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Launch Into Learning

An early learning and school readiness campaign

Howard County Government and the Howard County School System

Launch Into Learning is a campaign supported by the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council (HCECAC). The goal of HCECAC is to highlight the importance of the early years, for parents and families in particular, but also for early care and education professionals, and other community stakeholders.

Launch Into Learning supports early learning and school readiness through initiatives such as Talk With Me, The Basics Howard County, and Read With Me.

Learn more about the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council (HCECAC) →

Childcare provider? Learn more about resources for Child Care Providers.

Logo: Launch Into Learning

Talk With Me

Talk with me logo

Your baby’s brain grows with every interaction you have together.

From the earliest moments when you repeat your baby’s sounds back to her or tell him how much he is loved, your baby is making important connections. Children who have parents talking with them are put on a path towards better development.

We know that babies communicate for a reason. We know that responding to your baby’s cries, needs, and preferences in a positive way teaches your baby to communicate. We also know that having a rich interactive relationship with your child lays a foundation for good mental health. Whether you speak in English, or in your heritage language, or in a combination of languages, all languages help your child to develop.

As you change your tone of voice and adjust your touch to soothe, stimulate, and hold your baby’s attention, you begin a conversation that prepares your baby for lifelong learning.

Learn more about Talk With Me 

The Basics Howard County

The Basics Howard County logo

The Basics are five, fun, simple, and powerful ways that every family can give every child a strong start beginning from birth. They encompass most of what experts say is important for development during the first few years. The Basics are free; they don’t require fancy toys; and they don’t take any extra time. It’s about how families use the time they are already spending with their children during everyday routines.

The Basics’ mission is for ALL parents and caregivers to have access to this information to bolster brain development for social-emotional and cognitive skill building among children ages 0-to-3. With this information, parents and caregivers can provide a sturdy foundation for school readiness. A parent/caregiver toolkit, videos, tip sheets and a text messaging service is available for free in English and Spanish.

Learn more about The Basics Howard County 

Read With Me • Howard County

Read with Me Howard County logo

This program launched in 2018 and provides a book per month to families of young children from birth to age 5. The Howard County Public School System, the Bright Minds Foundation and the Howard County Early Childhood Advisory Council (HCECAC) welcome Read With Me • Howard County – an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“As educators, we know that the achievement gap begins at birth,” said HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “In collaboration with Bright Minds and our county partners, Read With Me • Howard County is another support that we are able to provide to families, so students are prepared to thrive upon entering kindergarten.”

“We are thrilled to be the local champion of Read With Me • Howard County because we understand it is the responsibility of the entire community to support the academic achievement of our children,” said Bright Minds Foundation Executive Director Liz Crammond. “Read With Me is a wonderful opportunity for our educational foundation to further align with the school system’s efforts in promoting school readiness.”

Bright Minds Foundation works closely with local community partners and donors to actively fundraise to meet the needs of the community.

Learn more about Read With Me