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
Drop in Play Groups
My Gym Fitness Classes
My Gym has created an extraordinary fitness program devised to help children develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. Our structured, age-appropriate classes incorporate fitness, music, dance, puppets, relays, games, gymnastics, sports and other original activities. The children have fun as they exercise and gain strength, balance, coordination, agility, flexibility and social skills. The most important benefit we offer, however, is the building of confidence and self-esteem. A child who feels good about him/herself has a jumpstart on the path to becoming a healthy, well-adjusted young adult.
4 Month – 3.5 Year old Class Monday May 5, 2 – 2:45pm
Pre-K Class 3.5 – 5 Year Olds Monday May 19, 2 -2:45pm
Healthy Little Cooks
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 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.
May 5th 10 – 11:30 a.m.
May 12th 10 – 11:30 a.m.
May 19th 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Child and Caregiver Yoga and Morning of Wellness
Come and enjoy a gentle yoga practice to share with your little loved one. This is the perfect space to build community while engaging with your child. You will learn stretches, how to use age appropriate props, and enjoy some quiet music during class. This class is appropriate for all caregivers including beginners and their children 1 – 4 years old. Breakfast will be provided and each family will take home yoga essentials for parents and children.
9830 Patuxent Woods Drive Columbia, MD 21046 (NOT the Family Support Center)
Monday May 5th 11:30am – 12:30pm
Positive Parenting Series
Parenting is both amazing and amazingly challenging. How do we help our kids grow into their best selves? Learn about Positive Discipline approaches which provide parents with real tools and concrete understandings to enhance parenting practices. Join this 6-week group to learn how to gain cooperation from your kids, how to increase your connection with them, how to keep your cool, and how to set limits without fueling power struggles, and much, much more. Join Lisa Krausz, M.S. Ed, from MAP Wisdom, for this transformative class with parents just like you who want their kids to grow into responsible, caring, and achieving adults.
Wednesdays May 7th – June 11th 10 – 11:30am
Resume Writing Workshop
Build Your Path to Success: Join us for a workshop to help families create and update resumes for job success! Learn practical tips on current job market trends and best practices to highlight relevant skills, knowledge, and education. Attendees can sign up for a free one-on-one resume session with an expert (7 appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis).
In – person session: Tuesday, May 13, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Family Support Center
Virtual session: Thursday, May 15, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
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
Family Fun Night
Get ready for an evening of laughter, play, and family bonding! Join us for Family Fun Night at the Family Support Center, where we’ll have carnival-style games specially designed for children ages 0–5. Enjoy a variety of outdoor games, win fun prizes, and share a delicious dinner with other families in the community. It’s a perfect way to spend quality time together, make new friends, and create joyful memories!
Friday, May 16, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Field Trip to B&O Railroad Museum
We are taking a trip to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore! In this program, students will learn about many different types of freight cars used on the railroad. Using America’s favorite fruit, the banana, students will explore how the banana is transported from the field to their table. We will listen to an interactive Storytime and will have the opportunity to explore the museum.
Tuesday May 20, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Job Interview Skills Workshop
Get ready to shine in your next job interview! In this hands-on workshop, we’ll cover the essentials of interview success—starting with a review of resumes, followed by a breakdown of key interviewing fundamentals, including how to confidently answer common questions and present your strengths. To wrap it up, we’ll put it all into practice with mock interviews to help you build confidence and get comfortable in a supportive environment. Whether you’re new to the job market or just need a refresher, this workshop is designed to help you feel prepared and empowered.
Monday, May 19, 5:30 – 7pm
Picky Eating: Turning Mealtime Struggles into Healthy Habits
Tired of mealtime battles and picky eating stress? Join us for this practical and supportive workshop led by a board-certified pediatrician. Learn why picky eating happens, how to create positive food experiences, and simple strategies to encourage healthy eating without the power struggles. You'll walk away with expert tips and real-life solutions to make mealtimes more enjoyable—for both you and your child!
Tuesday May 6, 6 p.m. Virtual Workshop
Tuesday May 27, 2-3pm In person at FSC
Upcoming Events
Monthly Calendars
April 2025
April 2025 Calendar (English)
April 2025 Calendar (Spanish Version)
March 2025
February 2025
January 2025
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
