Need Help? Call 410-313-CARE (2273)

The CARE Center's CARE Line is a FREE information and referral service for people who have questions about children in Howard County. CARE Center staff work with families to identify their needs and help find solutions. For assistance, call 410-313-CARE (410-313-2273).

CARE (Child and Adolescent Resources and Education) for Howard County Families is a free service provided by the Howard County Office of Children and Families, with the support of Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, the Howard County Local Children’s Board, Maryland State Department of Education, Howard County Mental Health Authority and the Governor’s Office for Children. 

LOCATE: Child Care for Parents

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 and school-age programs
  • Certified camps
  • Certified nursery schools
  • Head Start programs
  1. 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.
  2. If you prefer to receive referrals by phone, call 877-261-0060 to speak with a LOCATE counselor regarding your child care needs.
  3. You may search for referrals in the online Maryland statewide database.

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.

Parent's Guide to Howard County - Find a wealth of additional resources for parents, including a comprehensive listing of child care and preschool programs. Howard County Government and/or any of its employees and/or agents neither endorse nor recommend any service or agency listed in this guide. Screening of these services and/or agencies is the SOLE responsibility of the user of any of these services/agencies.  

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Early Care and Education - View current lists of early care and education programs in Maryland that are licensed or approved by the Division of Early Childhood Development (DECD) or accredited by State, regional, or national accreditation organizations.

For more information, call 410-313-2273.

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.

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