About
The Howard County Family Institute is an education, information and community outreach program of the Office of Children and Families, Department of Community Resources and Services. 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, please email [email protected] or call 410-313-1940 (voice/relay). Workshops can also be created or tailored to meet your group’s needs. Submit an On-Site Request Form to the Family Engagement Specialist, at [email protected].
Additional Programs
Family Institute Workshops
Upcoming Workshops
* For assistance with registering, call 410-313-5992 (voice/ relay) or email [email protected]
* To request sign language, interpreter or other accommodations to attend, call at least one week in advance.
October
Healthy Children Through Nutrition and Physical Activity
Learn how to choose healthy snacks, meals and beverages for children. Discuss common eating concerns such as picky eaters or refusal to eat. Explore nutrition labels and healthy eating on a budget. Learn more about the importance of exercise and how you can keep children active in a variety of fun and easy ways.
Thursday, October 12, 7:30 p.m. Free, Register here
Positive Solutions for Families
Join the Howard County Office of Children and Families for this evidenced-based, virtual parent series to help increase knowledge and understanding of how to promote children’s social and emotional skills, address challenging behaviors and use positive approaches to help children manage big emotions.
In this four session series, you will receive a weekly workshop video to watch to learn on your own schedule and then virtually meet with a group of parents to extend the learning and share successes and struggles. Receive FREE handouts and resources to individualize in your own home. For families with children up to the age of 9.
Wednesdays: October 18: Open House 5 to 7 to meet and pick up resources.
Virtual sessions: October 25 | November 1, 8, 29 / 7:00 p.m.to 8:30 p.m. / Free, Register here
The Importance of Fathers in Child Development
Father’s play a critical part of early childhood development. Learn benefits of being actively involved with children at different stages of development and gain resources and tips for ways to interact in positive ways. Wednesday, October 18, 1:30 p.m. Free Online Workshop, Register here
Wednesday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. Free Online Workshop, Register here
Hatchlings: New Baby and Me
Welcome home, baby! This interactive two-week early literacy class for parents/caregivers with newborns from birth to 6 months. Learn more about supporting your baby's development through fun songs and activities together. Participants will receive a FREE take-home gift each session.
Thursdays, October 19 and 26 : 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. / 9830 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia 21046/
Free Workshop, Register Click Here
DIY Toy Workshop
Did you know that you could use what you have at home to promote early learning skills with young children? Parents and children infant to five are invited to attend this in-person workshop to make fun DIY toys
using common household items that will keep them engaged and learning.
Tuesday, October 24, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. /9830 Patuxent Woods Dr., Columbia 21046/ Free Register here
Los conceptos básicos para los niños (Maria Lourdes Salazar)
Los nuevos padres quieren proporcionar una base sólida a sus hijos desde el principio. Hay muchas oportunidades para centrarse en interacciones que pueden crear experiencias infantiles positivas. El Programa Lo Básico del condado de Howard proporciona información para ayudar a los padres a aprender a aprovechar al máximo estos primeros cinco años. Sintonice para obtener más información sobre los cinco pilares de las interacciones exitosas y cómo registrarse y compartir el programa gratuito de mensajería de texto Los Principios Basicos/Basics Insights.
Martes 17 de Octubre a la 1pm / Tuesday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. Taller Virtual Gratis/ Free Virtual Workshop, Inscribirse aqui/ Join from the meeting link : https://howardcountymd.webex.com/meet/lrhodes
Martes 17 de Octubre a la 1pm / Tuesday, October 17, 7:00 p.m. Taller Virtual Gratis / Free Virtual
Join from the meeting link : https://howardcountymd.webex.com/meet/lrhodes
Parent Pages
The Parent Pages newsletter is published by the Howard County Office of Children and Families for parents, caregivers, and agencies working with families. Distributed via Constant Contact, each monthly issue features information to help parents and caregivers learn more about positive parenting and children’s development. It highlights workshops, local resources, events, parenting information, and agency programs targeted to help families grow and thrive in Howard County.
This newsletter is a part of the Howard County Family Institute, an education, information and community outreach program. To request the Parent Pages in an alternate format, call 410-313-1940 (voice/relay.)
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 five.
Launch Into Learning
Launch Into Learning is a campaign supported by the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council (HCECAC). The goal of HCECAC is to highlight the importance of the early years, for parents and families in particular, but also for early care and education professionals, and other community stakeholders.