HoCo Parents Guide 2017

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Letter from the Administrator
Dear Families,
On behalf of the Howard County Office of Children and Families, I am pleased to share the 2017 Parent’s Guide
to Howard County. This comprehensive resource details a wide array of local services and programs available
to you. For more complete information about operating hours, payment options and enrollment, please contact
the program or organization directly. They will be happy to discuss your individual questions or needs.
You may have noticed that our Office has a new name. While our mission of providing support to
children and their families continues, adopting this new name better reflects this focus and brings
new visibility to the family engagement side of our work. We set a priority on meeting the needs of
our diverse community and ensuring that children, youth and families meet their full potential.
The primary function of the Office of Children and Families is to support parents, guardians and caregivers
to be their child’s best teacher and advocate. This is accomplished through direct service, training,
technical assistance, outreach and workshops. Through our Family Institute, we offer workshops for
parents, guardians and grandparents on a wide range of topics including discipline, brain development,
healthy eating, technology and more. We also offer “Parent Pages”, our quarterly newsletter which
includes useful tips and informative articles on a variety of topics that families face today.
Have a question about child care, or weathering those “tween” and teen years? Our CARE line (410-313-2273)
is available to answer your questions, provide referrals and share information about local resources. If you
would like more information about the Office, there are a number of ways to reach us. Visit our website at www.
howardcountymd.gov/children; email us . or call us at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay).
We look forward to hearing from you!
Keri Hyde, Administrator
Welcome to HOWARD COUNTY
8 • 2017 PARENT’S GUIDE TO HOWARD COUNTY