About

To support the Early Child Care system so that children can reach their full potential. We do this by supporting families; training/mentoring/coaching Early Child Care professionals; providing expert consultation on Early Child Care issues; creating synergies among Early Child Care stakeholders; aligning and maximizing resources; and implementing evidence-based programming.

Children sitting on a bench

Want to open your own home-based business?

Apply today to become a Howard County-licensed Family Child Care provider.

We will walk you through the process and provide coaching. Benefits include legal support, access to technology and prepared curriculum.

Call 410-313-1943 for more information.

Toddler with pacifier in mouth walking by holding hands with adult, of whom you only see lower half of body

Know before you go!

DCRS' inclement weather hotline (410-313-7777) keeps you informed about the opening/closing status of our facilities during a weather event or other emergency. 

Know before you go to any of our facilities for meetings, classes or other programs. 

DCRS Emergency Status Hotline

Program and Resources

Title

Care Line

Content

The CARE Line provides information and referral to local resources, linking parents and childcare providers to supportive education and behavioral interventions.

Title

Home Visiting

Content

Our home visiting programs Healthy Families Howard County™ and Parents as Teachers are evidence-based programs for parents and their children, prenatal through age five. Certified home visitors help parents enhance their knowledge of child development, health and safety to promote school readiness and family self-sufficiency.

Title

Family Institute

Content

The Family Institute, OCF’s parent education program offers parent engagement and outreach activities including informational sessions, newsletters, and training workshops on many topics.

Title

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program 

Content

The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program offers early childhood mental health screening, training, consultation, and intervention services to child care professionals, children, and their parents.

Title

Child Care Resource Center

Content

The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) provides professional development opportunities to early care and education professionals as well as capacity building and technical assistance through on-site observation, strategic management, and leadership development.

Title

Family Support Center

Content

The Family Support Center (FSC) offers free, comprehensive, family centered, community-based preventive programs for parents, caregivers, and their children ages birth to five.

Title

Newsletters and Publications

Content

The Howard County Office of Children and Families issues two monthly publications, Parent Pages and The Nest and Training Calendar. Parent Pages is a newsletter for parents, caregivers, and agencies working with families. The Nest and Training Calendar is a newsletter for family and center based providers, administrators and early childhood educators. 

 

Newsletter Sign-Up

Get email updates on workshops for parents and child care providers, special events and support services from the Office on Children and Families.

Administrator
Erin Bonzon
Administrator
Program Manager
Erica Taylor
Program Manager
Program Manager
Georgia Ferentinos
Program Manager

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