Keep kids learning wherever you go this Summer

School's out for the summer, but creative learning opportunities continue for Howard County families, whether at home or on vacation. Plus, parents and caregivers can access support and resources from the Office of Children and Families (OCF) without leaving home! View the July schedule of virtual workshops and/or click the title of a workshop, below, to register.

Brain Builders: Infant Years Optimizing Your Infant’s Early Brain Development

Thursday, July 16, 1 p.m. | Free virtual workshop

Babies are primed to start learning from the day they are born and there is ample science about how to support them during this critical time in their development. Gain an understanding of an infant’s developing brain and how simple daily interactions and activities can be learning moments that support those brain connections.

Turning Boredom into Growth: Everyday Moments that Build Life Skills

Thursday, July 23, 12:30 p.m. | Free virtual workshop

When summer days are unstructured, children often turn to screens to fill their time, especially when they are bored. To turn boredom into an opportunity for growth, explore how everyday moments and downtime can spark creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and independence in young children. Learn practical strategies to reduce screen-time struggles and help children engage in meaningful play, build communication skills, and strengthen emotional development through visual supports and easy-to-use activities that fit into daily family life. For more ideas, download the My Summer Fun Plan worksheet to brainstorm ideas together as a family.

If your child spends time watching TV, choose programs that support learning and development. From early literacy and social skills to STEM-based learning, educational shows can make screen time more meaningful. Classics like Sesame Street and newer favorites like Sid the Science Kid offer engaging, age-appropriate learning opportunities for children of all ages. For more balance with less screens, view The Parents' Survival Guide to Summer and Screens | Common Sense Media

Toilet Training: Catching the Cues of the Potty Dance

Friday, July 24, 1 p.m. | Free virtual workshop

Join our informative workshop designed to help parents and caregivers navigate their toddlers' toilet training with confidence. Learn to recognize signs of readiness, establish positive routines, encourage independence, manage accidents calmly, and overcome common challenges. Participants will receive practical strategies, tips, and resources to support their child's success. View the flier for details.

The Momma's Circle^® 

Saturdays: July 11, 18, 25, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Momma & Baby Supply Giveway

Saturday, July 11, 1 - 2 p.m.

East Columbia Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 21045

Are you a postpartum mom looking for support, connection, and community? Connect with other moms, learn from valuable resources, and receive support in a caring community. Lunch will be served, and a childcare corner, gifts and gift cards will be available. This free support and education group is designed for postpartum mothers of all ages and stages. Register for the Momma's Circle here or email Info@TrinityMaternalWellness.org for more information.

Hatchlings: New Baby and Me

Thursdays, July 9 - 30, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Howard County Library Elkridge Branch

Designed for parents and caregivers of infants from birth to 6 months, this program helps build a baby's vocabulary skills and brain power with fun parent/child activities and songs. Receive a free take home kit including a book and more. Register online.



Diaper Giveaway

Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Howard County Health Department, 8930 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia 21045

Hosted by the Howard County Health Department's Perinatal Equity and Care for Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.) Project, the diaper giveaway supports families with young children in our community. No registration is required for this walk-up diaper distribution. Representatives from CareFirst will be available on-site to provide information and connect families with helpful resources. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while quantities last.

New Baby, New Love

The postpartum period is an adjustment for all new mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics shares valuable insight on connecting with your new baby in the podcast Baby Bonding Basics: Building Trust, Love & Connection With Your Newborn - HealthyChildren.org. To learn more about your baby’s development in their first year, register to attend OCF's free virtual workshop, Brain Builders: Infant Years on July 16 at 1 p.m.

Get the Resource Guide for Maryland Families 

Did you know Maryland offers a variety of free and low-cost programs to help families during pregnancy and throughout the early years of a child’s life? This one-stop resource connects expecting and new parents with support for health insurance, nutrition, pregnancy and birth services, safe sleep and car seats, parenting concerns, child care, early learning, developmental screenings, financial assistance, and mental health resources. Families can also find specialized services for fathers, grandparents raising children, foster families, and other unique situations. The goal is to make it easier for every Maryland family to access the resources they need to give children a healthy start. To learn more, download the Resource Guide flier in English and in Spanish.

Families visit Port Discovery Children's Museum

In May, families from the Family Support Center and OCF Home Visiting programs enjoyed a special field trip to Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore, with more than 90 parents and children participating. Families, accompanied by OCF staff (pictured above) spent the day exploring interactive exhibits, learning through play and creating lasting memories together. One parent shared, “This was the best thing ever! We are so appreciative of this opportunity. It made traveling easy, and we had a blast as a family.” Experiences like these strengthen family connections, support children’s learning and provide opportunities for families to explore the community together.

OCF Staff Highlight: Jennifer Mong

Jennifer Mong has worked for the Office of Children and Families for 11 and a half years. She currently serves as coordinator of OCF's Home Visiting Programs. In this role, Jennifer enjoys the genuine connections that she makes with families in the community. "Getting to know each family individually is such a special part of this work. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their parenting journeys."

Build a child's early math skills with tips from Basics Insights

Math does not start with worksheets. It starts with pouring water, stacking blocks, lining up toys, and knocking them down. When children play, they learn how things work. They are counting, comparing, and solving problems. This is one example of ideas shared in Basics Insights weekly emails for families with children ages zero to five. Learn more and register to receive free Basics Insights text messages in English or Spanish. For more early learning math tips, check out a free, fun, ad-free math app from PBS Kids which teaches young children skills like shapes, counting, measurement and more. Available in English and Spanish at Family Math — Play & Learn | Family Math | PBS SoCal.

Howard County Libraries

Summer Reading Adventures: Into the Wild

The Howard County Library System (HCLS) Summer Reading Program is off and running through August 15. Find book lists, classes, events, and summer fun ideas at hclibrary.org/summer, or visit one of HCLS' branches to select your summer reading program. Join the 2026 Summer Reading Celebrations: Into the Wild!

July 9, 5 p.m. - Elkridge Branch | July 15, 11:30 a.m. - East Columbia Branch | July 18, 11:30 a.m. - Savage Branch | July 23, 5 p.m. - Miller Branch.

HCLS Summer Sunday Hours:

The Central and Miller Branches are open 1 to 5 p.m. The East Columbia, Elkridge, Glenwood, and Savage branches are closed on Sundays during the summer. These branches will reopen on Sundays starting September 13.  For more summer programs at the library, view The Source Magazine.