About
The Howard County Office of Children & Families offers various resources and programs for families in need of child care support.
The CARE Line
The CARE Line – part of the Child and Adolescent Resources and Education service for Howard County Families – is a resource and referral service for a wide range of family and parenting issues. CARE Center staff work with families to identify their needs and help find solutions.
Family Support Center (FSC)
The Family Support Center (FSC) offers comprehensive, family-centered, community-based preventive programs for parents, caregivers and their children ages birth to five. Through its services, the FSC promotes the full development and well-being of children, enhances the quality of parent-to-child interactions, and is the link to services for overall parent and family self-sufficiency and sustainability. Program highlights include child development, parent education, and health education, as well as resources and referrals.
The Family Institute
The Howard County Family Institute is an education, information and community outreach program of the Office of Children and Families. 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, email children@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-1940 (voice/relay). Workshops can be tailored to meet your group’s needs. To request an on-site workshop, submit an on-site request form to the Family Engagement Specialist at children@howardcountymd.gov.
Related Links
The Basics
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 three. The Basics uses evidenced-based strategies to boost your child’s brain development and make the most of their first three years. Based on your child's birth date, content will be sent in a developmental sequence that becomes more complex as you and your child grow together. More information can be found on the Basics website, including the parent toolkit on the science behind the five Basics Principles.
Sign up for Basics Insights to receive twice weekly information by text in either English or Spanish. For more information, email children@howardcountymd.gov.