June 2020



A publication of the Howard County Office of Children and Families
Family Institute
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Family Institute Online Workshops, New this month!
Office of Children and Families is bringing you our most popular topics virtually.
Behavior Basics
Thursday, June 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Do tantrums, power struggles and misbehavior make daily life difficult in your household? Learn how to set the stage to decrease negative behaviors from happening in the first place and what to do when they do occur. Ask questions and leave with skills and resources that you can use immediately that will help you feel more confident in your parenting. For children ages two to eight.
Sibling Rivalry
Monday, June 22, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many families to be home together all day, every day. With less time to separate, sibling rivalry can increase. This workshop is for parents experiencing challenges between their children such as arguing, name calling and fighting. We will cover why sibling rivalry occurs and practical ways you can prevent and bring an end to these challenges!
Children Wearing Masks
As restrictions ease and families are getting out more in the community, it is recommended that children over age two wear masks. To read recommendations for children wearing masks, visit American Academy of Pediatricians.
Below are ideas to help your child understand and acclimate to wearing a mask.
(To access the Spanish version, click here .)
Worries, Concerns and Apprehensions in COVID
Family Institute Webinar for Parents and Caregivers of Children Two to Eight
Thursday, June 11, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Register here
Even young children are having worries and concerns during this time. Children also feel their parent's stress and express it through many different behaviors. These feelings can overwhelm a child and the stress can affect the entire family. Parents and caregivers will learn strategies to help with their young children. Attend this workshop to review the signs and the symptoms of worry in children; understand how to identify what is causing your child stress; and learn techniques to teach and demonstrate strategies to help your child process and work through their worries. Time alotted at the end will allow parents to ask questions to a mental health professional on how to help your family.
Stress, Fear and Anxiety During a Pandemic
Families around the world face daily uncertainties and challenges due to COVID-19. As a result, most are experiencing a heightened level of stress and anxiety. Fear and anxiety about the unknown can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in everyone, not to mention the challenges experienced by working parents who are juggling both childcare and work.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following steps to cope
with stress:
 
Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories . Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Take care of your body .
·      Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
·      Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
·      Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
·      Avoid alcohol and drugs.
Make time to unwind . Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others . Talk with people you trust about your concerns and feelings.
Additional Resources for Children's Mental Health

Family Resources, Tips and Activities : This offers information for families including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care and activities for young children experiencing social distancing.
 
COVID-19 Information for Families : - Provides news and the latest information to help families stay informed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
Centers for Disease Control - Recommendations from the CDC to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.
 
Mental Health - Resources to help you take care of your child’s mental health, provide structure and activities and get access to the resources you need.
Amy H. Kelly, Family and Community Engagement Specialist,
Office of Early Childhood Programs, HCPSS
 
The COVID-19 pandemic has required significant changes to everyday life for families. Many families and caregivers have similar concerns on the impacts that this “new normal” is having on children of all ages. Children entering kindergarten, regardless of their prior care experiences, are missing many aspects of their normal routine. To read more on how to help your child through routines, relationships, talking, singing and reading to increase readiness for kindergarten, click here .
If your child is turning five by September 1 and you still have to enroll them for kindergarten, visit HCPSS .
Child Care Scholarship
Parents are anxious for their child care programs to reopen. If you are struggling with the cost of placing your child in care, there is assistance available to help with costs. The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) (formerly known as child care subsidy) Program provides financial assistance to eligible working families. The program is managed through a centralized vendor - Child Care Subsidy Central (CCS Central). Eligible families who are working, attending school or job training programs are issued vouchers which provide financial assistance for the cost of child care. To apply, contact CCS Central at ccscentral@conduent.com ( upon reopening of the call center), visit the website money4childcare.com or contact the CARE Line at 410-313-2273 (voice/relay) or children@howardcountymd.gov .
Maryland’s Recovery Plan for
Child Care. The Path Forward for Child Care During COVID-19 Pandemic.
Volunteer Opportunities

Howard County has many agencies that are helping in the community and are looking for volunteers. Click below to learn more about some local agencies and their opportunities:

Howard County hosts beautiful scenery, winding country roads and views of rivers and state parks. When you are feeling the need to get out in a socially distant way, consider a scenic drive through the county.
Visit Her Mind 's list of five local scenic roads.
Concerned About the Development of Your Child?
Contact the Howard County CHILD FIND service for free.

The CDC (CDC Spanish click here ) provides many resources to help parents understand the expected developmental milestones for children. Booklets, trackers and videos provide information to help assist in identifying if a child is hitting their milestones. Parents are encouraged to address concerns with their pediatrician. If a screening is recommended, then parents can contact Howard County Child Find to complete assessments. Addressing delays early is critical in a child's development.

Children ages birth to three, complete the online referral:  referral.mditp.org
or send an email to:  earlyinterventionservices@hcpss.org.
Children ages three to five , contact  ChildFind@hcpss.org ( put "3 to 5" in the
subject box.)
School-age children , contact  ChildFind@hcpss.org ( p ut "school age" in the
subject box.)

The Howard County Child Find Office is still processing referrals for all children and will be able to answer questions regarding support and services during distance learning. 
Ready Rosie
Looking for fun, easy ideas to make everyday moments learning moments? Turn to Ready Rosie for hundreds of short educational videos to gain ideas of what you can do with your child. This resource, for young children, is available in English and Spanish. If you don't have Ready Rosie yet, c lick here to get free access. Check out these Ready Rosie ideas: Celebrate learning, s et Summer learning goals and make learning a part of every day
Free registration runs out June 30, so don't delay!
Howard County Recreation and Parks continues to keep the community centers and facilities closed with public safety in mind but is bringing some of their favorite classes to your household as online programs!

Visit  https://www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP for a list of which amenities that are open or closed. Instructional or educational classes are available to participate in through the WebEx or Zoom video conferencing apps. These online courses will be suited for kids, adults and 55+ participants. Topics include cooking, history, dance, S.T.E.A.M., music, and more!  Decisions on in-person summer camps will continue to be made throughout the summer two weeks prior to a camp's starting date.
Are You a Sandwich Generation Caregiver?

The Sandwich Generation of Caregivers is often defined as individuals providing care to an adult of any age while simultaneously having a child under 18 years of age residing in their home. Sandwich Generation Caregiving can also be located in any of the following subsets as well:
  • Parents or others caring for children with disabilities over the age of 18
  • Siblings caring for other siblings
  • Grandparents caring for grandchildren while also caring for a spouse or other relative
  • Grown grandchildren caring for their children while also assisting a parent or grandparent
To learn helpful tips for this caregiver role, visit the HerMind article here .
For more information and support with caregiving, contact Kathy Wehr at
410-313-5955 (voice/relay), or kwehr@howardcountymd.gov .
Howard County Library System (HCLS)

When school is out, the library continues to offer many options for learning; all available for free with your library card !

Kindergarten readiness (ages birth to 5) : Find age-appropriate eBooks, digital read-alongs, language learning lessons, streaming video, and educational activities.

Elementary or middle and high school students: Continue your studies in:
  • world languages using Little Pim, Muzzy and Mango;
  • band and orchestra using Artistworks;
  • math using TumbleMath;
  • science using ScienceFLIX and Interactive Science;
  • English Language Arts through TumbleBook Library, cloudLibrary, SIRS Issues Researcher, and others;
  • SAT and ACT prep using LearningExpressLibrary.
These are just a few examples of the many types of online content available for students.
Participate in Summer Reading at HCLS to make a difference. Beginning June 1, log books and activities in one of the games: Imagine Your Story (for infants to age 10 and ages 11 to 17) and Read for Good (for adults). Instead of physical prizes upon completion, you will earn a donation to  Community Action Council of Howard County .
Visit hclibrary.org/summer to get started. New activities and challenges added each week online, so keep reading and checking in! Watch this video for more details.
Community Resources

Oakland Mills Online , OMO is a community organization founded by parents to serve people connected to Howard County by providing a multi-generational social learning environment with workshops led by volunteers. The goal is to support the mental and emotional health of our neighbors during this challenging time by giving them a virtual place to meet and
learn together. Visit www.oaklandmillsonline.com for each week’s schedule

Comprehensive resource list of who to call: Howard County Resource List

Current information: Howard County Resources

Howard County Health Department Resources: Howard County Health Department

The Howard County Economic Development Authority online business portal for local businesses that have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Business Portal

Maryland Health Connection issued a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment open to uninsured Marylanders who need health coverage during the Governor’s State of Emergency Maryland Health Connection
HoCo Counts, 2020 Census

Amid this current crisis , we ask that all residents complete the census online. One of the most historically under-counted populations are children under five years old. We need to make sure each child is counted. For every person not counted, Howard County loses approximately $18,250. These dollars go towards school lunches, education, roads, healthcare, and other critical services that may directly affect your family and the community. Respond to the census at https://my2020census.gov . If you have any questions, call 410-313-6325 (voice/relay), or visit https://howardcountymd.gov/2020census .
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