Children of all ages deserve to be in classrooms that nurture their cognitive, social, and emotional growth. United Way of Central Maryland’s Family Center in Columbia, nestled in the heart of Howard County at 7115 Columbia Gateway Drive, meets that need.
The Center, which opened in 2022, offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where children interact with each other and licensed professionals in classrooms filled with natural light. Spacious indoor and outdoor play areas encourage creativity and exploration, creating an ideal environment for children ages 0 to pre-K to learn, grow, and thrive!
Not all children have access to such environments. Currently, high-quality childcare and early childhood education are too expensive and hard to find for many families. According to the latest Maryland United Way ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report®, Howard County families with two children pay an average of $26,000 annually for childcare.
Many parents who can cover the expense can’t find a spot. The Maryland Family Network reports that licensed providers lack spaces for more than 50,000 children who potentially need care. When parents can’t find or afford adequate childcare, they might miss work, be fired, or leave the workforce entirely.
The Family Center in Columbia, one of three operated by United Way, alleviates many of these challenges. At its core, all the Family Centers feature caring, trained, and licensed staff; a high-quality curriculum; and a play-based learning approach. Using Frog Street and Healthy Beginnings Curricula, staff foster environments that engage children in hands-on, interactive learning.
The lessons come at a critical time. Between birth and age three, children create a staggering 1,000 trillion brain connections, laying a foundation for lifelong learning. Studies show that children who receive early childhood education are more likely to graduate high school, complete a bachelor’s degree, and achieve higher lifelong earnings.
“I see growth in my eldest daughter. She comes home and it’s clear she’s learning new words and new things every day,” said one parent.
Beyond education, the Family Center in Columbia has a holistic approach to supporting children and their families. Fees include nutritious meals and snacks, including Similac formula and Gerber Stage 1 and 2 baby food for infants. Families can also take advantage of free services, such as health and human service referrals, financial literacy classes, career support, and counseling for individuals and families.
Best of all, the curriculum, high-quality care, and beautiful, convenient facilities come at an affordable rate. The Center is committed to ensuring parents avoid difficult choices due to the cost of childcare. Parents can use Maryland State Child Care Scholarships (formerly Child Care Subsidies) and those who are eligible can qualify for reduced rates.
United Way’s Family Centers are just one way the organization provides what’s needed, where it’s needed to strengthen lives and communities.
To learn more visit uwcm.org/ColumbiaFamilyCenter or call 667-351-5160 or fill out an inquiry format uwcm.org/ColumbiaInquiry. To support the Family Center’s goals to strengthen children, parents, and our local economy, please consider donating to United Way’s Innovation Fund