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.
- February 10th - Healthy Heart Snacks
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
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. 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.
Monday February 3rd 11am – 12pm
Toddler Sleep Caregiver Class
Do you want to know how to help your child sleep better? Attend this 1.5 Hour Class for caregivers of children 15 months and older to learn more about sleep with a large emphasis on Q&A! Childcare will be provided and Dinner will be provided. Wednesday February 5th 5:30 – 7:00pm
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!
Thursday February 20th 11am – 12pm
Tuesday February 25th 11 – 12pm
It’s Ok Not to be Ok: Mental Health Workshop
Are you feeling stressed as a parent? It's okay to not feel okay. Join us for an evening workshop and dinner where you'll hear practical tips on realistic parenting. This workshop is designed to provide support and guidance, focusing on managing the challenges of parenting while balancing your own well-being. You'll hear from an expert who will offer valuable marital and parenting advice, as well as stress management techniques to help you navigate the ups and downs of family life. Take this opportunity to connect with other parents, gain practical insights, and leave feeling refreshed, equipped, and empowered.
Thursday February 6th 6:00 – 7:30pm
Valentine’s Day Celebration
Join us for a heartwarming Valentine’s Day celebration at the FSC! Listen to a charming story, make your own Valentine’s cards, enjoy a tasty snack, and take home a lovely flower to remember the day. It’s the perfect way to celebrate love and creativity! Wednesday February 12th 9:30 – 10:30am
Intergenerational Family Game at the Elkridge 50+ Center
Bring your family and come play a variety of games ranging from Candy Land, bean bag toss, Don’t Break the Ice, and many more. Games are a great way for families to engage with their children while children learn social skills and practice fine motor skills* Games will be geared towards children 2- 5 years old. Siblings and Grandparents are welcome to attend. Pizza will be provided. Wednesday February 19th 5 – 7pm
Black History Month Heroes Storytime
Celebrate Black History Month with a fun and enriching experience! Join us for an engaging story time about inspiring African American heroes, followed by an art project to express your creativity. Enjoy music from legendary African American artists as you immerse yourself in the culture and celebration. It’s a morning of learning, art, and appreciation you won’t want to miss! Monday February 24th 10:30 – 11:30am
Father’s Forward: The Power of a Father’s Words:
: is an engaging workshop designed to help fathers of young children (ages 0-5) harness the impact of their words in building strong, positive relationships. Participants will explore how communication shapes their child’s emotional development, self-esteem, and future success. Join us to discover practical strategies and meaningful ways to use your voice to nurture, encourage, and inspire your child’s growth. Wednesday February 26th 5:30 – 7:00pm
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
