$8 in advance / $10 on site
Families with children ages two to 12 are invited to attend the annual Kid’s Fest. Enjoy sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food, and more. Onsite registration is cashless. Get more information and register in advance.
What do animals eat?
Howard County Conservancy | March 23, 10 a.m. | $10 per person | Register
As nature transitions from winter to spring, learn about an animal’s habits based on the seasonal changes in their diet. Join Howard County Conservancy staff to discover fun facts about the spring foods of reptiles and mammals, then meet a few of the Conservancy’s resident animal ambassadors! The indoor/outdoor program is designed for ages five and older; some light walking is expected.
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Children's Discovery Fair: Math Around Us
Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free | Register
East Columbia 50+ Center | 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
Celebrate Howard County’s Month of the Young Child and explore the wonders of math! Engage with your children in hands-on, math-themed activities, interactive games, crafts, stories and get a FREE dental screening. This Launch into Learning event is sponsored by the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council, and is for children ages three to five with an adult. For more information, email [email protected].
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HC Drug Free presents Guiding Good Choices®
March 12, 19, April 2, 9 & 16, noon to 1:30 p.m. | Via Zoom | Register
Guiding Good Choices® is an interactive prevention program that helps you build a stronger bond with your child, while also providing skills proven to reduce the risk of children engaging in substance use or other risky behaviors.This series is for Howard County parents, guardians, and grandparents of nine to 14 year olds. Learn more. |
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Register now for Howard County Recreation and Parks Summer Camps
Summer will be here before you know it! Are you ready? Whether you are looking for half-day or full-day camps for your children, the 2024 Camps Guide from Howard County Recreation and Parks is full of great options. Camps fill quickly, and registration is now open, so start planning your kids' summer adventures now! View the guide online.
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Share the Parent Pages link with others, or encourage them to subscribe and sign up today!
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