About
The Howard County Child Care Resource Center is a member of the Maryland Child Care Resource Network with funding provided from the Maryland State Department of Education, through Maryland Family Network, and Howard County Government. As a member of the Maryland Child Care Resource Network, the Howard County Child Care Resource Center assists parents, child care professionals and the community in the following ways:
- Assists parents in locating licensed child care and with the MSDE Child Care Scholarship Program
- Provides technical assistance (information and expert advice) and resources for current and prospective child care providers in family child care homes and child care centers
- Collects data that documents the child care needs of families and employers as well as the child care delivery system.
- Provides training for child care professionals and parents to expand their knowledge of early childhood and best child care practices.
The Resource Center is located within the Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive Columbia, MD 21046.
The Resource Center is open 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Monday to Friday, with a few exceptions. The Emergency Status Hotline is 410-313-7777.
The Resource Center follows the Howard County Government holiday observance schedule.
Please call The Office of Children and Families at 410-313-1940 (Voice/Relay)
Upcoming Trainings
Contact Information
Workshops are held virtually through Webex and in person by the Department of Community Resources and Services' Office of Children and Families, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, unless otherwise noted.
*Online registration only* For questions, contact: Training Coordinator, Ashton Sullivan at Asullivan@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-1923
Including All Children and the ADA - Virtual
10/07/2024 6:30 – 9:30pm $5
R.Gordon 3 SN
Workshop will cover information, strategies and resources on how to develop and implement an early childhood environment that is inclusive to all children and their families. The fundamental principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be covered using best practices standards to create policies and procedures that reflect the ADA and strategies for inclusion. This will meet the licensing requirement for the Including All Children and the ADA Training. |
Basic Health and Safety with Breastfeeding - Virtual
Tuesday 10/08/2024 6:30 – 9:30pm
$5 R. Gordon 3 HSN
This training will satisfy the CCDF Health and Safety Requirements as well as the requirement for the Breastfeeding Workshop. This training is meant to be highly interactive and is based on the research-based concept of “learning disfluency” which challenges the learner to 1. Think about what they know; 2. Through discussion and research confirm or expand their knowledge base; and 3. Share their experience with others. |
Calm in the Chaos: Tools to Increase the Peace - Virtual
Thursday 10/10/2024 6:30 – 8:30pm
$5 A. Sullivan 2 CD
In this engaging training, participants will learn about the neuroscience behind understanding emotional awareness and regulation. They will explore and experience mindfulness based evidence informed tools that will increase emotional regulation in children and adults. Participants will leave with a plan to help with overall well being.
Take a Look in a Book: Infant and Toddler Emergent Literacy - In person
Tuesday 10/29/2024 6:30 – 8:30pm
$5 A. Njeeri 2 CUR
In this training you will learn how language-rich interactions and environments helps children develop communication skills, patience, empathy, and literacy—all of which are critical to success in school and beyond. |
Fostering Early Learning and Development - Virtual
Thursday
9/26/2024
6:30 – 9:30pm
A. Sullivan
2 CD 1 SN
Knowing how the youngest children learn and develop helps professionals closely attune to individual children and their families. Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) refers to teaching techniques that considers infants and toddlers individual needs and their social and cultural contexts to create an engaging learning experience. In this training educators will learn about the recent DAP revisions and strength-based strategies for teaching every infant and toddler.
Training Resources
Monthly Eblast & Training Calendar
The CCRC Eblast e-newsletter and training calendar, published monthly, is an electronic publication of the Howard County Office of Children and Families for early care and education professionals! Learn about up coming trainings, resources that are available to assist you in your professional development, services offered by the CCRC, upcoming family workshops, conferences and events.
Virtual and In-Person Calendar Training
Don't have an account yet? You can still view the upcoming workshops by clicking the Register for In-Person Training button. Create your new account for easy online registration at your convenience day or night!
Training workshops are held at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046.
MSDE Child Care Training Approval Number: CKO-156225; PSO-3569, CTO-7406
Additional Trainings with ProSolutions
For new and approved, expanded workshop offerings that meet Maryland child care requirements, coaching and support on all aspects of owning and operating a child care in Maryland. Courses are available through the MCCRN, a program of Maryland Family Network.
The Resource Room
Our resource room is open Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:45pm. One stop shop to create materials for your classroom or child care center!
Our resource room includes:
Large Laminator - $1.00 per foot
Copier (0.20 cents per sheet black and white photo copies), (0.25 cents per sheet color copies) (0.15 cents for copies on paper provided by customer)
Paper available for purchase (White paper 0.10 cents per sheet) (Construction paper, Card Stock, or Colored Paper 0.15 cents per sheet)
Lending Library which includes the following books: https://teachingstrategies.my.site.com/portal/s/article/What-is-the-Teaching-Strategies-Children-s-Book-Collection-in-The-Creative-Curriculum-for-Preschool
The books can be checked out by child care providers and families
Our bulletin boards contain extension activities for the seasons that can be copied/ recreated to use in your program!
Die Cuts - Over 500 die-cuts, including weather, seasons, alphabet, and numbers. Die cuts are free to use if you bring your own paper!
Computer lab with 6 computers connected to printers
Book Binding - 0.50 cents per item
*All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times in the resource room.
Child Care Resources
Locate Child Care
A free personalized resource, referral and counseling service to help parents choose quality child care to meet their needs. If you’re a parent of a child with special needs or would like to speak with a Referral Specialist in Spanish, please call LOCATE: Child Care Enhanced Services at 1-800-999-0120.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Contact: 877-261-0060
LOCATE: Child Care is a free, personalized resource and referral counseling service designed to help parents choose a quality child care program that meets their needs.
LOCATE: Child Care maintains a computerized listing of all Howard County:
- Registered family child care homes
- Licensed center-based programs
- Certified camps
- Certified nursery schools
- Head Start programs
- Parents can use the Child Care Referral Request Form for assistance in locating child care. A LOCATE Counselor will contact you with your referrals within three business days.
- If you prefer to receive referrals by phone, call 877-261-0060 to speak with a LOCATE counselor regarding your child care needs.
- You may search for referrals in the online Maryland statewide database.
LOCATE: Child Care Provider Update
Maryland Family Network’s LOCATE: Child Care is a comprehensive directory of child care offerings throughout the state. Because parents regularly visit this site to make informed decisions about child care, it is critically important that information be accurate and updated. The more complete your listing is, the better MFN can help parents find and choose your child care program.
Complaints or Concerns about a Child Care Provider?
Please visit the website of the Maryland Child Care Resource Network to read the official complaint policy and learn how to register any complaints you might have regarding a caregiver. You can also call the Office of Child Care at 410-750-8771.
Need additional help finding child care to meet your needs? Call the CARE Line at 410-313-CARE (2273) for additional resources.
Childcare Scholarship Program
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy) Program provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. The program is managed through a centralized vendor -- Child Care Subsidy Central (CCS Central).
Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care (GOFCC)
Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care (GOFCC) is a unique program started in Montgomery County which provides intense and targeted training, coaching, and resources to support interested individuals in opening a family child care business. GOFCC guides potential providers through the licensing process while supporting them in building a strong business foundation and high quality child care program. Participation is free and includes all of the required training, access to knowledgeable coaches, and a variety of resources which will support you in opening and operating your child care business.
MSDE Child Care Licensing Forms
Use the link below to access child care licensing forms from MSDE.
Child Care Quality Incentive Grant
The Child Care Quality Incentive Grant (CCQIG) supports projects that improve the professionalism and quality of child care programs. The program also supports initiatives that improve children's school readiness.
Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF)
The Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) is a tuition assistance program for child care providers to obtain a college education at participating colleges/universities in Maryland. Funding is available for child care providers to earn a college degree in the following areas:
- Early Childhood Education
- Child Development
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
Maryland EXCELS
Are you an early childhood or school-age child care program? Participate in Maryland EXCELS and join a community committed to demonstrating why quality matters every day.
Participating programs are recognized for their commitment to high-quality child care and early education. Quality ratings are available to families to help them make informed choices in the care and education of their children.
Maryland EXCELS for Families
Maryland EXCELS knows how important it is for you to choose a high-quality child care program that’s right for your child. With these new quality rating badges, you will be able to easily see if a program participates in Maryland EXCELS and has achieved a quality rating. View the webpage below for more information
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Become a Family Child Care Provider in Howard County?
Are you looking for the workshops which meet the training requirements to open a licensed family child care? Did you complete the required MSDE Office of Child Care Orientation? If not, call The Office of Child Care, 410-750-8771 to schedule an in-person orientation. To prepare for the orientation, view the online licensing orientation preview.
Applicants for a Family Child Care License must satisfy a series of training requirements determined by MSDE Office of Child Care. If you have questions about getting your license, required training classes, setting up your business, or another aspect of family child care, contact Abena Njeeri, Early Childhood Program Specialist by calling 410-313-6502 or emailing anjeeri@howardcountymd.gov
or Marissa Hill, Early Childhood Program Specialist by calling 410-313-1432 or emailing mhill@howardcountymd.gov
How Many Hours of Child Care Training Do I Need?
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Family Child Care — New Applicants
• Initial Training Modules (24 hours)
• Emergency and Disaster Preparedness (6 hours)
• Medication Administration (6 hours)
• Including All Children and the ADA (3 hours)
• Infant/Child/Adult CPR Certification
• First Aid Certification
• SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (2 hours)
• Supporting Breastfeeding in Child Care
• Basic Health and Safety (3 hours)
Family Child Care — First Renewal Year
(18 clock hours)
• Child Development (3 hours)
• Mixed Age Groups (3 hours)
• Health/Safety/Nutrition (3 hours)
• Professionalism (3 hours)
• First Aid (current certification)
• Infant/Child/Adult CPR (current certification)
• Approved Training in any Area (6 hours)
Family Child Care — After First Renewal
(12 Clock Hours)
• Approved Core of Knowledge Training (6 hours)
• Approved Training in Any Area (6 hours)
• Current First Aid and CPR Certifications
Child Care Center Staff
For current staff staying in the same positions:
• Aide/Assistant (6 hours/year)
• Child Care Teacher (12 hours/year)
• Child Care Director (12 hours/year)
New hires and staff moving to new positions are subject to additional requirements which may include:
• Center Aide Orientation (3 hours)
• 9-hour Communication (9 hours)
• Including All Children and the ADA (3 hours)
• SIDS: Sudden Infanct Death Syndrome (2 hours)
• Supporting Breastfeeding in Child Care
• Basic Health and Safety (3 hours)
Questions?
Contact Marissa Hill, Early Childhood Program Specialist at 410-313- 1432, email mhill@howardcountymd.gov
or
Contact the Howard County Office of Child Care at 410-750-8771.
CORE OF KNOWLEDGE KEY
Each training workshop listing indicates the approved Core of Knowledge area(s), which identifies specific topics of interest you may need to achieve or maintain levels within the Maryland Child Care Credential program.
The Core areas are abbreviated as:
CD - Child Development
COM - Community
CUR - Curriculum
HSN - Health, Safety, Nutrition
PRO - Professionalism
SN - Special Needs
How Does My Center Pursue MSDE Accreditation?
Pursuing state accreditation helps early childhood programs improve their quality of service. Accredited programs provide research-based, high quality early childhood education that benefits children, parents, and local school systems. Whether you are working to become accredited, or you are just beginning to consider the possibilities; the Howard County Office of Children and Families (OCF) can help you through the process. Join us to learn more about how and why to become accredited.
MSDE Orientation: Overview of Accreditation (This workshop is required for programs pursuing MSDE Accreditation) - Overview of the early childhood accreditation and validation process. Become acquainted with standards, focus areas, supporting documents, self-appraisal, and rating process. Learn about the validation process and discuss selecting a self-appraisal team. (2 PRO) Register online for MSDE Orientation: Overview of Accreditation.
Instructor Abena Njeeri is an experienced validator for MSDE and will help you through the process. If you are actively pursuing accreditation; your program is also eligible for FREE technical assistance, mentoring and a program improvement visit. For more information on the series, please call Abena Njeeri at 410-313-6502.
This class is open only to preschool and center directors and owners; other teachers may enroll only with permission of the instructor.
What Classes are Required to Care for More Than Two Infants and Toddlers?
45-Hour Infant & Toddler Certificate: Methods & Materials
This course introduces the major concepts, theories, principles, and research related to the development and care of children birth to age 3. Participants will learn how to create a safe and healthy environment while developing appropriate interaction and communication skills that will assist with learning and development. For family providers, the regulations state those approved to care for more than two infants and toddlers must complete 45 hours of approved training related exclusively to the care of children younger than 2 years old. This class satisfies the regulation.
The 45-Hour Infant and Toddler Certificate workshop series is not currently scheduled at the Howard County Child Care Resource Center.
The 45-Hour Infant and Toddler series is available online. Register for The 45-Hour Infant and Toddler: Methods and Materials online training.
For questions related to the care of infants and toddlers, contact Abena Njeeri, Early Childhood Program Specialist, by calling 410-313-6502. For other questions, please call 410-313-1940.
Can You Bring Your Workshop to Our Center and Train Our Staff?
Yes, we can provide child care training for your staff at your Howard County location. Most of the workshops which are offered in the training calendar are available for your onsite training if you have at least ten staff members. It's convenient and as easy as 1-2-3!
- Submit an On-Site Request Form to the Training Coordinator no less than three weeks prior to your training date.
- The Training Coordinator will contact you to discuss details and will send an On-Site Confirmation for your approval.
- After receiving your On-Site Confirmation, submit an On-Site Training Enrollment Form to the Training Coordinator. An instructor will arrive at your site with the materials needed to train your pre-registered staff on the scheduled date!
What is The Resource Center Inclement Weather Policy?
Inclement Weather Cancellations Call the DCRS Inclement Weather Line at 410-313-7777(voice/relay) Additional Inclement Weather Updates can be found at this page or on our Facebook page
If Howard County Public Schools are delayed or closed, DCRS classes and programs status is as follows:
• 2-hour school delay – DCRS facilities will open on time. All classes and programs scheduled before 11am are canceled.
• Schools closed – DCRS facilities will strive to open on time. All classes and programs are canceled.
• If Howard County Public Schools cancel evening and weekend activities -- DCRS facilities will be closed for evening hours and classes canceled after 4:30pm.
For weekend activities, all classes will be cancelled. Should the weather deteriorate, please call or check the operating status before going to the DCRS facility. All DCRS facilities are closed when Howard County Government is closed.
Office of Children & Families (410) 313-1442
Office of Community Resources Main Line (410) 313-6400
What Are The Resource Center Workshop Registration Policies?
Registration is on a first-come, first served basis. Payment is required at the time of registration. Receipts are emailed to the address provided during registration. The registration receipt is your confirmation, please mark your calendar. Access your online account at any time to verify your upcoming workshop schedule!
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Your registration and payment must be received by 4:00 pm on the day of the workshop for all weekday workshops (by Friday for weekend workshops). Same day registrations will accepted until 4:00 pm if space permits. Walk-ins will not be permitted to stay.
Late Arrival to a Workshop: Workshops begin at the time stated in the calendar and your receipt. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to sign-in. If you arrive after the workshop begins, you will be asked to leave; you will not be eligible for a certificate, credit, or refund.
Change or Cancellation of a Workshop: Registration fees are non-refundable, if you do not show up for a scheduled class, you forfeit your registration fee. If you need to cancel, you must call 410-313-1442 at least 24-hour in advance to transfer to another class or receive a credit for future use. Credit card refunds will not be given unless the Office of Children and Families (OCF) cancels the workshop. OCF reserves the right to change the location or instructor of a workshop. If a workshop is cancelled due to weather, instructor illness, etc., participants will be notified by 4:00 pm. If possible, the workshop will be rescheduled and an attempt to notify all participants by phone and/or email will be made.
Workshops are designed for adults only; please make appropriate child care arrangements in advance.
If you need accommodations to attend a training workshop, please call (410) 313-1940 at least one week prior to the workshop.
What Are The Resource Center Training Workshop Guidelines?
- Turned off or put in the silent or vibrate only mode
- No texting, games, application use, etc. during the workshop
- Please step out of the room to accept any phone calls
- Show respect to all participants
- Be mindful of comments or language which may offend others
- Let others finish their comments without interruption or criticism
- Show respect to the trainer
- Please refrain from holding side conversations
- If you disagree with the trainer, please share your thoughts with respect
- Please enter and exit the room quietly so as to not disturb others
- Ask as many questions as you need, but please keep questions focused on the topic
- Share experiences responsibly
- Be mindful of confidential information
- Please keep sharing directly related to the topic
- Enjoy your food responsibly
- Dispose of all trash and recycling appropriately
- Clean up the area of any spills
- Leave the room in the condition you found it
- Please discard of trash and recycling in the appropriate bins
- Do not place containers with liquid in any trash or recycling bins; please empty liquid in bathroom sinks
When Will I Receive My Training Workshop Certificate?
Trainers will administer assessments in written or verbal form at each workshop.
All certificates will be mailed to participants after the assessment scores have been validated, usually within 10 business days. Those completing the Medication Administration course will generally receive the certificate at the end of the workshop after successful completion of the assessments and demonstration. Those completing the CPR and/or First Aid Certification will receive the certification card after successful completion of the assessments and demonstrations.
How Can I Receive A Replacement Training Certificate?
Certificates are generally mailed within 10 business days after the workshop. Certificates which are not returned to the Office of Children and Families after mailing are considered replacement certificates.
Replacement training certificates may be requested either in writing or by phone call. The following information is required to process your request:
- Name of participant
- Title of workshop
- Date of workshop
- Address to mail certificate
- Contact phone number or e-mail
- Payment information
Please email the Training Specialist Ashton Sullivan at asullivan@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-1923.
There is a $5.00 fee per replacement certificate issued for workshops that were held within a year of the request. For replacement certificates for workshops held beyond a year of the request, the fee is $10.00. This can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Certificates will not be mailed until payment has been received.
Quick Links:
Maryland State Child Care Association: https://mscca.org/
Maryland State Family Child Care Association: https://www.msfcca.org/
Maryland AEYC: https://mdaeyc.org/
The Family Child Care Alliance of Maryland: https://www.familychildcarealliance.org/
National Association of Family Child Care: https://nafcc.org/
National Association for the Education for Young Children (NAEYC): https://www.naeyc.org/
Child Care Aware of America: https://www.childcareaware.org/
Ready at Five: https://www.readyatfive.org/
Zero to Three: https://www.zerotothree.org/
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