About
The Family Support Center (FSC) offers comprehensive, family centered, community-based preventive programs for parents, caregivers and their children ages birth to five. Through its services the FSC promotes the full development and wellbeing of children, enhances the quality of parent and child interactions, and is the link to services for overall parent and family self-sufficiency and sustainability. Program highlights include child development, parent education, and health education, as well as resources and referrals.
Featured Programming at the Family Support Center
Healthy Little Cooks
10:30-11:15am at the family Support Center. Engage your 2-4-year-olds in interactive healthy cooking and nutrition education class facilitated by Healthy Little Cooks! Tailored for a parent and child, these sessions focus on promoting healthy eating habits through cooking, reading, movement, and kindergarten readiness assessment (KRA) skills. Each class typically includes 1-2 quick recipes alongside fun activities like crafts, physical activities, or coloring pages. This program offers a holistic healthy learning environment for families. Sessions last 45 minutes, with flexibility for parent discussions.
- Sandwiches Fit for a Kid January 13th
Circle of Security Parent Series
At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of attachment research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.
The aim of COSP is to support parents and care-givers to: Understand their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
Support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions. Enhance the development of their child's self-esteem Honor the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure.
Wednesdays from 11 – 12:30pm from January 8th – February 26th. Child care will be provided
Tummy Time Series
Join us in an interactive class led by pediatric physical and/or occupational therapists to support parents/caregivers and their babies ages 0-pre crawling (approx 6-8mos old). Therapists will give parents the confidence and knowledge to engage in purposeful play while supporting their baby’s early motor milestones. Tummy time is an essential activity for babies to develop a strong foundation which will help accomplish physical milestones such as sitting, crawling, and walking. This class takes the stress out of meeting milestones and encourages community, social engagement, and connection with your little one.
Thursdays January 9th – February 13th 10 – 11am
Tiny Tots Series
Led by pediatric speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, our sessions are designed for children ages 18-36 months old and their caregivers. Tiny Tots sessions encompass a variety of activities including communication, sensory exploration, art, feeding/snack time, movement, and music. Discover the vital role of PLAY in your child's development while connecting with other families in the community.*Bilingual (Spanish-English) speakers welcome
Tuesdays January 7th – February 11th 10 – 10:45am
Drop-In Playgroup at the Family Support Center
Children and their families are invited to explore and play at our Family Support Center! Parents must stay with their children. This month we will have different optional Winter themed activities each week for children to participate in!
Session 1 (0-2 Year olds) Tuesday January 7th 11am – 12pm
Session 2 (3-5 Year olds) Tuesday January 14th and 21st 11am – 12pm
Cognitive Development in Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking - Parent Workshop
This interactive workshop explores how young children develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Parents will learn practical strategies to foster these abilities through play, questioning techniques, and everyday activities, empowering them to support their child's cognitive growth and confidence in tackling challenges.
Wednesday January 15th 10 – 11am
Building Strong Foundations - Understanding Behavioral Health in Young Children - Parent Workshop
This workshop provides parents with a foundational understanding of behavioral health in children ages 3-6. Participants will learn to identify common behavioral challenges, recognize the importance of early intervention, and explore practical strategies to support their child’s emotional and behavioral well-being. Wednesday - January 29th 10 – 11am
Donuts with Police Officers
Join us for a fun and educational morning with the officers from the Howard County Police Department! Bring your children to meet and greet the officers, enjoy delicious coffee and donuts, and learn about the important work the police do to keep our community safe. Wednesday January 15th 9 – 9:45am
Safe Kids Workshop - Infant and Toddler Home Safety
Keeping young children safe starts in the home. This home safety class is designed for parents and caretakers of infants and toddlers. As an attendee, you’ll learn the biggest home safety risks for children under the age of four and how to prevent serious or deadly injuries.
Childcare will be provided
Thursday January 16th 11am – 12pm
Baby Dance Club
Welcome to Baby Dance Club™️! Join us for a joyful experience designed for parents and caregivers of babies aged 0-18 months. In this one-hour class, you’ll immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere where bonding, movement, and community come together. The first 30 minutes are filled with fun and engaging dance routines, starting with a warm-up featuring signature Baby Dance Club™️ moves to get you energized. Each week, we introduce a new choreographed dance to a fresh song, ensuring every class is a unique experience. Bring your favorite baby carrier to keep your little one close while you groove, enhancing both your dance experience and your connection with your baby. After our dance session, we transition into 30 minutes of conversation and community building, providing a wonderful opportunity to mingle with other caregivers, share experiences, and form friendships in a supportive environment. Baby Dance Club™️ is more than just a dance class; it’s a chance to bond with your baby, stay active, and connect with fellow parents. Led by Madison, a certified postpartum doula and pediatric sleep consultant, you’ll also gain valuable insights into parenting throughout the class. Come experience the joy of movement, community, and connection at Baby Dance Club™️!
Monday January 13th 12:30 – 1:30pm
Infant Sleep 101 Caregiver Class
Class for caregivers of children 15 months and under (including prenatal caregivers) to learn more about sleep with a large emphasis on Q&A!
Dinner and Childcare will be provided.
Monday January 27th 5:30 – 7:00pm
English for Life, Work, and Family
Learn every day, practical English and develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. Students will need to take a placement test to make sure they’re at the right level for our classes.
12 week series. Child care will be provided. If your child naps during this time please bring a blanket and stuffed animal for your child. We will have cots and cribs available.
Aprenda todos los días inglés práctico y desarrolle habilidades para escuchar, hablar, leer, escribir y gramática. Los estudiantes deberán tomar una prueba de nivel para asegurarse de que estén en el nivel adecuado para nuestras clases.
Serie de 12 semanas. Se proporcionará cuidado de niños. Si su hijo duerme una siesta durante este tiempo, traiga una manta y un animal de peluche para su hijo. Tendremos catres y cunas disponibles.
Jan 28, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
Tue, Thu1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Questions?
All programs will be held at the Family Support Center located at 9790 Patuxent Woods Drive Columbia, MD 21046
*Parents must remain on site with children for all programs!
Contact Family Support Center Director Ashton Sullivan asullivan@howardcountymd.gov 410-313-5987
Upcoming Events
Monthly Calendars
Inclement Weather Poilcy
Call the Emergency Status Hotline, 410-313-7777, for the operational status of the Howard County Family Support Center related to weather and other safety concerns.
All DCRS facilities will adhere to Howard County’s delayed opening/closing announcements as it relates to opening/closing facilities during inclement weather.
Family Support Center Plus
