The Howard County Office of Children and Families would like to wish you a Happy New Year! We have many wonderful trainings and events planned for 2024 and we look forward to our continued partnership as we strive to create the best early learning environments for the children in our county. We wish you a year full of opportunity, success, and happiness!

January

Empowering Infant & Toddler Understanding Through Discovery In Person Mon. January 8 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5

L. Hendricks / 1 CUR 1 PRO

When we empower infants and toddlers to explore through play, we are giving them the building blocks for critical thinking needed to succeed later in life. We are encouraging them as individuals to explore their world using their innate urge to play and acquire an individualized understanding of that world based on their experiences using a technique called Heuristic Play.

Jumping into Science In Person

Tues. January 9 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5

E.Benemerito 2 CUR

Many of the habits of scientific thinking are inherently part of children’s play. Participants will explore the importance of developing scientific thinking skills in young children and how they can support those skills with simple materials. Participants will experience using the science materials and will create materials to utilize in their own program.

Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Virtual 

Wed. January 10 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5

S. Burke / 3 SN

Participants will gain an understanding of ADHD/ADD behaviors, diagnosis procedures and strategies for overcoming challenging behaviors from children with ADHD/ADD.

Active Supervision for Center Staff (New)In Person

Wed. January 10 / 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM / $5

M.Hill 3 CD 

Gain greater understanding of how to supervise children of all ages appropriately and effectively. Explore techniques for indoor and outdoor supervision. Ensure children's safety through active monitoring to enable children to maximize their learning opportunities. This workshop can be used for licensing compliance requests.

On the Road to Kindergarten for Providers Virtual

Thur. January 11 / 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM / Free

Thur. January 11 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

A. Sullivan

In this workshop providers can learn about the Road to Kindergarten process in Howard County Public Schools. Providers will learn about Kindergarten Readiness, the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, and what important information they can share with families to help them prepare for Kindergarten. Sessions are free, and participants may earn 1 Professional Activity Unit (PAU). All PAU letters will be emailed within 10 business days. A participant who attends a chat session can receive only 1 PAU within the same calendar year.

Cross-Cultural Support for Grieving Children and Families Virtual 

Tues. January 16:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5

S.Gold Raynes 3 CD

Supporting someone as they struggle through loss and grief can be incredibly difficult, especially when the bereaved individual is a child. Through this interactive and informative workshop, participants will learn what children understand about death at different ages and what their grief might look like. We will also cover practical information about supportive things to say and do for children and adults who are grieving. Please note: This workshop may be emotionally triggering for some. If you have recently experienced a loss, you may want to consider attending an alternative workshop.

Helping Boys Blossom: Strength-Based Approaches for Teaching Boys

In person

Thus. January 18  / 6:30 – 9:30PM / $5 

N. Pontoriero 1 CD 1SN 1CUR

Despite current research showing that there are not many differences between boys and girls, the statistics show that boys are still facing many challenges. In this training, participants will clarify their role in supporting boys’ growth, barriers that are created, and strength-based approaches to help boys blossom.

Avoiding Burnout in a Demanding Occupation Virtual

Tues. January 23 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5

S. Burke 2 HSN 1 PRO

Do you work in the early childhood education field? Are you stressed? Burnt out? This training is for early childhood educators who need strategies to boost their health and wellness. Participants will define burnout syndrome in current health and safety trends and identify what aspects of the workplace add to that built up stress. Participants will recognize and discuss occupational components that contribute to burnout. Participants will identify strategies to avoid burnout and participate in group discussions. Participants will be provided the support and resources to implement self-care opportunities in their own lives as well as those of others. Through activities and action plans, participants will gain the knowledge to build their strength and avoid burning out in their very important roles as early childhood educators.

Center Aide Orientation (revised) Virtual 

Wed. January 29 / 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM / $5

A.Sullivan 3 PRO

This workshop satisfies the regulatory requirement for child care center aides. Participants will review professionalism, the basic of supervisions, and interacting with families.

MSDE has updated the CPR and First Aid Trainers. Please click HERE for more information.

Join us for the Howard County Office of Children and Families annual Child Care Fair

This in-person event is scheduled Sunday, January 28, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, 20723. This annual Fair gives Howard County parents of young children an opportunity to learn about preschools, child care programs and community resources in one single location

Registration is still open, but space is limited. Registration closes January 8th! The fees are as follows -

Exhibitor Fees:

For Profit Organization - $75

Non-Profit (501c3) - $50

Just Added for the Child Care Fair – MD Credential & MD EXCELS Vendor Table - Your staff will also have an opportunity to meet with Early Childhood Program Specialist, Marissa Hill to discuss the Maryland Child Care Credential. Marissa will offer application assistance, certificate review and essay writing tips. She will also be available to offer programs guidance on MD EXCELS.

To Register click Here

The CCRC wants to hear your input as we are developing and planning our trainings for 2024! Please take the survey below to give us your feedback!

Need help applying for the MD Child Care Credential or guidance on increasing your qualifications beyond the requirements of state licensing and registration regulations? The CCRC will offer weekly Virtual Office hours between 1:30 – 2:30 starting in April. Meet one on one with our Early Childhood Program Specialist; they will walk you through the process from start to finish; offer support with gathering training certificates, PAU’s and completing the application. Virtual Office Hours are open to all Center Based and Family Child Care programs, including those new to the MD Credential. Each session will have a specific focus, however, call in with any questions.

All sessions will be held between 1:30 – 2:30.



January Dates

Thursday January 18 and

Tuesday January 30 -

Program Overview; First Time application/Core of Knowledge Training/PAU 

On-site Credential Office Hours available. Our Early Childhood Program Specialist will come to your program between 1:00 – 3:00 pm and assist your staff with the application process, review certificate and training hours as well as answer any questions about the Maryland Child Care Credential Program. Contact the Office of Children and Families Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) Early Childhood Program Specialist Marissa Hill, mhill@howardcountymd.gov

Children’s books lend themselves to lots of creative and developmentally appropriate activities. Join us virtually January 24th, as we explore children’s picture book titles and planning for a variety of extension activities based on those books. This ELG group session will focus on literacy and music exploration. Music promotes and supports listening skills, memory, and gross motor skills, as well as promotes language acquisition, introducing children to new vocabulary words, that often rhyme or repeat, making it easy for young children to learn. Music also enhances social emotional development, providing children an outlet for expressing feelings and emotions. Participants will be able to share their ideas and favorite book titles as well as boost lesson plan content.

Please get date from Lisa H

Session 1        1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Click Here to Register

Session 2         7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Click Here to Register

The CCRC team is taking Eat, Learn Grow Group Sessions on the road! For the first time, Eat, Learn, Grow is being offered as an on-site. The team will come to your program and provide the 1-hour content of Art and Literacy to your teaching teams. All participants will receive a PAU. Contact the CCRC Training Coordinator, Ashton Sullivan, asullivan@howardcountymd.gov to schedule a session. (All ELG sessions are free).

The Council for Professional Recognition, Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland Family Network have partnered to offer funding to help you earn or renew your Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential. And now, fully funded CDA® training is available for Maryland early childhood educators! Training options are available for CDA candidates and renewal applicants. Maryland ECE leaders, we encourage you to share this exceptional career pathway with your staff of ECE professionals. Don’t miss out on this exciting professional development opportunity.

Welcome new children and families to your programs with all the programmatic supports you need! Enhance educator skills around transitions, daily routines/schedules, welcoming new children to the program, and child/teacher social emotional interactions. Prevent challenging behaviors before they start! Coaching and mentoring around program enhancements such as room arrangement, lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and overall classroom management also available. Contact the Office of Children and Families Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) Early Childhood Program Specialist, Marissa Hill, mhill@howardcountymd.gov

Don’t wait until challenging behaviors become unmanageable! 

To better serve the educator community and offer more comprehensive support services for early childhood educators and children, the CCRC has increased is capacity with the addition of the IECMH Program team. The expanded team includes behavior consultants who work directly with teachers and individual children to support programs in managing and reducing challenging behavior, as well as supporting children’s social emotional development. The behavior consultants offer, developmental and classroom screenings; onsite behavior observations; goal setting and practice-based coaching, and resource and referral information. The Behavioral Consultant team works collaboratively with the Early Childhood Program Specialists to offer comprehensive services. For more information, please contact the Care Line, 410-313-CARE.

MD EXCELS, Maryland Child Care Credential and Maryland Accreditation individualized support services available. Work with the CCRC to enhance and improve program quality and increase educator professional qualifications. Contact the Office of Children and Families Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), 410-313-1940 or email Marissa Hill, mhill@howardcountymd.gov

The updated Resource Room features a Lending Library to enhance your reading centers, lesson plan ideas and materials, new die cuts, laminating services, and a computer lab (internet access and printing available). Children’s books are organized by theme (5 to 6 books per theme) and can be checked out for a 2-week period. No appointment necessary.  View the list of books here

Looking for Training? Search the Maryland Child Care Training Calendar. Lists of trainers, training organizations and online training organizations.

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, visit -www.prosolutionstraining.com/md(English portal) and https://www.prosolutionstraining.com/md-espanol (Spanish portal).  Courses are available through the MCCRN, a program of Maryland Family Network. Do note, any previous eLearning content purchased through Smart Horizons will still be accessible; training must be completed by June 30, 2022.  Please contact Maryland Family Network with any questions, MCCRNinfo@marylandfamilynetwork.org.

For additional Early Childhood Education and Provider news, and updates in and around the State of Maryland, checkout Tuesday Tidbits

Are you passionate about providing a nurturing and educational environment for young minds? Do you dream of owning and operating your own Family Child Care (FCC) business? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! Read the flyer below for more information.

Join the Abilities Network in this engaging course designed exclusively for Infant and Toddler educators, where we integrate two dynamic workshops into one collaborative theme focused on play for our youngest learners.

The Family Support Center (FSC) offers comprehensive, family centered, community-based preventive programs for parents, caregivers, and their children ages birth to five. Parenting little ones is hard, the FSC is here to help! Visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/children-families/family-support-center for more information.

Howard County families can get one/one assistance with the Child Care Scholarship program application process by calling the Office of Children and Families Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), 410-313-1940 or emailing Amber Eash, the Family Resource Specialist directly, aeash@howardcountymd.gov or Carla Lunn, Resource and Referral Specialist, clunn@howardcountymd.gov.

New families joining your programs? The Office of Children and Families offers Family Workshops on topics ranging from challenging behaviors, potty training, immunizations to healthy eating? All this information and more can be found in our E-blast as well as our Parent Pages. Share upcoming Family Workshop Information with families as well as encourage them to sign up for our monthly Parent Pages newsletter - Subscribe to Parent Pages

Connect families to local information that supports parenting.

Share the November Parent Pages: www.howardcountymd.gov/parentpages

This month’s edition shares local resources, family workshops, connects parents to information to support infant's early brain development and ideas to take the stress out of family travel during the holidays. Also, find tips to handle a picky eater and navigate co-parenting after divorce or separation.

January

Hatchlings: New Baby and Me In Person

Welcome home, baby! This is a four-week series of classes for you and your baby, newborn - 6 months. Together you will both enjoy fun songs and activities and learn how to support your baby’s development. Participants will receive a FREE take-home gift during the series.

Tuesday January 9, 2024 - January 30, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm

Click Here to register

Parent's Guide to Challenging Behaviors Virtual

The Pyramid Model is a comprehensive, research based approach that considers all the factors that impact a child, family and a child's behavior. Learn how to help decrease negative behaviors from happening and/ or what to do when they do occur. Ask questions and leave with skills and resources that you can use immediately to help you feel more confident in your parenting. For children ages two to eight.

Wednesday January 17, 2024 7:00 - 8:00pm

Click Here to Register

Potty Training Basics Virtual

Join the Office of Children and Families for an engaging discussion about potty training basics for little ones. Gain insight from caregivers as they share what their potty-training journey has been like. Discover ways to make the transition to the potty fun and hassle free, while avoiding some of the pitfalls that can arise when trying to potty train little ones.

Tuesday January 23, 2024 6:00 - 7:15pm

Click Here to Register

Selecting High Quality Child Care Virtual

Selecting child care can be an overwhelming process. Every parent wants to find quality care to meet their needs; a healthy & safe environment, a child that is happy to attend the program, a program that is a convenient in location & hours and a program that is affordable. Learn how to choose a child care program that works for your family.

Monday January 8, 2024 1:00 - 2:00pm

Click Here to Register

Wednesday January 24, 2024 7:00 - 8:00pm

Click Here to Register

Please share this information with your families. The Road to Kindergarten sessions for the families of children entering Kindergarten in the fall.

At this session families will will learn:

• Expectations for school readiness (and receive a Ready for Kindergarten toolkit).

• Details about the HCPSS kindergarten program, website and kindergarten registration process.

• Ways that families and children can be supported during the transition to kindergarten.

No registration required.

Child care is available at each session for children ages 2 and older; the session is

designed for adults only. Large crowd anticipated; please allow ample time for parking, childcare drop off, and check in. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Families can choose 1 session that is convenient to them:

Thurs., January 18, 2024 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Centennial High School**

4300 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City, 21042

Tues., January 23, 2024 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Hammond High School*

8800 Guilford Road, Columbia, 21046

Wed., January 31, 2024 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Wilde Lake High School*

5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia 21044

SNOW DATE**

Tues., February 6, 2024 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Hammond High School**

8800 Guilford Road, Columbia, 21046