Teen Parenting Childcare and Outreach Programs
HCPSS is committed to supporting all students by providing them with programs and resources that address their specific needs and circumstances. To support its pregnant students and teen parents as outlined in Board of Education Policy 9100 Educational Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Students, HCPSS offers two distinct programs — Teen Parenting Childcare and Outreach — described below. While the structure of these programs differs, both aim to deliver on HCPSS’ mission of ensuring the academic success and social-emotional well-being of all students.
Read about how the HCPSS Teen Parenting Program has helped students succeed.
Teen Parenting Childcare Program
The Teen Parenting Childcare program, located at Wilde Lake High School, enables teen parents to participate in a comprehensive high school course of studies, receive counseling and case management that supports academic and behavioral improvements, and obtain child care and transportation at no cost to the student. The child care program has the capacity for up to 12 children between the ages of 8 weeks and 3 years old.
Participating students receive:
- Transportation to and from WLHS for themselves and their child
- Childcare provided by licensed childcare providers, located within the WLHS building
- Access to a teen parenting class, featuring lessons on child safety and development, time management, budgeting, and other important life skills
- Opportunities to interact with and get support from trained staff, community partners, as well as fellow program participants
Infants/Toddlers receive:
- 3:1 child/teacher ratio
- Care during regular WLHS hours
- Diapers and wipes
- Enrichment activities, such as stories being read by volunteers from the Howard County Library System
- Early intervention services as needed
Eligibility
This program is open to enrolled students at all 12 HCPSS high schools and the Homewood Center. Students must be their child’s primary caregiver to qualify for enrollment.
The Application Process
Applications are accepted year-round. To apply:
- Contact the counselor at your home school and alert them to your interest in the program.
- The counselor will fill out an application, which will be submitted to the Teen Parenting Admissions Committee.
- The Admissions Committee will review the application and organize a meeting with the student, the student’s parent/guardian, WLHS staff, and staff from the student’s home school to determine if the program is appropriate. (Note: School staff in attendance may include school counselors, Pupil Personnel Workers, administrators, and special education staff.)
Outreach Program
The Outreach Program provides academic and social support for pregnant teens, and for parenting teens who have other options for child care and choose to remain in their home schools after the birth of their child. Some of the supports offered include referrals to community resources, prenatal and/or parenting education, and monitoring of students grades and attendance.
Eligibility
Any pregnant or parenting HCPSS student is eligible for the Outreach Program. Students can contact their school counselor or school nurse in order to access additional services.
Contact
- Consuela Robinson, Coordinator of Social Work Services, 410-313-7030
- Kazandra Anderson, School Social Worker, 410-313-7449
- Claire Mathews, Childcare Specialist, 410-313-6965