About

The Howard County Family Institute is an education, information and community outreach program of the Office of Children and Families, Department of Community Resources and Services. Our Mission is to assist parents in their parenting role by providing education that enhances caregiver skills, knowledge, and behavior with a vision that all children will start life with a strong foundation. We offer classes, workshops, and informational sessions for parents on many topics, including child development, positive discipline, school readiness, and finding resources. To suggest topics for future workshops or to learn more, please email [email protected] or call 410-313-1940 (voice/relay).  Workshops can also be created or tailored to meet your group’s needs. Submit an On-Site Request Form to the Family Engagement Specialist, at [email protected].

Additional Programs

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Family Institute Workshops

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Upcoming Workshops

* For assistance with registering, call 410-313-5992 (voice/ relay) or email [email protected]

* To request sign language, interpreter or other accommodations to attend, call at least one week in advance.

Brain Builders: Infant Years 
Optimizing Your Infant’s Early Brain Development from Birth to 18 months 
Babies are primed to start learning from the day they are born and there is much science about this critical time in their development. Through this workshop, parents and caregivers will gain an understanding of their infant’s developing brain and how simple daily interactions and activities are the learning moments that support those brain connections. Learn more about how creating a secure attachment with your baby helps to create effective learning pathways. Explore the many resources in the community that will support your family on this developmental journey to help ensure that your baby starts off with a healthy and strong beginning. 
Thursday, March 7, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop, Register
here


Setting Your Child Up for Success in Kindergarten
Is your child excited for the “big” school, but you are nervous for this next step? Need help feeling prepared to help your child with this transition? There are many fun things that you can do now as your child launches into learning. 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 as so that you are encouraging lifelong skills and a love of learning.
Monday, March 11, 7 p.m. Free Online Workshop, Register
here


Eat, Learn, Grow for Families – STEM
Focus on Early Learning Literacy and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). 
Young children have a natural curiosity about the world around them and through STEM exploration, children begin to wonder, explore, and investigate their environment.  Gain skills and knowledge to explore STEM topics at home with your children. This workshop will highlight STEM-focused children’s literature and explore ways to incorporate creative and fun STEM activities into everyday life.

Thursday, March 14, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here


Growing a Reader
Parents are a child’s first and best teacher. There is much one can do at home to develop literacy skills with a young child that can build a foundation for a lifelong love of reading. Understand the stages of reading and learn fun, easy ways to boost reading development any day.
Thursday, March 21, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register
here

Potty Training Basics
Join the Office of Children and Families for an engaging discussion about potty training basics for little ones. Gain insight from caregivers as they share what their potty-training journey has been like.  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.
Tuesday, March 26, 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop.
Register here

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 children ages two to eight.  
Wednesday, March 27, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop.
Register here


Stories, Explore and Play
Join us at the Family Support Center for a five-week series of classes for you and your baby, newborn to 2 years. Together you will enjoy stories, songs and activities and learn how to support your baby using The Basics to make the most out of everyday moments. Conclude with free play and exploration in the child development space. Participants will receive a FREE take-home gift during the series. (for English and Spanish speaking families)
Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. / Register Here


Beyond the Bump Dad's Toolkit for Doctor Visits

Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join us at the Howard County Family Support Center for our exciting workshop designed for soon-to-be dads!

Gain valuable insights on the right questions to ask during both pregnancy check-ups and pediatric visits.

This interactive workshop is designed to empower dads, ensuring you play an active and informed role on the journey of fatherhood. Child-friendly workshop with on-site support from trained staff. Specify during registration if you intend to bring your children. Questions, contact Kristin Reel at [email protected]

 

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Parent Pages

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The Parent Pages newsletter is published by the Howard County Office of Children and Families for parents, caregivers, and agencies working with families. Distributed via Constant Contact, each monthly issue features information to help parents and caregivers learn more about positive parenting and  children’s development. It highlights workshops, local resources, events, parenting information, and agency programs targeted to help families grow and thrive in Howard County.

This newsletter is a part of the Howard County Family Institute, an education, information and community outreach program. To request the Parent Pages in an alternate format, call 410-313-1940 (voice/relay.)

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The Basics

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The Basics movement aims to help every family help every child reach their potential. To learn about The Basics Howard County, watch this overview video for an introduction to the five fun, simple and powerful ways to boost early brain development and learning for all children from birth to age five.

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Launch Into Learning

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Launch Into Learning is a campaign supported by the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council (HCECAC). The goal of HCECAC is to highlight the importance of the early years, for parents and families in particular, but also for early care and education professionals, and other community stakeholders.

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