Parenting
Opportunities & Challenges
Being a parent is exciting and full of joyful opportunities. It can also be challenging! And, of course, children don’t come with instructions. While we do not have all the answers, we can assist you and help make the challenging times a little easier.
As your child’s needs change with age, use this website and information in the resources to help you care for your child.
Parenting
Healthy Beginnings
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Division of Early Childhood (DEC) supports the healthy growth and development of children in Maryland throughout their early years, from the prenatal period through age 8.
The Healthy Beginnings calendar is full of helpful information and resources for new parents, including information about developmental milestones, as well as programs and services that support both parents and their young children.
Parenting Articles
-
Build a Support System to Give Your Children What They Need
Life happens fast, and with young children, it’s common to have a busy schedule. It is often difficult to find time for oneself. Building a good support system this year can help you manage your life, care for yourself, and give your children what they need. A support system includes…
-
Is it open?
Holiday, severe weather, and emergency closing policies vary from one child care program to the next. Quality child care programs have written policies and procedures that explain how the program handles different types of closings. Be sure you are able to see which days the program…
-
Play, Baby, Play
Again. Again! Again!!! Babies and toddlers love, love, love their playtime. And they very often love to engage in the very same kind of play – time and again. This can be fun for you… but sad to say, it can also easily turn into a boring routine. After all,…
Resources
- MarylandFamiliesEngage.org – A MSDE site packed with activities and resources for parents and child care providers.
- Money4ChildCare.com – The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy) Program provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland.
- Fatherhood.gov – A site for fathers looking for tips, hints, and even deals for dads and kids.
- ChildWelfare.gov – promotes the safety, permanency, and well-being of children, youth, and families by connecting child welfare, adoption, and related professionals as well as the public to information, resources, and tools covering topics on child welfare, child abuse and neglect, out-of-home care, adoption, and more.
- CDC.gov – the nation’s health protection agency, working 24/7 to protect America from health and safety threats, both foreign and domestic. CDC increases the health security of our nation.
Maryland Messenger
Our monthly e-newsletter provides parenting and child development information for parents and caregivers of Maryland’s youngest learners.
2022 Editions: January
2021 Editions: February March April May June July August September October November December
Ediciones en español: febrero septiembre octubre noviembre diciembre enero 2022
