MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Provides information helpful to parents of children living in the state of Maryland including an explanation of the governing laws, highlights on topics in the news that may be of interest to families, resources that may be helpful, as well as a directory containing contact information for each of the school districts and related programs in the state. http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/Pages/default.aspx

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY MARYLAND
Provides information and resources for families living in Anne Arundel County (WIC Nutrition, Healthy Babies, Product Recalls, Immunizations, Medical Assistance for Families/MCHP etc.).

3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410)222-4792
www.aahealth.org

THE PARENT’S PLACE OF MARYLAND
A non-profit organization that provides information to families of children with disabilities and special health care needs.
(410)768-9100
www.ppmd.org

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF RECREATIONS & PARKS
Provides opportunities for several recreational activities including adaptive camps, swimming lessons, childcare, etc.
(410)222-7313 ext. 3554
http://www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/   

MARYLAND FAMILY NETWORK: LOCATE
An organization that works with families and childcare providers to expand early childhood education and help locate childcare for all children.
(410)659-7701
www.mdchildcare.org

Available on the website is also Locate: Child Care-Special Needs Enhanced Service
(800) 999-0120
specialneeds@marylandfamilynetwork.org

THE COORDINATING CENTER
An organization that helps families with the case management and care coordination for children with special needs such as The Model Waiver, REM(Rare and Expensive Case Management), Living at Home Waiver Program, Autism Waiver.
8258 Veterans Highway
Suite 13
Millersville, MD 21108
(410)987-1048
www.coordinatingcenter.org

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM (EFMP)
Provides an array of services to assist military families of children with special needs including case management, respite care, support groups, recreational events, SNAP meetings.

Ft. Meade: Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP) 830 Chisholm Ave
Ft. Meade, MD 20755
(301)677-9014

Air Force-EFMP Special Needs
Andrews Air Force Base: (240) 857-8148
Family Support: (301) 981-8077

ZERO TO THREE
A National organization that trains, informs, and supports professionals, policy makers, and parents in order to improve the lives of infants and toddlers across the country. Website includes podcasts as well as handouts with suggestions covering an array of topics such as school readiness, developmental milestones (available in English and Spanish), sleep and nutrition issues, and mental health.
(202)638-1144
www.zerotothree.org

SPECIAL OLYMPICS-MD-ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Provides physical activity opportunities to children and adults with special needs/disabilities, including a program for “Young Athletes” for children ages 2-7.
3701 Commerce Drive
Suite 103
Baltimore, MD 21227
(410)242-1515
www.somd.org  

DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY RESOURCES (DDR)
National organization that provides information about developmental delays on the website including information about current research, nutrition, and upcoming workshops on a variety of topics. 150 Maple Heights Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412)450-0373
www.devdelay.org

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
The county offers a variety of services for adults, teens, and young children at locations throughout the county. Assistance for adults include English classes for 2nd language learners, computer and job assistance (ex. writing resumes, interviews), as well as book clubs. The library loans books, DVD’s, CD’s, and books on CD. In addition, the library now has an eLibrary with opportunities to sign out books on an eReader or iDevice. Programs for young children (ex. Babies in Bloom) include story hours, craft activities, and other seasonal events. Go to the website to see specific hours and locations.
www.aacpl.net 

JUDY CENTER @ Hilltop School
The Judy Center provides family support services (parenting workshops, library of parent resources, and play & learn groups for Parents, Infants, and Toddlers, etc.), service coordination (assistance to identify and access educational, medical, and social service needs), and adult literacy (GED classes, etc).
415 Melrose Avenue
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Phone: 410-562-1606
Fax: 410-222-6458

THE ARC
National organization but has a statewide advocacy assisting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Maryland Office:
49 Old Solomons Island Road, Suite 205
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410)571-9320
www.thearcmd.org 

The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region
931 Spa Road
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-269-1883
443-557-0194 (Glen Burnie Office)
410-269-0091 Fax
www.thearcccr.org 

V-LINC: LEARNING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY (LINC) AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MEDICAL ENGINEERING (VME)
A nonprofit organization that helps build independence through technology with the help of volunteers. Assistive technology consults and assessments are available. Members are able to loan equipment before they purchase. “What I Wish for My Child” Campaign is a program that helps parents dreams for their children come true.
2301 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218 (410)554-9134
www.v-linc.org 

AT:LAST, INC. MARYLAND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY COOPERATIVE
A non-profit organization that provides discounted training, AT consults and assessment, resources, and purchases of AT equipment, software, and accessories to schools, agencies, organizations, and families.
7050 Oakland Mills Rd.
Suite 160
Columbia, MD 21046
(410)381-2667

THE MARYLAND SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
The Maryland School for the Blind is a private resource center offering outreach, school, and residential programs for children in the state from infancy through the age of 21 who are blind or visually impaired.
3501 Taylor Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21236
(410)444-5000
www.mdschblind.org 

THE MARYLAND SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
A bilingual community that provides education and support to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. Early Childhood Division can provide services, free of charge, to children ages birth-4 years including home visits, support for auditory learning, infant play group, toddler classes, preschool classes, and parent groups. American Sign Language Classes and Speech Therapy Services are available.
Columbia Campus
PO Box 894
8169 Old Montgomery Road
Columbia, MD 21044
(410)480-4500
www.msd.edu

THE PARENTING CENTER AT ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The Parenting Center provides courses, public service programs, conferences, and instructional materials about parenting and family life to those in the community. AACC’s parenting and child care training courses meet the Maryland Child Care Credential requirements established by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012
(410)777-2159
http://www.aacc.edu/programs-and-courses/personal-enrichment/parenting-and-family-life/ 

2-1-1 Maryland
2-1-1 Maryland connects you to health and human service resources in your community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 180 languages. This website is focused on helping families in the entire state of Maryland, not just Anne Arundel County, by connecting families to available resources.
www.211md.org 

Office for Genetics and Children with Special Health Care Needs
Resource Hotline aimed to assist families with children that have special health care needs. Hotline is able to help families that speak English as well as non-English speaking families (Ex. Financial Assistance, Medical Services, Respite, Recreation, Mental Health, Dental Care, etc.).
Children’s Resources: Parent Coordinator
(800)638-8864

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
A division of Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services aims to assist county residents in achieving independence, strengthen families, and protect vulnerable children and adults. Services include: public assistance (temporary cash assistance, medicaid/medical assistance, supplemental food assistance); Child Protection Services; Adult Protection Services; Family Preservation Services; Emergency Assistance; Homeless Services, etc. www.dhr.state.md.us

Family Support Center
80 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401

Interagency Family Preservation Services
Heritage Office Complex
2666 Riva Road, 3rd floor
Annapolis, MD 21410
(410)897-3914

Child and Adult Services Screening, Glen Burnie
(410)421-8400

Online DSS Services (information and applications)
http://dhr.maryland.gov/local-offices/anne-arundel-county/ 

BEST (Behavioral Emotional Support & Training) Program
Program that provides support and training to licensed and registered childcare providers and families with children exhibiting challenging behaviors at home or in a child care setting. BEST is sponsored by the Local Management Board.

Anne Arundel Community College TEACH Institute
(410) 777-2915

Champs Program-Anne Arundel County
This program is the part of the Local Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) Consultation Project serving Anne Arundel County. The purpose is to help children remain in stable, quality child care arrangements by providing services to parents and child care providers free of charge. Services may include social/emotional assessments of a child in the child care environment, providing coaching and training to create an environment that better supports the social and emotional needs of young children, and to help children with behavioral or mental health needs remain in daycare settings.

(410) 222-1715 ext. 1286

Community Activities for Young Children Near Anne Arundel County

**Not all children are eligible for Part C services, but children may benefit from having opportunities to practice skills in a community setting. For that reason, this list of community-based resources for children 0-5 years of age is included to be helpful for families living in Anne Arundel County. It is not inclusive of all programs available and these programs are not endorsed or affiliated with AACPS**

ROLLY POLLIES
Franchised business that targets child development through classes focused on learning through movement, music, and art. Classes offered to children from 6 months-6 years. See the website for more information. There are currently 2 nearby locations in Maryland. **Children who receive special education services in Anne Arundel County Infants and Toddlers Program (ITP), Child Find, Early Childhood Identification Program (ECI), and Community Based Services (CBS) can receive discounted open gym fees at specific times each week (see ** below).

www.rollypolliesmaryland.com

Severna Park
476D Ritchie Hwy
Severna Park, MD 21146
410.544.9002
**Monday 6:15-7:00 pm

Crofton
1612 Professional Blvd, STEVE C
Crofton, MD 21114
410.721.3780
**Wednesday 5:15-6:00 pm

GYMBOREE
Gymboree offers 4 different types of classes (Play & Learn, Music, Art, and Sports) for children ages 0-5 years. Classes are designed to foster cognitive, physical, and social skills through play. Parent participation is encouraged.

Millersville
8424 Veteran's Highway
Suite 11
Millersville, MD 21108
(410) 987-7746
Mvillemd@gymboreeclasses.com

Columbia Business Center
6470 Dobbin Road, Suite A
Columbia, MD 21045
730-4410
columbiamd@gymboreeclasses.com 
 

MY GYM
Business that promotes developing social skills, self-esteem, and motor skills through games, songs, dancing, tumbling, music, and more. Several different classes are offered including: parent participation gym classes (5 age groups: 6 weeks- 6 months; 7-13 months; 14-22 months; 23 months - 30 months; 2 1/2 - 3 1/4 years), My Gym art classes (learn, create, & explore), as well as additional classes geared for older children.
www.my-gym.com 

Annapolis location
302 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Suite G
Annapolis, MD 21401
573-9899

Crofton location
1119 State Route 3 North #205
Gambrills, MD 21054
(410) 774-5424

Columbia location
6904-C Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 290-7008

Kids First Swim Schools
Swimming lessons offered year round to teach children to be safe and proficient in the water. They offer a Mommy & Me class for infants/toddlers to use natural instincts to develop primary skills such as buoyancy, propulsion, and breath control. Personal instruction (private or semi-private) begins as early as 2 years of age. Small group lessons begin for children 3 1/2 years of age and above.

www.kidsfirstswimschools.com

Severna Park
470 D Ritchie Highway
Severna Park, MD 21146
384-SWIM

Columbia East
Columbia East Marketplace
7351 Assateague Drive-Suite 394
Jessup, MD 20794
755-0111

Bowie
Hilltop Shopping Center
6836 B Race Track Road
Bowie, MD 20715
(301) 262-7946

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Offers a variety of creative classes for children including: Art for Children ages 2-7, Artstart Program: Artstart (ages 18 months-7 years) Artstart Program: Kindermusik (Ages birth-3 years).

801 Chase Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 263-5544

PLAYGROUNDS (This is not inclusive list, but here are a few that are designed to meet the needs of young children as well as children with special needs.)

LAKE WATERFORD PARK (free)
“Boundless” playground that includes 2 adaptive swings and has ramps and playground equipment that is well-suited for toddlers and pre-school aged children of all motor-skill levels. It is located within Lake Waterford Park (Pasadena Road and B& A Blvd) and is open from 7 am until dusk. The park is run by Anne Arundel County.

830 Pasadena Road
Pasadena, MD 21122

KINDER FARM PARK
(Yearly Permit or Vehicle Fee; *free for military families or veterans) Park is open 7am-dusk. It includes a large playground for children of all ages. There is a 2.9 mile paved trail. In addition, there are live farm animals (chickens, turkeys, geese, cows, pig, goats, and sheep) cared for by the Kinder Farm Park 4-H Livestock Club.

1001 Kinder Farm Park Road
Millersville, MD 21108
222-6115

FT. MEADE BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUND
Inclusive playground for children and adults of all abilities to learn and play together. Features include a ramped wheelchair access, elevated sand tables, and activities for hearing and visually impaired.

Located on McKay street off Lyewellyn