OFFICE OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Welcome to the Howard County Office of Children’s Services. As part of the Department of Citizen Services, our mission is to “provide information and access to resources for families to ensure all children in our community thrive.” The goal of the Office is to work in concert with the community to coordinate, develop, expand, and enhance children’s services in Howard County. The Office is comprised of three divisions: the Child Care Resource Center, the Local Children’s Board, and the Parents as Teachers program.

The Child Care Resource Center provides services designed to improve the quality, affordability, and availability of child care in the community. Services include: child care information and referral, parent education, technical assistance for child care providers and businesses, training for providers and parents, and data collection to document the child care needs of families and employers.

The Local Children’s Board is comprised of the directors of public and private agencies and organizations and private citizens appointed to plan and develop a continuum of services for children and youth in Howard County. The Board manages and monitors 2.5 million in funding for a variety of programs serving children and youth.

The Parents as Teachers Program (PAT) is an early childhood parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten. Certified parent educators work with parents to provide support and information on their developing child.

The CARE Center is a free information and referral service for people who have questions about children in Howard County.