Resources For Children And Families
Together, we can help children thrive! Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or kinship family, 211 can connect you to community supports in times of need.
Whether you need help with the children in your care or with essential needs, let 211 connect you.
You can also find resources by searching for help in our statewide resource database or reading about the available resources for children and families.
Taking care of everyday needs is the first step in building a strong foundation for your family. 211 can help you take that step and connect you to community resources that can help.
Connecting Grown-Ups To What They Need
Choose what you need help with, and we'll quickly connect you to the information and resources you need.
You can also always dial 211 to connect with a caring person who can provide assistance.
Benefit Programs
Find Child Care
Through the LOCATE: Child Care program, the Maryland Family Network connects families to child care providers and financial assistance for those who qualify. It's a free and confidential program.
LOCATE: Child Care can help you find:
- center-based care facilities
- private Kindergarten
- private nursery schools
- Head Start
- special needs services
- school-age and after-school programs
The organization also has Family Resource Specialists who can help you apply for the child care scholarship.
How to connect with LOCATE: Child Care
You can use LOCATE services by:
- Searching for a provider through LOCATE: Child Care
- Calling 1-877-261-0060 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to talk with a Family Resource Specialist about child care servcies and the child care scholarship. If you have a special needs child, call 1-800-999-0120.
- Completing an online intake form and a LOCATE: Child Care referral specialist will call you back within three business days.
Some of these providers may be Head Start facilities, which provide no-cost child care and school readiness programs to families who qualify. The program supports children from birth to age 5.
A child care scholarship may also be available to help offset costs.
Paying for Child Care With A Scholarship
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program helps eligible families pay for child care and early education programs. You may also know it by names such as the Child Care Subsidy, Purchase of Care Voucher or Subsidy Voucher.
It provides a yearly voucher. Families may also be required to pay a co-payment of between $0 and $3 per week or additional fees to cover the child's tuition.
Scholarships are available to eligible families with:
- a child younger than 13 years old, or
- an individual 13-19 years old with a qualifying disability
You can view an eligibility checklist and answer a series of yes and no questions to find out if you qualify for the scholarship. You can also view the latest income guidelines from the Maryland State Department of Education.
Applications are completed through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. You will have to submit documentation. Completed applications are processed within three business days.
Working Parents Assistance (WPA) Program
There may be additional resources available in your county as well. For example, the Working Parents Assistance Program (WPA) is a private-public fund run by volunteers that provides child care subsidies to eligible families in Montgomery County.
The WPA program offers a slightly higher maximum income qualification, enabling more people to qualify for financial support. The Montgomery County Government website details the Working Parents Assistance Program and the eligibility guidelines.
If you're ready to apply, fill out an application for WPA in English or in Spanish.
211 Can Also Help
211 Maryland understands it can be confusing to navigate resources. Our trained resource specialists can also connect you to child care support. You can dial 211 or search the comprehensive resource database. These are some of the top searches.
Child Development
In the earliest stages of life, a child's brain is rapidly developing. While the brains of teens and adolescents are built on the foundation laid in early childhood, they are still under construction during the later years. Each stage lays a foundation and presents an opportunity for the learning and skills that follow. Together, we can promote healthy child development.
Helping Children Develop
In the earliest stages of life, children’s brains are developing rapidly. While teen and adolescent brains are built on the foundation of early childhood, their brain is still under construction during the later years. Each stage lays a foundation for the learning and skills that come next. Each stage presents an opportunity to make a difference in the child's life so they can thrive.
We are committed to helping families. The Maryland Information Network, which powers 211 services in Maryland, is a backbone organization with Maryland Essentials for Childhood. That's a statewide initiative to prevent adverse childhood experiences.
They connect science, policy, and people with:
- Tools for grown-ups like the Brain-Building Toolkit.
- Connecting grown-ups to community support through the resource database we power.
- Advocating for policies that help families.
Ensuring grown-ups are connected to community supports in times of need can help children thrive!
We all play a role in supporting childhood development - it's not just a job for parents and caregivers. Grown-ups throughout the community can make a difference.
Vroom makes learning fun
Vroom is a great tool to help grown-ups make learning fun for children ages 0-5. You can get tips to make learning part of playtime, mealtime, bedtime, and any other time of day.
You don't need special toys or gadgets. You are the most important factor and can help your child's brain develop.
Tracking Milestones
The Maryland Infants and Toddlers program helps parents and caregivers help children reach milestones and developmental goals by breaking down what you can expect at every age. With their milestone chart, you can select your child's age and quickly see the milestones and the red flags to watch for with your child's development.
If your child is not meeting the recommended milestones, you can contact their program to determine if they qualify for services.
Maryland Infants and Toddlers provides developmental screenings and services for birth to 3 years old.
You can learn about the services offered by these programs below.
Early Intervention
If you suspect a developmental delay with speech, walking, eating or something else, talk to your pediatrician.
Early intervention services help children have a better chance of achieving their full potential. The earlier the services begin, the better. More than 68% of children who received early intervention services in Maryland were in general education classes by third grade, according to Maryland Infants and Toddlers.
You can also request a screening starting with children under three years old.
Maryland Infants and Toddlers
If you have questions about your child’s development or suspect a delay in a child under three years old, you can request a free evaluation from the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program.
If the child's delay is greater than 25% in one or more areas, the child demonstrates atypical development or behavior or has a qualifying diagnosed condition, they may be eligible for the free early intervention program.
The early intervention program can provide services for children until three years of age. These may include:
- speech/language services
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
How to request early intervention help
Parents can refer their children to the Maryland Infants & Toddlers early intervention program, or you may be referred by a health or education provider, child care or social service provider or a staff member from the NICU or hospital.
You can request an evaluation by:
- Creating an account with Maryland Infants and Toddlers
- Using your account access to complete a referral
The referral may lead to an evaluation and services for those who qualify.
If you have any questions, you can call your local Infants and Toddlers program, located in counties throughout the state. You may find the office in the Health Department, public school system, Health and Human Services Office or Board of Education.
Parenting & Caregiver Support
Parenting HelpLine:
1-800-243-7377
The Family Tree provides a free and confidential 24-hour parenting helpline in Maryland.
We know all parents want their children to thrive, yet understand it's not always easy. When you need help along the way, the community has your back! It takes all of us working together to raise resilient children.
The Family Tree's 24-hour Parenting Helpline is a free and confidential way to get parent and caregiver support. They provide confidential advice and community resources.
You can also learn about parenting classes, strengthening the parent-child relationship and creating positive childhood experiences on 211's parenting support page.
Kinship Caregiver Support
There are also support programs for caregivers, whether through the kinship program or foster care. If you're caring for someone else's child in your home 24/7, you may be a kinship family and not know it. You may qualify for benefits and support through Maryland's kinship programs.
211 also has a texting program that connects you to resources and support.
Financial Support
Families must have access to essential needs like food, housing, clothing and diapers. These are not just everyday needs; having access to them also helps support a child's healthy development. At 211, we connect families to the essentials, whether that's a food pantry or an assistance program for rent or utility bills.
Check eligibility for programs
Benefits are available from the state for help with food, cash, utility, or medical assistance. my MDTHINK is Maryland’s one-stop gateway to public health and human services. It's now quicker and easier to find what help you can get.
You can check eligibility by answering a few questions about you and the people in your household, income and assets and living expenses.
You can also apply for benefits by creating an account.
Financial Resources For Families
If you need help with other family needs, there are resources available throughout Maryland. Here are some common searches in our statewide resource database:
- Children’s Clothing
- School Clothing
- Diapers
- Formula/Baby Food
- Baby Clothing
- Baby Furniture
- Child Passenger Safety Seats
- School Supplies
Preventing Child Abuse And Neglect
When families are overloaded with stress, the ability to care for children’s needs can break down.
If you see a family who needs support, dial 211. There are programs that can remove some burdens on families.
Child abuse and neglect
When caregivers can’t or don’t attend to children’s physical and emotional needs, the effects can be serious and long-lasting.
When neglect occurs, children miss out on essential building blocks of health and well-being.
When children face harsh physical punishment or other forms of abuse, it can cause a “toxic stress” response that negatively affects a child’s brain, body and behaviors.
We can prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting families to meet children’s needs. Support is available for families and for children who have experienced the adversity of neglect or abuse.
Reporting Potential Mistreatment
We all have a role in making sure that children are safe, free from abuse or neglect.
Watch this video from the Maryland Department of Human Services to learn more about the signs of child abuse and neglect.
CPS PSA Know the signs from DHS Communications on Vimeo.
If you suspect potential child abuse or neglect, you can share your concern with law enforcement or a local social service agency.
To make a report, find the Children’s Protective Services agency near you. Reports can be anonymous.
