January 2023 Workshops for Parents
What are parents saying about our workshops?
“Parenting feels like an island. Attending these weekly sessions let me know that the things I was going through were normal and I am not alone”
Selecting high quality child care
Tuesday, January 17, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Monday, January 30, 12:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Early Intervention: Finding the help your child needs
Are you worried that your child may be falling behind or developmentally delayed? Early intervention can help. Learn about assessment and evaluation and early childhood intervention options for eligible children (birth to age 5) and families.
Wednesday, January 18, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
The Power of Play
Thursday, January 26, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Parenting apart: cooperative co-parenting in divorce and beyond
This workshop is for individuals who are facing separation and divorce to learn how to create a parenting plan to minimize conflict and promote a positive relationship.
Monday, January 30, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
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New law now in effect for private health insurance
As of January 1, a new law allows those with state-regulated private health insurance to see an out-of-network provider for mental health or substance use treatment without being "balance billed" (having to pay extra costs for seeing an out-of-network provider). Learn more.
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Sign up for free Basics Insights text messages
The human brain doubles to 70% of its adult size during the first year of life and up to 90% by the age of five. According to The Center for the Developing Child at Harvard, there are a million new connections per second! Parents and caregivers can learn everyday basic things to do with their child to maximize brain development.
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Sign up here to receive information specifically for your child’s developmental stage (available in English or Spanish for children birth to five).
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Social media tips for parents:
Help your children practice smart habits and stay safe online.
If you missed the chance to attend the Office of Children and Families' December workshop, view the recording to learn more about enhancing internet safety practices for your family.
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Road to Kindergarten workshops
Do you have a child who will be five years old by September 1, 2023? Join the Howard County Public School System for an information session about kindergarten. At this workshop you will learn:
- Expectations for school readiness (and receive a readiness toolkit).
- Details about the kindergarten program.
- Information about HCPSS kindergarten registration.
- Ways that families and children can be supported during the transition to kindergarten.
Sessions are designed for adults only. Child care is available for children ages two and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. to allow time for parking, child care drop off and check-in. Sessions begin promptly at 6:30. No registration required. View flier for all information.
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All sessions are held 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 19, Centennial High School
Tuesday, Jan. 24, Wilde Lake High School
Thursday, Jan. 26, Oakland Mills High School
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How much is too much?
Finding a balance between academic performance and student wellbeing.
Designed for middle and high school students and their parents, this workshop is sponsored by HC Drug Free and Howard County PTSA. Join us on Monday, January 9, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Visit here for more information and here for flier
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Thursday, January 5, 1:00 p.m.
Gain a toolbox of new strategies to help you stop putting things off and start accomplishing your 2023 goals. Hosted by ADDititude
Register here for FREE live workshop and recording.
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Prepare your child for a visit to the doctor
It helps when children know what to expect at a visit to the doctor. View resources to help you support them through sickness and in health, and to help them understand, appreciate, and care for their bodies. Visit Sesame Street resources here.
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Ten tips to help a stressed or anxious child when
you can't find therapy
Tuesday, January 24, 8 to 9:30 p.m. FREE, Register here
Mental health professionals are in high demand. Parents conduct extensive searches and may encounter long waiting lists to find help for a child who is stressed, anxious and depressed. Join Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) to learn what parents can say and do to support children when professional help is not immediately available.
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It can be difficult to have conversations with your kids about their feelings. The Sound It Out Together campaign makes it easier to talk about mental health with their 54 card conversation starter pack.
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The Power of Play
January 26, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Albert Einstein once said, “Play is the highest form of research.” Register for a free, virtual workshop that provides insight into why children must play, how play impacts a child’s development, and what play should look like.
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Winter coats and car seats
During winter, we all want to stay warm and bundled under winter coats, hats, and gloves. But how does this impact safety for children in car seats? It is recommended that bulky clothing NOT be worn when children ride in car seats. As a matter of fact, this is recommended for all ages, including adults. Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to read about tips on how to keep children warm and safe while riding in cars on cold weather days.
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Landlord-Tenant rights and responsibilities
The Howard County Office of Consumer Protection will provide an informative workshop on a tenant’s rights and responsibilities. Free; offered in:
English: Monday, January 30, 6:00 p.m., register here for virtual workshop
Korean: Monday, February 6, 6:00 p.m., register here for virtual workshop
Spanish: Monday, February 13, 6:00 p.m., register here to attend in person at Howard County Library Central Branch
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Free resources to support parents and families of children with special needs
Services to assist families in advocating for their child with a disability.
Workshops and information for parents and caregivers to support the specific needs of your family. For more information, contact FSRC@hcpss.org
Support for families of children with behavioral health needs and help for children and adults with substance issues. Services include: Workshops and events, support groups for families, community resources and openly talk about the challenges of parenting a child with unique needs and connect with other families who know what you’re going through.
Free support groups for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents with behavioral health challenges. No diagnosis is necessary. Register for any group (Parent Support Group, Transition Age Youth Support Group, Family Support Group)
Serving as Maryland’s Parent Training and Information Center and Family-to-Family Health Information Center, PPMD provides resources, support, and information to parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs.
Advises the school system on the needs of students with disabilities. They collaborate with other community disability advocacy groups to improve special education and the lives of students in Howard County.
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BSAP Saturday Math Academy
Spring 2023 program registration
The Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Saturday Math Academy (SMA) will offer an in-person enrichment program for HCPSS students in all levels of math for grades 3 through 12 based on course availability.
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Rec & Parks Winter Activity Guide
Start the new year off with a new activity!
Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks 2023 Winter Activity Guide is available online. With a wide range of programs, activities, classes and sports, there is something for everyone to keep those winter blues away!
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