Healthy Families Howard County™ and Parents as Teachers® are free home-visiting programs for families to receive information on child development; engage in educational activities with your child; and offer you community resources. Program goals include promoting positive parent-child relationships, provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, and increase school readiness and family self-sufficiency. Participants are also invited to attend group events and meet families from around the community. Families participate in an initial screening process to determine eligibility. Eligible families are welcomed into programs prenatally through age 5.
For more information or to make a referral, please call 410-313-1940 or email children@howardcountymd.gov
Home Visiting FAQs
What are Parents As Teachers and Healthy Families Howard County?
Parents as Teachers and Healthy Families Howard County are evidence-based home visiting programs serving parents and their children prenatal through 5 years old. Our home visiting programs support parents and caregivers to positively guide children’s development while preparing children for school.
What does it cost?
Our home visiting programs are completely FREE and participation is VOLUNTARY.
How does the program work?
Home visits with families are facilitated in order for caregivers to learn more about child development and positive parenting practices.
Home visitors will routinely conduct developmental screenings for children to help parents and caregivers support children’s growth and development, in addition to other screenings and assessments..
Group connections are held to provide opportunities for parents to share information, learn from and support each other.
Parents and caregivers will be connected to resources to meet their needs, and access to other community resources and services.
Who will be coming to my home?
A certified home visitor will facilitate the home visit. Home visitors are certified by the National Parents as Teachers Center or Healthy Families America. They are employed by Howard County Office of Children and Families. The Home Visitors are bachelor’s level professionals with experience in child development and community resources.
How often will a Home Visitor meet with my family?
Home visit frequency is determined based upon the need of the family during the screening and intake process. Families can expect frequent and regular contact from a home visitor.
How can I enroll my family?
To enroll or learn more please call 410-313-1940