Blast Camp and Minis Scholars begin on WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2026.
About
Recreational Licensed Child Care is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing experience for your child. We offer a full array of child care programs with our Early Learning Centers, Elementary Before and After school child care and our Summer Blast Camp series. Summer camp offers Mini Scholars for your 4-5-year-olds, Blast Camp for your elementary-aged friends, and TEEN Blast for middle schoolers.
Our registration department can be reached Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm at 410-313-7275 or registration@howardcountymd.gov. Registration for camps typically begins in February and school year programs have a pre-registration period in March. They open to the public typically in April. Please call our Registration Team for specific dates. stays open. Once a program fills, a waitlist is created.
All programs and staff are licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care and participate in the Maryland EXCELS program.
Howard County Recreation and Parks is a recognized leader in opportunities for individuals with disabilities and complies with all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Accommodations are made on an individual basis through our Therapeutic Recreation & Inclusion Services group.
Registration: 410-313-7275
RLC Administrative Office: 410-313-3706
Early Learning Centers (Pre-K)
Our academic year programs provide an active and creative learning environment for each child. Throughout the program, children enjoy building the skills needed for kindergarten (social and emotional development, reading and math readiness, and fine and gross motor skills). They also participate in hands-on activities, including arts and crafts, science, nature, music, drama, multicultural programs and cooking. There are instructional and self-directed activities throughout the day. All programs are successful participants in the Maryland EXCELS program. Staff is trained in continuing early childhood education classes yearly and certified in First Aid and CPR.
Parents provide snack/lunch. Children must be toilet-trained and meet the age requirement by September 1 of the current school year. If class minimums are not met, a combined class will be offered.
To reserve a space, a $50 non-refundable registration fee is required. The first monthly payment is due August 17. Each subsequent monthly payment is due by the 17th of each month.
Non-refundable registration fee for 2025-26 school year is $75.
Roger Carter Community Center
3-5 yrs - 9:30am-3pm; M-F; $745/month
3-5 yrs - 8:30am-4:30pm; M-F; $899/month
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
3-5 yrs - 9:30am-3pm; M-F; $745/month
3-5 yrs - 8:30am-4:30pm; M-F; $899/month
Once you have registered your child for the program, you will receive the following forms. Please complete the forms in their entirety and keep a legible copy for your records. They must be completed prior to your child(ren) beginning the program.
You will take the forms to the school and give them to the director of the program on your child’s first day.
All medication must be in its original container with the prescription instructions included.
Elementary School Before & After Care
Come join our exciting and energizing before-care and after-care programs! Your child will have the opportunity to participate in group activities that include crafts, games, recreational sports, cooking, and special events in the comfort of their own school. Before-care programs begin at 7am and run until school begins. After-care programs begin when school is dismissed and run until 6pm.
All programs are licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care. Site staff are trained and take continuing education classes each year.
Child care participants must be attending school at the same location as the desired program. To reserve a space, a $50 non-refundable registration fee and one month's tuition are required. To speak to a Child Care Registration Representative, please call 410-313-7275 or email at registration@howardcountymd.gov.
Non-refundable registration fee for 2025-26 school year is $75.
Locations
- Bellows Spring Elementary School
- Bollman Bridge Elementary School
- Bushy Park Elementary School
- Dayton Oaks Elementary School
- Deep Run Elementary School
- Ducketts Lane Elementary School
- Elkridge Elementary School
- Forest Ridge Elementary School
- Fulton Elementary School
- Gorman Crossing Elementary School
- Hanover Hills Elementary School
- Hollifield Station Elementary School
- Ilchester Elementary School
- Laurel Woods Elementary School
- Lisbon Elementary School
- Manor Woods Elementary School
- Pointers Run Elementary School
- Rockburn Elementary School
- St. John's Lane Elementary School
- Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School
- Veterans Elementary School
- Waverly Elementary School
- West Friendship Elementary School
Pricing (The monthly fee includes snacks for both AM and PM)
- M-F from 7am to beginning of school day / $255 month
- M-F from end of school day to 6pm / $385 month
- M-F 7am-6pm / $545 month
Once you have registered your child for the program, you will receive the following forms. Please complete the forms in their entirety and keep a legible copy for your records. They must be completed prior to your child(ren) beginning the program. You will take the forms to the school and give them to the director of the program on your child’s first day.
All medication must be in its original container with the prescription instructions included.
Summer Blast (Weekly Camps)
Enjoy an innovative, nurturing and joyful summer preschool program designed for children entering kindergarten in the upcoming school year. This accelerated adventure focuses on developmentally appropriate games, activities, social and academic skills necessary for a successful first year of school. Parents provide a refillable water bottle. A snack is given in the morning and afternoon.
Located at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. Typically runs for 7 separate weeks so families can choose what weeks work best or all 7! For up-to-date information please see our listing in the current Camp Guide in the All-Around Camps section.
Registration or Payment Questions: Contact our Registration Team, Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm at 410.313.7275 or email them at registration@howardcountymd.gov
Camp or Required Paperwork Questions: RLC Administrative Office 410-313-3706, Monday-Friday from 8am-5:30pm.
Join a well-rounded, weekly camp that has fun planned for every child! Enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities (hands-on projects, active games, cooking, and drama) with a swim/water-day and special presentation offered weekly. All Blast camps follow MSDE Office of Childcare regulations and maintain a 1:15 ratio. Morning and afternoon snacks provided to those enrolled in the extended day option.
After registering families will need to complete the following forms. Please complete the forms in their entirety and keep a legible copy for your records. They must be completed prior to your child(ren) beginning the program. You will take the forms to the school and give them to the director of the program on your child’s first day.
Registration or Payment Questions: Contact our Registration Team, Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm at 410.313.7275 or email them at registration@howardcountymd.gov
Camp or Required Paperwork Questions: RLC Administrative Office 410-313-3706, Monday-Friday from 8am-5:30pm.
Locations: Typically 5 elementary schools throughout the County.
Families can sign-up for all 7 weeks (7am-6pm) or weekly (7am-6pm or 9am-3pm)
Closed for the July 4th holiday
Start date is dependent on the last day of school for HCPSS.