The core goal for all IECC members is to foster the successful growth and wellness of families and young children in Frederick County, which includes all definitions of caregivers.
Oftentimes, families may find themselves caring for a child who isn’t related to them biologically. Many caregivers are grandparents, extended relatives, kinship care providers, foster and adoptive parents, or represent some other definition of a family.
As a caregiver, we know that being able to provide a safe, secure environment for a child to grow takes a lot of effort and work, but it can also be infinitely rewarding. As you navigate challenges, it’s important to know that there are many other caregivers facing similar challenges and asking the same questions you are. The IECC exists to provide you with resources and helpful information so that you can feel confident providing for your child.
We want you to know that you are not alone; our goal is to help lift some of the weight off your shoulders and connect you with our community, allowing you to focus on being the caregiver your child needs and the one you want to be.
Caregivers are the most important person in a child’s life. Even before children go to school or interact with the community, you are the one they learn from everyday. Everything you do together can be a learning experience, which helps them build strong brain architecture and skills for life.
Learn more about the science of brain architecture here.
For parents and caregivers in Frederick County, there are many different ways to get the support and assistance you need to help raise children and strengthen their development.
The IECC looks for ways to advocate for caregivers on all levels, including getting involved with government agencies and policy makers to ensure there is support from those who create systemic changes in our community. Below you will find a list of different resources, agencies, services, and providers for different needs you may have.
Support Right from the Start
Kids and Parents Together
How Children Grow
- Child Development Advice And Parenting Help For Parents (childdevelopmentinfo.com)
- Free Materials about Child Development | CDC
For Children on a Different Development Path
- Infants and Toddlers Program
- Partnerships for Emotionally Resilient kids (PERKS)
- Special Education (FCPS)
Build Brains & Boost Hearts
- Vroom.org | Boost your child's learning with Vroom's fast and fun tips
- Active Family Engagement | ReadyRosie
- All About Big Heart World - Big Heart
- Positive Parenting Tips | CDC
- Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP)
Find & Pay for Child Care
Nutrition & Food
Income Assistance & Shelter
- Temporary Cash Assistance
- Frederick County DSS and Office of Child Support
- The Religious Coalition Family Shelter
School Enrollment
More support and resources are available at Frederick County | 211 Maryland (211md.org)
Below is a list of fun activities that parents and caregivers can do with their children to create strong bonds and foundations for healthy brain development and school readiness.
ReadyRosie
ReadyRosie is an early education tool that helps families, schools, and communities through videos, family workshops, and mobile technology. ReadyRosie is an evidence-informed, research-based family engagement and early learning resource.
It is available at no-cost to Frederick County residents. Simply enter your zip code when prompted during sign up. Learn more at https://www.readyrosie.com/
Vroom
Vroom provides tools and tips to help create a bright future for children. Find no-cost, science-based resources and activities that give children a strong foundation for lifelong learning in their first five years. Learn more at https://www.vroom.org
The Basics Boston
Get a variety of ideas and resources to support you in giving your infant, toddler, or preschooler a great start in life. You can have science-based facts and activity ideas sent to your phone twice a week, personalized to your child’s age, to help you make the most of your time together. Learn more at https://thebasicsboston.org/welcome/
Frederick County Services
Our community offers many different programs, classes, no-cost activities, and plenty of family-friendly fun. There are always new events happening around the County; visit the websites below to get started:
- The City of Frederick Parks & Recreation
- Frederick County Parks & Recreation
- Frederick County Public Library
Strong Families Video
Watch our Serve & Return videos for Strong Families.
Ready at Five
Get data-driven school readiness research on this website that supports statewide efforts to invest in early childhood education. You can find fun activities to do with your child as well as gather helpful resources. Learn more here: https://www.readyatfive.org/