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Located at 9790 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, the Family Support Center (FSC) brings Howard County families together to learn and have fun. The FSC's community-based programs are designed for parents and caregivers of children from birth to age five. In February, families were moving and grooving at the FSC's newest class, Move, Groove, and Grow! Children and their caregivers explored music and movement together—singing, dancing, and experimenting with a variety of instruments—all while having a whole lot of fun. The class offered a joyful space for creativity, connection and growth through play. To learn more about OCF’s programs at the Family Support Center, check out one of our upcoming drop-in play groups:
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Friday, March 6, 10 – 11 a.m. | Register
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Friday, March 20, 10 – 11 a.m. | Register
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Do you have a minute? Take OCF's Parent Engagement Survey
This brief survey, available in English and Spanish, will help the Office of Children and Families design workshops and events that support the needs of families in our Howard County community. We appreciate you taking the time to share your voice and help shape upcoming programming to meet your needs. For questions, or to request the survey in an alternate format, call 410-313-2273 (voice/relay).
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OCF Staff Spotlight: Meet our Spanish-Speaking Staff
Nuestro equipo de habla hispana en la Oficina de Niños y Familias está listo para ayudarlo a conectarse con recursos y servicios (prenatales hasta los 5 años).
¿Preguntas? Llame al 410-313-1940 o escriba a FamiliasEnEspanol@howardcountymd.gov.
The Parent's Place of Maryland Coffee and Conversation Sessions for Spanish-Speaking Parents
Third Wednesday of each month, 1 p.m. | Virtual
Join conversations with other parents with children with special needs.
Únase a nuestras sesiones de Café y Conversaciones si es un padre que habla español. CUANDO tercer miércoles de cada mes 1:00 pm. PREGUNTAS? Envía un correo electrónica a Rosie Lily a rosie@ppmd.org.
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Fatherhood Resources
Poppa University is an online go-to resource for dads at every stage of fatherhood. Get free access to their virtual resource center packed with practical tools, trusted knowledge, and a supportive community. To learn more about this one- stop shop for everything fathers need to grow, lead and thrive, visit the Resource Library at Poppa University.
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Reading for Success
Reading 1000 books before kindergarten has many benefits. Reading just one book a day for three years or three books a day for one year equals 1,095 books! Howard County Library System (HCLS) promotes this message with their Read 1000 Books Program. To track your progress and celebrate reading milestones together, print a HCLS Reading Log and visit the Activities from 1000 Books and Resources from 1000 Books websites. Build memories while fostering a lifelong love of reading as you teach your baby, toddler or preschooler the foundations of reading and prepare them for academic success by incorporating reading into your daily routine. To learn more about HCLS programs, sign up for one or more newsletters, including the early literacy quarterly newsletter.
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HCPSS Kindergarten Registration is now Open
Registration for new students and students entering public school kindergarten in fall 2026 began March 2 for all Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) elementary schools. Kindergarten is mandatory in Maryland; state law requires that children entering kindergarten in the fall must be five years of age on or before September 1, 2026. To confirm which school your child is districted to attend, visit the HCPSS enroll page, then check the required documentation to begin the online registration process. Have questions? Call the HCPSS Public Information Office at 410-313-6600. Read the HCPSS March Kindergarten Readiness newsletter and watch the Road to Kindergarten 2026 information session to learn more about readiness and the registration process.
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Special Education Resource Fair
March 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cedar Lane School
11630 Scaggsville Road, Fulton
Learn about information available from HCPSS and the community to support students who receive special education and related services. (Activities available for children.) Registration is not required. For information, contact FSRC@hcpss.org. This FREE event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series.
Your Child, Your Voice: Navigating IEPs & 504s
March 14 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | In-Person Workshop | Register
East Columbia 50+ Center, 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
The Office of The Local Children's Board, in partnership with LiveWellEd, presents a free interactive workshop to help families understand and navigate the special education process. Learn how Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans work, understand your rights as a parent under Maryland law and build strong advocacy skills to support your child's success. Walk away with practical tools, a personalized action plan and an IEP/504 Empowerment Playbook. Onsite childcare is available. View the event flier.
Understanding Speech and Language Development in the Elementary School Years
March 23, 6:30 p.m. | Free virtual event | Register
For parents and caregivers who want to better understand speech and language development in children ages five to 11. Explore what typical speech, language, and communication skills look like during the elementary school years, where to turn if you have concerns and identify online resources available to families. Sponsored by the Howard County Library System and Howard County Public School System.
| | HCPSS works to identify and eliminate barriers to enrollment, attendance and academic success for children and youth experiencing homelessness who are eligible to attend public school in Howard County. Pupil Personnel Workers (PPWs) support schools by identifying and addressing barriers that may interfere with students’ academic achievement, social-emotional well-being and overall success at school, at home and in the community. If you are experiencing homelessness, please contact your school’s PPW or the Homeless Education Liaison for confidential support and assistance. For more information, view the flier in English, Spanish, Chinese or Korean. | |
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Discover the Power of Nutrition during National Nutrition Month®
National Nutrition Month® (NNM) is a perfect time to explore new ways to improve your family’s nutrition. Try introducing a new fruit or vegetable each week; give each family member a role in meal planning and let them pick out new recipes. The 2026 NNM theme, "Discover the Power of Nutrition," emphasizes the transformative impact that good nutrition can have on overall health, energy and well-being. It encourages individuals to explore how food choices fuel daily activities, support mental clarity and enhance long-term health outcomes. Learn more at eatright.org/NNM and explore 50 Ideas to Get Involved in National Nutrition Month.
Howard County Food & Nutrition Resources
The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) increases access to and awareness of culturally appropriate, accessible, affordable, and nutritious food to decrease food insecurity among county residents. Here are some local food resources:
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Breakfast Snack of the Month:
Banana Wake Up Snacks
Here's a quick and easy breakfast idea from reallittlemeals.com to simplify your mornings and make breakfast something your toddler actually looks forward to.
Slice bananas and place pieces in mini muffin tin. Cover bananas with a spoonful of yogurt and freeze. Watch the ‘how to’ video here and visit 17 Favorite Toddler Breakfast Recipes - Real Little Meals for more toddler-approved healthy recipes!
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The Gold Rush (All ages)
March 7, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., North Laurel Community Center, $10 | Register
To participate in the scavenger hunt, check in at the community center and make your way to the gymnasium to search for golden coins, pots of gold or prizes.
Spring Egg Hunt (Ages 2-10)
Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. | Gary J. Arthur Community Center | Register
Bring your basket to collect eggs and enjoy prizes, refreshments, games, and crafts. The hunt will take place in the gym. Preregistration required.
For ages 2-10. Registration is $10 center members; $15 nonmembers.
Spring Eggstravaganza for Tots (Ages 1+)
Saturday, March 28 & Sunday, March 29, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Register
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia | $10 per child
Tot-friendly activities, crafts, games and sensory fun. Bunnies available for adoption through the Friends of Rabbits, a rescue organization.
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Pool Egg Hunt (Ages 3-11)
Saturday, March 28, times vary by age, | Roger Carter Recreation Center | Register
Hop into spring at our annual Pool Egg Hunt! Colorful plastic eggs float across our heated pool, each filled with a fun surprise. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your basket – and don’t forget your bathing suit! $12 for center members; $15 for nonmembers.
Bronze Villagers, Inc. presents Moms and Kiddos Day Out
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Register
Hanover Hills Elementary School, Elkridge
Bronze Villagers connects Mothers of African American infants, toddlers and preschoolers to engage in kindergarten readiness activities. Learn simple ways to prepare your child for kindergarten while enjoying lunch, laughter and making connections. View the event flier.
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Save the Date for the 2026 Children's Discovery Fair
Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Register
East Columbia 50+ Center | 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
Explore the wonders of learning while engaging in hands-on, STEAM experiences—science, technology, engineering, art, and math—through interactive activities, games, stories, and movement. Free dental screenings will also be available on site. Sponsored by the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council, this Launch into Learning event is for children ages three to five with an adult. For more information, view the flier or email children@howardcountymd.gov.
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Celebrate National Women's History Month
National Women’s History Month is celebrated every March in the United States to honor and recognize the contributions of women throughout history. The United Nations also designates March as Gender Equality Month, celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. OCF values the strength and influence of women, especially those in early childhood education, who shape the future of child care and early learning in Howard County. Those who devote their careers to this work are skilled, dedicated and deeply professional — and are overwhelmingly women. Our future depends on greater respect and recognition for the field at every level, and recognition that these positions are not side jobs or temporary roles; they are valued professions. Learn more at lena.org.
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