Kindergarten, Here We Come!

Every year, the Howard County Library offers multiple sessions of Kindergarten, Here We Come! at its branches. The goal is to generate excitement, ease a child's anxieties or worries with fun stories and activities. Students get to practice getting on and off a real school bus, taking a very big step for little legs. Classes (45-60 minutes) are for children entering kindergarten in the fall. Register for August classes.

What your child will learn this year in HCPSS Grades PreK - Five

To get a head start on the school year, view the HCPSS Family Guides to learn what your child will learn this year in grades PreK - 5! Review standards, get free games and explore family activities for each subject area. Read the August Kindergarten Readiness Newsletter for updates.

A Book List for Parents to Help Children Transition to School

Age-appropriate books can make a difference in a child’s academic, behavioral, and emotional success as they transition to school. Reading and learning about mental health reduces the stigma of mental health concerns through early exposure. Here are some books that may help ease the transition for your child:

• Preschool, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg
• Lola Goes to School by Anna McQuinn
• The Little Book of Kindergarten by Zach Bush
• The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willem

For a complete list of books that help young children with social emotional skills, check out the Toddler–Preschool Book List from Children’s Mental Health Matters. For more ideas to prepare your child for a transition, visit Practice Super Morning and Bedtime Routines from PBS; and PBS KIDS for Parents — "Back-to-School Transition Tips for Parents and Kids".

Transitions are not just about the kids; adults also feel the stress of new beginnings, routines and anxieties at the start of a new school year. Prioritizing your resilience and social-emotional health is essential to survive - and thrive - during the months ahead. To plan for your wellbeing, read The Center for Resilience’s The Adult Back-to-School List.

DCRS Back-to-School Supplies Distribution

The Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) will hold its annual back-to-school supplies distribution on Saturday, August 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. No sign-up is required. View the School Supplies flier in English and Spanish.

Pick up will be held at the following locations, while supplies last:

• Wilde Lake High School | 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia, 21044
• Howard Crossing Apartments | 8732 Town and Country Boulevard, Ellicott City, 21043
• Deep Run Elementary School | 6925 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge, 21075
• Long Reach Village Center | 8775 Cloudleap Court, Columbia, 21045

Tips to Teach Your Child to Share

If your child is starting a new program in the fall, social skills are at the top of the skills they need to learn. Sharing is an important social-emotional skill that can help your child make friends, navigate their surroundings, and manage their feelings. Teaching your child to share at an early age can set them up for success. To help your toddler learn to share:

• Show your child how to take turns during your routine.
• Praise your children when they share while playing.
• Talk to your child about how sharing can solve problems.
• Use a timer to help a child know when it is their turn.

Read about skills from Zero to Three on teaching a child to share..

Interested in learning more? Join OCF's virtual workshop: Helping Young Children Learn to Make Friends on August 26.

Breastfeeding Education Event & Diaper Giveaway

August 11, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia

Join us to get breastfeeding and health education resources and giveaways, and visit the Farmers Market, food truck, as well as other community partners and the Howard County Library van. HCHD's P.E.A.C.E. (Perinatal Equity and Care for Everyone) Project will host a FREE diaper giveaway; no registration isrequired. P.E.A.C.E. Project team members will be onsite to answer questions and provide resources for other pregnancy needs. For more information, visit Diaper Giveaway | Howard County and the WIC Breastfeeding Event Survey.

Free Immunizations Available

August 31, 4 – 7 p.m. | Columbia Health Center

8930 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia 21045

The Howard County Health Department will offer FREE immunization events for children age 18 and younger to get the required vaccines required for Howard County Public Schools. For more information, visit Back to School Vaccination Clinic | Howard County

Looking for Child Care in Howard County?

Finding the right child care provider might take some time. You will want to choose a program that suits your family’s needs and is located in your area. To avoid scheduling issues, begin looking for a child care program a few months in advance before your child will need care. Visit MSDE’s website, Child Care Tips | Division of Early Childhood for tips about how to make informed decisions when choosing early education and child care programs. If you would like to talk with someone about your needs and concerns, call the Howard County CARE Line at 410-313-CARE (2273).

Families Enjoyed Summer Story Time at the FSC

The Family Support Center (FSC) recently hosted its Summer Story Time Series, where children enjoyed engaging stories and participated in hands-on learning centers inspired by each book. Pictured, children also practiced building and recognizing their names in a variety of fun, interactive ways while developing early literacy and school readiness skills. The Story Time Series helps prepare young learners for a successful transition to school.

FSC Drop-in Play Group with Howard County Early Intervention Services

August 17, 10 a.m. – noon | Register Register for the Play Group 

Children and their families are invited to explore and play at our Family Support Center! Parents must stay with their children. This is a great opportunity for children to meet new friends and parents to network! The HCPSS Early Intervention team will be onsite to conduct FREE child developmental screenings for any parents who are interested. 

Basics Insights: The Basics at Bedtime

When the day winds down, it’s time to get your children ready for bed. While brushing your children’s teeth and getting them into their pajamas are an important part of their nightly routine, using The Basics can be as well! View The Basics at Bedtime handout. to learn how. Struggling with bedtime routines? Incorporating a visual schedule into your bedtime routine can help. Visit The Pyramid Model visual schedule page to learn how.

OCF Staff Highlight: Amber Eash

Family Resource Specialist, Amber Eash has been with OCF since December 2012. "What I enjoy most about being a Parent Educator is the relationships I build with families," she says. "Helping families achieve their goals, strengthen relationships with their children, and become more self-sufficient is incredibly rewarding. Seeing families grow in confidence makes this work meaningful every day." Outside of work, Amber says her farm is her happy place. "Caring for my horses, five dogs, three cats and a Russian tortoise brings me a great deal of joy. I also enjoy spending as much time as possible with my twin 7-year-old grandchildren and the rest of my family.