August 2021 A publication of the Howard County Office of Children and Families Family Institute

Nothing I Do Works: A Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors The Pyramid Model is a comprehensive, research-based approach that considers all of the factors that impact a child, family and a child's behavior. The Family Institute is offering a free, virtual workshop. Parents will learn how to decrease negative behaviors and what to do when they occur. Parents can ask questions and leave with skills and resources to put into practice immediately that will provide more confidence in parenting. For children ages two to eight. Wednesday, August 18, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click here for registration.

Reading and Discussing Stories It’s never too early to begin reading to your child! Shared reading focuses on your child’s knowledge, reasoning and early literacy development. Snuggle up and connect with your little one everyday by reading. Whether you read any or all of the words in a book, children will still benefit from the experience. For babies, describe the colors, shapes and what the characters are doing. Pay attention to how engaged your child becomes. They may want to hold the book, pat it or even chew on it in the beginning. Toddlers may want you to read a story repeatedly and that’s okay. Children learn through repetition and are proud when they master a skill. Make sure to add a variety to your reading list; new books will not only keep your little one engaged, they will also provide a wealth of new learning information. For more tips click, here.  The Basics Howard County has a texting program geared for families with children birth to three years. The program provides tips on activities to enjoy with your child connecting evidence-based strategies for brain development. To learn more about the program, or sign up for the free Basics Insights text messages, visit here (available in English and Spanish), or email children@howardcountymd.gov.

First Day of School As summer comes to an end, August is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming school year. This past school year was challenging and, whether your child is starting school for the first time, or simply returning to the classroom, it is important to help prepare for the start of the school year. Below are some simple ways you can help set your child up for success. Take the Monthly Challenge by using one or more of the tips to guide and prepare your child for the start of the school year. Read books about the first day of school (Check this link for ideas:  20 First Day of School Books) Use a calendar or paper chain to countdown to the first day  Speak positively and show excitement about starting school   Visit or drive by the school to help your child become familiar with the building  If possible, have your child meet their teacher before the first day  Involve your child in picking out new school supplies   Let your child choose their favorite outfit to wear on the first day  Plan a special activity or dinner to celebrate

Need Assistance Finding Child Care?  Finding affordable, quality child care can be challenging. As you begin the process, you may be wondering, "How do I find child care? "How can I afford it?" or, "How do I start the process?" The Howard County Office of Children and Families offers resources to assist with your child care needs and questions. The CARE Line (Child and Adolescent Resources and Education), a free information and referral service, helps families identify their needs and links them to community programs and organizations. The CARE Line also provides information on how to identify and select high-quality child care. Parents may also check out the Parent's Guide to Howard County for a listing of child care programs. For tips on what to consider in your child care search take a look at Selecting High Quality Child Care, which covers licensing, types of licensed child care and professional staff. Another resource, LOCATE: Child Care, is a free, personalized service designed to help parents find licensed family or center-based child care programs, school age care and nursery school programming. LOCATE: Child Care also offers "Enhanced Services" to parents of children with special needs and parents needing a referral specialist fluent in Spanish. Financial assistance is available through the Child Care Scholarship Program (formerly known as the child care subsidy program) which provides assistance with child care costs to eligible working families. If you’re working, in school or participating in an approved training program, you may be eligible for the Child Care Scholarship Program. For more information on LOCATE: Child Care or the Child Care Scholarship Program, contact the CARE Line at 410-313-2273 or email children@howardcountymd.gov.

Literacy Activity Kits  The Howard County Library System now has Literacy Activity Kits for children ages birth to four years. Caregivers can utilize the kits to support children's interactive development. Each themed activity includes hands-on materials, a book and additional tips. Themes include:   Barnyard Animals  Things that Go  Numbers and Shapes  Colors and Letters  Spanish/English Bilingual Learning  To request or reserve a kit, call your local branch or visit the catalog link.  Virtual Kindergarten Field Trip to the Library  If you are new to the Howard County Library System, and want to know what's available and how to borrow materials, join the Virtual Kindergarten Field Trip to the Library. You’ll find easy readers, chapter books, DVD’s, launch pads, and more throughout the six local branches. Click here for more information.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten Kindergarten registration is open to children turning five years by September 1. Parents may view information and the required documentation upon registration on the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) link below. For additional kindergarten readiness information, HCPSS offers resources such as books and activities to prepare children. Kindergarten Registration On-line  Pre-Kindergarten Registration On-line  Howard County Library System Kindergarten Readiness HCPSS Getting Ready for Kindergarten Grade K Family and Community Resources  Grade Pre - K Family and Community

Kindergarten, Here We Come! The Howard County Library System is offering classes for children entering Kindergarten this fall. The classes feature stories and activities to help mark that all-important first day. For dates, times and locations, click here.

Free Books for Maryland Children Reading to infants, toddlers and young children provides many benefits. Research shows that, not only does reading to young children promote language and cognitive development, but it also encourages bonding between the child and parent, as well as foster creativity and imagination. With summer heat still in full swing, and the hot weather sticking around, enjoy time inside reading a book to your little ones to keep them cool and engaged. Established in 2019, My New Book, Inc. provides free books to children across Maryland. Check out and request free and new books here.

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Tips to Make Educated Back to School Purchases  Not all advertisements are created equal, so do your homework! Compare prices on-line, and between stores you plan to visit. Don’t assume the “sale” price is the best price.   Research products carefully, especially electronics, before purchasing. Read a variety of reviews on-line, and ask friends and family for their experiences.   Understand the refund policy of the store before purchasing.  Many stores limit the amount of time you have to return products, or only offer store credit for returns, not a refund.   Ask for receipts and save them for any major purchase.  If shopping on-line, only use secure websites you trust Do not click on links in unsolicited emails or social media sites, as they are easy to fake and could be a scam. To go to a site you want to visit, type the address directly into your browser.  Teach your children about credit and how it works. Explain that credit cards are not “free money,” and that what you pay for with the card must be paid back with interest.     For more information on this topic or other consumer issues, contact the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection by clicking here.

Supporting Youth Returning to School: The Role of the Primary Care Provider  Friday, August 27, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. / Free Webinar, Register here Join Maryland Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care (BHIPP) for a BHIPP Resilience Break focused on Supporting Youth Returning to School: The Role of the Primary Care Provider. This session will feature a presentation by Sharon A. Hoover, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist and Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Co-Director of the National Center for School Mental Health.

Family Support and Resource Center  Free Virtual Events What Families Need to Know About Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs Friday, August 6 / 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.  / Register here This webinar is a global discussion that will educate attendees about planning for their loved one with special needs. Key issues such as understanding the role of public benefits, making decisions about the future, using estate planning and trusts to protect assets, and Maryland ABLE will be presented. Summer YAPpy Hour  Mondays through August 16 / 4:30 p.m. / Register here Thursdays through August 19, 10:00 a.m. / Register here  YAPpy Hour is a great way for kids with or without intellectual disabilities to improve gross motor skills while having fun, laughing and promoting inclusion. A new theme is planned each week and involves multiple activities to create continuous learning over summer break. YAPpy Hour events are sponsored by Special Olympics Maryland. Compensatory Education Services with Disability Rights Maryland  Wednesday, August 25 / 10:00 a.m. to noon  / Register here.  Attendees can gain insight on compensatory education services and how to request those services from their local school systems. Following the presentation, attendees who pre-registered for a time slot will have a one-on-one session with Disability Rights Maryland staff attorneys to address their specific questions and concerns. Sponsored by Pathfinders for Autism. Brief Guide to Compensatory Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

I Can be Patient “Are we there yet?”  I’m sure you’re familiar with questions like this that your child asks every fifteen seconds. Waiting is difficult for children and during situations like this, children and parents need to find a little bit of patience! The issue is young children don’t understand time the way grown-ups do. For a child, five minutes might seem like hours! To ease the wait time, and explore practicing patience, try some of these playful strategies from Sesame Street.    Count to ten then count again Sing a song Draw a picture Do a little dance Hunt for shapes letters or numbers   Watch this video with children and point out some of the ways kids are passing the time.

Parenting Tweens: Everything You Should Know--  Explaining the Challenges of Early Adolescence  The pre-adolescent years, also known as the “tween” years (typically age nine to twelve), can be tough on both kids and parents. Children begin to change; they experience a shift in their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, as well as begin to assert their independence. Children rely less on their parents and begin to rely more and more on friends. Although they may be pulling away from mom and dad, children still need parental support and guidance. To better understand their experiences and help them through their tween years, click here. Also available in Spanish.

SAILS Survivor’s Summit  Saturday, August 28 / 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Have you experienced pregnancy or infant loss? Stillborn And Infant Loss Support, SAILS, is bringing people together for a virtual survivor's summit. Connect with other parents who have experienced a loss; hear from mental health and grief professionals, and participate in an on-line candlelight remembrance ceremony. Find support and encouragement. For more information and to register, click here.

Story Creator: An Interactive Game from PBS Kids  Storytelling is a powerful learning tool for children. Through stories, children can learn, be entertained, share different points of view, connect with others, as well as develop their imagination and build vocabulary! PBS Kids has developed an interactive storytelling game called, Xavier Riddle Story Creator, that helps children create their own stories based on real historical figures such as Zora Neale Hurston and Mary Shelley. Click here to begin.

F is for Friendship It’s a new school year and your child may be anxious about meeting new people and making friends. Friendships are an important part of relationship building and are just as important for children as they are for adults. With the help of our friends at Sesame Street, we can teach our children important relationship skills to not only establish and sustain friendships, but to foster resilient friendships. Children can develop skills on how to play, share and appreciate one another. Here are a few ideas to get your child started on the friendship path:  Model behaviors you want to see - show them how to be a good friend, talk on the phone, celebrate successes, meet up for fun  Help them say hello to new people they meet - practice greeting and saying hello   Keep in touch with old friends - maintain ties by spending time to together, maybe writing a letter or making homemade gifts  You can help your child put himself out there and make new friends. For role playing ideas or phrases, click here.

Youth Opportunities Out of school? Unemployed? Not sure what to do? The Howard County Office of Workforce Development is the place to start. The Office of Workforce Development works one-on-one with youth 16-24 to identify and accomplish career and educational goals. Create a personal plan; connect with educational and employment opportunities; access career coaching, skills training, resume writing and high school diploma attainment. For additional information, click here.

Lunchbox Ideas Parents, are you looking for lunchbox ideas, something the kids will actually eat? Check out these kid-approved lunches from the Food Network. You'll find colorful wraps, pasta dishes, homemade pizza rolls, and many more nutritious meals. To try these recipes, click here.

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