Launch Into Learning, Howard County, MD

Open Play in Nature
Aug 3 / 9-10:30 AM / $10 per child & caregiver
Join the Howard County Conservancy's Nature Preschool in Belmont Historic Park for a morning of outdoor adventures and nature-based learning. This event will include thoughtfully curated, child-led activities in our outdoor classroom and nature playspace! Best suited for children ages 2-5 with caregiver present, guided by a Nature Preschool Teacher.

Open Play in Nature - Howard County Conservancy Aug 3 / 9 a.m. / $ Join us at our Nature Preschool in Belmont Historic Park for a morning of outdoor adventures and nature-based learning. This event will include […]

Hatchlings: New baby and me
This interactive three-week early literacy class is for parents/caregivers of newborns from birth to 6 months. Learn how to support your baby's development through songs and activities. Participants will receive a FREE take-home gift.
Thursdays, August 15, 22, 29, 10:15 to 11 a.m. | Family Support Center, 9790 Patuxent Woods Dr., Columbia

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Only a few days to go until the HiTech STEAM Carnival!

Drop by the East Columbia Branch with your family to play games and interactives, like Pinball and Skeeball, built by HiTech students. Participate in Paint-and-Sip or Build-and-Sip, ride a miniature train, visit the petting zoo, and watch the car race, robotics challenges, and win prizes.

Food and beverages available to purchase from local food trucks.

The event is free to attend and is suitable for all ages.

📅 Saturday, August 3
🕙 10 am - 2 pm
📍 East Columbia Branch

Don't miss this eye-awakening, informative, and educational session that will help parents and educators to ensure that their children will be ready for kindergarten. The Bronze Villagers Lunch & Learn Kindergarten Readiness Event, Tuesday, July 30th at 11:00 am. There is a reading/literacy crisis, and millions struggle to read and comprehend. It is a national problem and an early learning crisis.
Educators, childcare providers, and early learning centers teachers are encouraged to attend. Register here for this free educational event:

Kindergarten Readiness - The Right to Read! Join us for this Early Learning Educational session for kindergarten readiness. Receive information on child development literacy.

Science and literacy can go together! Watch this Nature Nuggets video about ants and challenge your child to list words that rhyme with ant.

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The Olympics may be in France, but you and your family can hold your own summer games at home. Host a family Olympics event.

Host a Family Olympics | Crafts for Kids Help your child create her own Home Olympics! Try to hold your event outside, or put mats on the floor indoors.

AVOIDING MELTDOWNS for children with Autism
Wednesday, July 24, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Free Virtual Event
Meltdowns can create stressful situations. Making the crying and whining stop often becomes a top priority, but quick fixes may make meltdowns happen even more. This webinar will review ways to prevent meltdowns in the moment and make them less likely to happen in the future. We will also provide caregiver tips on your own emotional regulation to make parents and caregivers better equipped to support the child during these times. Presented by Brittany Rader, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, CTP, and Rebekah Chesko, MS, CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBS, LBA. Visit registration page. Sponsored by Pathfinders for Autism

Avoiding Meltdowns webinar 7.24.24 – Pathfinders for Autism

invites all fathers to Dads in the Park at Lake Elkhorn Park Pavilion from 1 to 3 p.m. on July 27. Come to this pop-up event and socialize through play, play games and enjoy delicious snacks with your little ones aged 0-5!🍨🏸🛝

Pre-registration is encouraged at https://bit.ly/DadsinthePark.

The Basics idea for the day:
Patterns are all around us! They are in the stripes on our clothing and the beat to our favorite songs. Pointing out these patterns and creating patterns with preschoolers helps them to start learning about math, music and much more.
TRY THIS: Make a movement pattern game. Try taking a step, then a hop, then a step, then a hop. Let your child choose the next movement to add in.
Want weekly ideas sent to you? Sign up for our Basics Insights today:

The Basics | Howard County About The Basics movement aims to help every family help every child reach their potential. To learn about The Basics Howard County, watch this overview video for an introduction to the five fun, simple and powerful ways to boost early brain development and learning for all children from birth to ag...

Summer Reading Celebrations! East Columbia Library's Summer Reading Carnival is on Friday, July 19, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

East Columbia Summer Celebration: Summer Reading Carnival | Howard County Library System Events Calendar of Howard County Library System

Dive into Shark Week at HCLS! Explore the fascinating underwater world of sharks with our collection. Introduce your little ones to the wonders of the ocean with picture books and fun, educational reads about sharks. For adults we’ve got scientific studies, gripping true stories, novels about sea creatures, movies, and more.
Visit the libray's site:

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TIPS FOR SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH SENSORY NEEDS DURING FIREWORKS
They’re the symbol of our independence and bring joy to the faces of many. But, for people that experience intense sensory input, they can be thunderous and overwhelming. This site offers tips to help make fireworks more enjoyable for the whole family, including those with sensory support needs. Visit resource page. To see the information in another language, please select the “language” tab on the top right corner of the web site and pull down to your language of choice.

PFA Tips: Surviving 4th of July Fireworks – Pathfinders for Autism PFA Tips: Surviving 4th of July Fireworks By Shelly McLaughlin, Program Director, Pathfinders for Autism Download a printable version of “Surviving 4th of July Fireworks” They’re the symbol of our independence and bring joy to the faces of many. But, for people that experience intense sensory ...

July Parent Pages just dropped! FInd out about many fun things for your children to do this summer in Howard County.
https://conta.cc/4btjWDl

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Today's 5-year-olds are tomorrow's engineers. Try this out! Have your child make a tower as tall as they are using only paper. Learn how:

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Are We There Yet? Travel Activities for Children
Tuesday, July 2 , 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free virtual workshop.
Traveling by plane, train, or automobile this summer? 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!

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Make memories with the "Work It Out Wombats!" Family App!
Practice a creative way of thinking this summer by playing the free "Work It Out Wombats!" Family App. Watch videos, do hands-on activities, get parenting tips, and make your own music videos together!
Download the App today.

Work It Out Wombats Family App - Apps on Google Play

Potty Training Basics
Tuesday, June 25, 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop.
Join the Office of Children and Families for an engaging discussion about potty training basics for little ones. Gain insight from caregivers as they share what their potty-training journey has been like. Discover ways to make the transition to the potty fun and hassle free, while avoiding some of the pitfalls that can arise when trying to potty train little ones.

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Summer Reading Adventure with Howard County Library System
Children Birth-Age 4: Choose your adventure as you Talk, Read, Sing, Write, and play. Complete 12 adventures to win a prize.

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Apply for 2024-2025 Pre-K
The HCPSS Pre-K program is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year from families of children aged four or five by September 1, 2024. The program is free to families and many locations are full-day. A program application, information about available programs, and eligibility guidelines are available online.

HCPSS’ Pre-K Program – HCPSS HCPSS offers high-quality half-day and full-day prekindergarten programs. Students must be four years old by September 1, 2023 to be considered for enrollment in the 2023-2024 school year. Students must be four years old by September 1, 2024 to be considered for enrollment in the 2024-2025 school ye...

Lakefest with the Columbia Festival of the Arts.
Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 16
Don't miss this year's eye-popping Art Center umbrella exhibit, inspired by the theme "Community, Connection and Culture."

LakeFest Free Weekend Welcome to LakeFest, Columbia’s family festival for arts & entertainment at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront this summer!

Beginners Guide to Curly and Coarse Hair
Virtual Workshop, Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m.
Feeling overwhelmed with managing your child's thick hair? This beginner's workshop on curly and coarse hair care is here to help! Learn the best practices for all the hair care essentials like washing, conditioning, moisturizing, and detangling. Sign up today and unlock the secrets to maintaining healthy, gorgeous curly hair.

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Plan your summer reading NOW! So many fun ways to participate.

Summer Reading Adventures 2024 Summer Reading Adventures 2024

June Parent Pages is out!

Stay connected with HCLS newsletters!

Interested in programming and book recommendations for your kids or for yourself? Looking for advice to complete your next DIY project? Want to find out about upcoming events and book clubs for teens? Our newsletters have got you covered!

📲Sign up at bit.ly/3ybKYkr

For parents dealing with their children's arguing and fighting, the Office of Children & Families virtual “Sibling Rivalry” workshop at 7 p.m. on May 23 may be just what you need. Learn why sibling rivalry occurs, how to reduce conflict in your household and foster good long-term relationships. Register for this FREE workshop at https://bit.ly/OCFsiblingrivalry5-24.

12 Books to Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

12 Books to Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific… Check out these books featuring AANHPI characters, writers, or illustrators. These stories are perfect to read during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and…

What do mental health issues in young children look like? Babies and toddlers can and do suffer from mental health problems caused by trauma, neglect, biological factors, or environmental situations.