November

Understanding Linguistic and Cultural Diversity and Language Acquisition Virtual

Wed. November 8 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5

G. Ferentinos / 1 D 1 SN

This training explores best practices for working with children who are English Language Learners to help them be successful participants in their preschool setting, while supporting their ability to learn English. Participants will learn the stages of second language acquisition and ways to help support children as they move through each phase. Participants will also learn a variety of strategies for supporting children in the classroom and working with families to create a successful learning environment.

Jumping Into Science In Person

Thur. November 9 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5

J. 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.

Anti-Bias Cultural Competence Awareness  Virtual

Thur. November 9 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5

S. Burke 3 COM

Everyone has a cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic and/or religious heritage that influences their beliefs, values and behaviors.  Creating culturally competent programs that are responsive to the staff members, community and families served can reduce possible conflicts and provides multiple benefits for everyone. Participants will identify and develop strategies to promote cultural competence.

SIDS, SUID and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths Virtual

Wed. November 15 / 6:30 – 8:30PM / $5

N. Pontoriero 2 HSN

This session meets the training requirement for the MSDE regulations regarding SIDS, and other sleep-related infant mortality in child care. Participants will receive ideas and resources to support breastfeeding and preventing or decreasing SIDS-related infant mortality.

All Children Are Gifted Virtual  

Thus. November 16 / 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM / $5

S. Burke / 2 SN

Understanding the special needs of children prepares child development professionals to create environments and programs for the children in their care.

You've Got a Friend: Teaching Friendship Skills In Person

Thur. November 16 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5

M. Hill 2CUR 1 CD 

Including all children in your child care program can be challenging if you don't understand what you are required to do. Explore the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for early care programs, examine best inclusionary practices and learn about resources which can support you and your families.

Medication Administration / $70

Mon. November 27 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Virtual 

Wed. November 29 / 6:30 – 9:30 PM In Person

C. Fleming 6 HSN

This MSDE-designed workshop will teach providers what they need to know when administering medication to children. Learn how to give oral, topical, inhaled, and emergency medicines to infants and children; how to keep accurate records, regulations for hygiene, safety, and measurement. This is a two part series. You are required to attend both sessions to receive credit for the course.

Making Meaningful Connections: Building the Foundation of the Young Brain Virtual

Tues. November 28 / 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM / $5

G. Ferentinos / 1PRO 1 CD 1 SN

This interactive training will build participants' knowledge around how a young child’s brain develops between the ages of birth through five. Participants will actively engage in “building a brain”, explore the importance of developing their own capacity, and learn specific strategies and interactions that grow healthy brains. After engaging with the content of this training, participants will have a better understanding of the core components used to support the growth of all learners. 

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

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 now open and will continue until all tables are sold. We anticipate hosting approximately 45 programs. The fees are as follows -

Exhibitor Fees:

For Profit Organization - $75

Non-Profit (501c3) - $50

To Register click Here

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.



November Dates

Thursday November 9 and Tuesday November 28

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

Now also offering on-site Credential Office Hours directly in your program. 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 certificates 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 Specialists, Lisa Hendricks, lhendricks@howardcountymd.gov or Marissa Hill, mhill@howardcountymd.gov.

Are you interested in growing your childcare business? The Howard County Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) is here to help. The CCRC can provide you one on one support and guidance with the following - creating a business plan to increase profits; developing a comprehensive marketing plan to boost enrollment, coaching/mentoring with an MSDE approved Curriculum, or enhanced training to build your professional knowledge and skills as an early childhood educator. Contact Georgia Ferentinos to discuss the possibilities, gferentinos@howardcountymd.gov This work is supported through MD Rebuilds Grant funding.

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 Specialists, Lisa Hendricks, lhendricks@howardcountymd.gov or 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 Lisa Hendricks, lhendricks@howardcountymd.gov or 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.  

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 interested in advancing your educational career by pursuing a college degree in the Early Childhood field?  Howard Community College is pleased to announce that the application period for the Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) will be open from January 1 to March 1, 2024.  The CCCPDF pays for the tuition, fees and books for those students pursuing either an AAS in Early Childhood Education (2-year degree) or an AAT in Early Childhood Education/Special Education or Elementary Education/Special Education (which allows you to transfer to a 4-year program).  To be eligible, the applicant must have a least one-year licensed childcare experience, work 10 hours per week minimum, hold a level 2 or higher Maryland Child Care Credential Certificate, and be willing to complete a service payback after their degree is completed.  

To learn more about the grant and its application process, HCC will hold a ZOOM virtual information session in November.  Attached is a flyer about the grant.  For more information or to RSVP to attend the information session, please contact Joan Johnson at jjohnson6@howardcc.edu

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. Contact FSC Director Kristin Reel at kreel@howardcountymd.gov

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.

November

Are We There Yet? Travel Activities for Children

Traveling by plane, train, or automobile this holiday season? Join us as we prepare hands-on travel activities to keep your little ones engaged, learning and having fun while getting from “here to there.” Get tips on entertainment ideas, survival strategies and practical advice to help make your upcoming trip a success!

Thursday, November 9, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free virtual workshop. Register here 

Picky Eating: How to Help Your Child Grow and Eat a Balanced Diet Helping your infant and toddler build healthy eating habits for life is very important yet daunting. Review typical infant to toddler development, eating patterns, growth, and how to determine when to ask for help. 

Thursday, November 30, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop Register here 

Parenting Apart: Navigating Co-Parenting through the Holiday Season and Beyond

The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for many families, but they can also be reminders of who and what we have lost. For those co-parenting during or in the aftermath of divorce, the holidays can bring unique challenges and disruptions to the usual routine. This presentation is tailored to parents who are going through divorce or separation and are eager to create a parenting plan that minimizes conflict and promotes stability and harmony for your children. Explore essential considerations when creating an access schedule that prioritizes your children's well-being throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. Gain insights into effectively managing common co-parenting issues that can arise. Learn valuable communication and co-parenting strategies to navigate this period of transition, and as well as resources for ongoing support and assistance.

Monday, December 4, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here