About
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 wellbeing of children, enhances the quality of parent and 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.
Featured Programming at the Family Support Center
Healthy Little Cooks
Engage your 2-4-year-olds in interactive healthy cooking and nutrition education class facilitated by Healthy Little Cooks! Tailored for a parent and child, these sessions focus on promoting healthy eating habits through cooking, reading, movement, and kindergarten readiness assessment (KRA) skills. Each class typically includes 1-2 quick recipes alongside fun activities like crafts, physical activities, or coloring pages. This program offers a holistic healthy learning environment for families. June Topic – “Smoothie Fest.”
Smoothie Fest - Monday, June 2, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Register HERE
Smoothie Fest - Monday, June 9, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Register HERE
Dad, Me & Tea - Monday, June 23, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Register HERE
A Long Way Home: Roderick Johnson Author’s Visit:
Join us for a special visit from author Rodrick Johnson.
He is the author of A Long Way Home, a heartfelt story inspired by his powerful journey through foster care. Don’t miss this moving conversation about resilience, hope, and healing. Open to parents, caregivers, and community members. Light refreshments served at the in-person event.
In Person – Wednesday, June 4, 11 a.m. – 12p.m. Register HERE
Virtual – Wednesday, June 11, 6 – 7 p.m. Register HERE
My Gym Fitness Classes:
My Gym has created an extraordinary fitness program devised to help children develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. Our structured, age-appropriate classes incorporate fitness, music, dance, puppets, relays, games, gymnastics, sports and other original activities. The children have fun as they exercise and gain strength, balance, coordination, agility, flexibility and social skills. The most important benefit we offer, however, is the building of confidence and self-esteem. A child who feels good about him/herself has a jumpstart on the path to becoming a healthy, well-adjusted young adult.
4 Month – 3.5 Year old Class Monday, June 2, 2 – 2:45 p.m. Register HERE
Pre-K Class 3.5 – 5 Year Olds Monday, June 16, 2 -2:45 p.m. Register HERE
Tot’s Creative Corner
Join us for an engaging weekly series for children ages 18–36 months! Each session includes a fun song, craft, and sensory activity to promote your child’s development. Parents and toddlers will bond while exploring creative activities that boost motor skills, language, and imagination in a joyful and interactive setting!
Thursdays June 5 & 10 – 11 a.m. Register HERE
Animal Heroes: What's Your Social- Emotional Superpower?
During this engaging workshop, children learn about the unique strengths of four remarkable Chesapeake Bay animals: the turtle, lynx, oyster, and black bear. We discover how these qualities relate to important social-emotional skills. Using the captivating techniques of Native American storytelling, and incorporating drama, dance, and song, children forge a deep connection with the animals in their own neighborhoods.
Tuesday, June 17, 2-3 p.m. Register HERE
Singing Sunshine Interactive Workshop
An interactive and educational session where we embark on a journey of discovery by planting an imaginary seed. Through the magic of music, vibrant visuals, and active participation, children will delve into the realms of plants, animals, insects, and more. This engaging experience emphasizes maintaining a rhythmic beat through clapping, stepping, and movement, fostering coordination between body and brain.
Tuesday, June 24, 2-3 p.m. Register HERE
Raising Resilient Kids
Build your child’s emotional resilience through everyday experiences and develop strong coping skills. Learn strategies to support your child as they navigate transitions and manage overwhelming emotions like worry, disappointment, failure, and sadness. Discover how to help your child prepare for challenges, regulate their feelings and bounce back with confidence and strength.
Virtual - Wednesday, June 4, 1 p.m. register here
In person -Tuesday June 17th 10 – 11:30a.m. Register HERE
Drop in Play Group
Children and their families are invited to explore and play at our Family Support Center! Parents must stay with their children. This is a great opportunity for children to meet new friends and parents to network!
Tuesday June 10th 11:30a.m. – 12:30p.m. Register HERE
Thursday June 26th 10 – 11a.m. Register HERE
Men’s Mental Health Summit
Join us for a transformative event dedicated to empowering men of all ages to take charge of their mental health and well-being. This summit will provide a safe space for open conversations, expert insights, and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. Featuring an inspiring keynote speaker, engaging panel discussions, dynamic breakout sessions and opportunities to connect with other men. Together we can break the stigma and foster a community of resilience, understanding, and empowerment. Located at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Register HERE
Dinner with Dads
This interactive and fun evening will take place over a shared meal, giving fathers a chance to connect with and learn from one another while sharing the joys and challenges of fatherhood in a supportive environment. Fathers will walk away with new strategies to be the best dads they can be—and enjoy some exciting giveaways throughout the evening.
Tuesday, June 17, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Register HERE
Infant Discovery Play
Infant Discovery Play: Join us for a morning of tummy time and sensory activities for infants 0–12 months. Babies will explore simple, engaging activities that promote physical and cognitive development, while parents learn ways to continue the fun and growth at home!
Tuesdays, June 3 & 10, 10 – 11 a.m. Register HERE
Cena con Papás del Condado de Howard
Acompáñenos el Lunes 30 de Junio de 5:30 a 7:00 p.m. para la Cena con Papás, un evento especial patrocinado por la Oficina de Niños y Familias del Condado de Howard, en colaboración con Fathers Forward. Esta noche interactiva y divertida se llevará a cabo durante una comida compartida, brindando a los padres la oportunidad de conectarse entre sí, aprender unos de otros y compartir las alegrías y desafíos de la paternidad en un ambiente de apoyo. Los padres se llevarán nuevas estrategias para ser los mejores papás que puedan ser —¡y disfrutarán de emocionantes obsequios durante la velada!
Lunes 30 de junio, 17:30 – 19:00 h. Regístrate AQUÍ
Questions?
All programs will be held at the Family Support Center located at 9790 Patuxent Woods Drive Columbia, MD 21046
*Parents must remain on site with children for all programs!
Contact Family Support Center Director Ashton Sullivan asullivan@howardcountymd.gov
Upcoming Events
Monthly Calendars
June 2025
June 2025 Calendar (English)
June 2025 June (Spanish)
May2025
May 2025 Calendar (English)
May 2025 Calendar (Spanish)
April 2025
April 2025 Calendar (English)
April 2025 Calendar (Spanish Version)
March 2025
February 2025
Inclement Weather Poilcy
Call the Emergency Status Hotline, 410-313-7777, for the operational status of the Howard County Family Support Center related to weather and other safety concerns.
All DCRS facilities will adhere to Howard County’s delayed opening/closing announcements as it relates to opening/closing facilities during inclement weather.
Family Support Center Plus
