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 open 8:00 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 for Evening and Weekend Hours
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 [email protected] or Lashae Bennett at [email protected].
Activities for the Culturally Diverse Classroom ADA (Virtual)
Wed. September 6 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5
M. Hill / 2 CUR 1 CD
This training will teach participants important implications for early childhood education and how they should develop clear objectives/goals for their instruction in order to select the best activities for children from culturally diverse backgrounds. This training will also teach participants how they can embrace the philosophy of lifelong learning regarding different cultures in order to improve their ethos in the support for diversity.
Adult Child and Infant CPR/ First Aid (In Person)
Wed. September 6 / 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $90
C. Fleming
This class is being offered in Person Only
Medication Administration
(Virtual) Mon. September 11 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
(In Person) Wed. September 13 / 6:30 – 9:30PM/ $70
*MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS*
C. Fleming / 6 HSN
This MSDE-designed workshop will teach providers what they need to know when administering medication to children. Learn how to give oral, topical, inhaled, and emergency medicines to infants and children; how to keep accurate records, regulations for hygiene, safety, and measurement. This is a two part series. You are required to attend both sessions to receive credit for the course.
All Our Kin (In Person)
Mon. September 11 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $0
Mon. September 18 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Mon. September 25 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
L. Hendricks and K. Reel
The business series is designed to offer programmatic and operational coaching and support for Family Child Care providers to build their capacity as business owners. The 6-week series will cover contracts, policies, marketing, risk management, accounting and record keeping. The comprehensive series will provide systems and practices to enhance programming, boost enrollment, augment financial sustainability, and further grow your Family Child Care business.
A Child's Eye View: Inspiring Wonder Through Environmental Design (In Person)
Wed. September 13 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5
G. Ferentinos / 3 CUR
There are critical components of environmental design that help to foster children’s capacity to reach their maximum potential. We must examine our ideas about how children view the environment and how their point of view impacts how they interact with the environment. This workshop takes a look at the child care environment in a new and thought provoking way from a child’s eye view.
Exploring Math Concepts with Children's Books (In Person)
Thursday September 14 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5
J. Benemerito / 3 CUR
Literature is an ideal vehicle to help young children see the importance of numbers and math concepts in their daily lives. This workshop explores the many ways of creating a classroom environment that stimulates mathematical thinking, and preparing fun math activities based on children’s literature.
I Am Full of Emotions: Why Social and Emotional Skills and Emergent Literacy Are Important
Mon. September 18 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5
L. Rhodes / 2 CD
This workshop discusses the importance between emergent literacy, social emotional skills, and self-regulation skills. Participants will gain strategies to use in their programs that encourage their children to use positive behaviors and express themselves.
Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for Child Care Providers Day (Virtual)
Thur. September 21 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5
Thur. September 28 / 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
K. Reel / 3 HSN 3 PRO
This six hour workshop meets the OCC requirements for Emergency Preparedness training. Participants will complete an approved emergency preparedness plan in the workshop. You must complete both sessions to receive credit for this course.
Toilet Training: Catching the Cues of the Potty Dance Virtual
Tues. September 21 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5
G. Ferentinos / 2 CD
This workshop is designed to address challenges of toilet training in a child care program. We will discuss developmental readiness of the child vs. the readiness of the adult, learn sure fire toilet training techniques including celebrating and the power of peer pressure, and begin to develop a program letter for your toilet training policies and practices.
Training Resources
The Nest & Training Calendar
The Nest e-newsletter and training calendar, published three times per year, is an electronic publication of the Howard County Office of Children and Families for early care and education professionals! Learn about new training regulations, resources that are available to assist you in your professional development, upcoming 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.
Child Care Resources
Early Childhood Grants, Programming and Initiatives
Information about Child Care for Families, Child Care Providers, Early Childhood Grants, Programming, and Initiatives on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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).
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 Lisa Hendricks by calling 410-313-3667.
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 Lisa Hendricks,Technical Assistance Specialist at 410-313-3667
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 Lisa Hendricks 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 Lisa Hendricks at 410-313-3667.
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 Lisa Hendricks, Technical Assistance Specialist by calling 410-313-3667. 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 call the Registrar at (410) 313-5992 or Email: [email protected].
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/
