Howard County launches RecZone Program to help with COVID-19 child care needs

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Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced the launch of a new program, “RecZone,” operated by the Department of Recreation & Parks (HCRP) and designed to help families address childcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is open to students in grades K-5 who will receive support for virtual learning assignments, work sessions, and will enjoy crafts, physical activities, and games. The program will begin on September 8 at select schools throughout Howard County.

RecZone child care will be offered five days a week, excluding school holidays. Parents can choose between two schedules, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ($325 per week) or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($259 per week). Financial assistance will be available to those that qualify. The program is licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of Childcare.

Registration will open Friday at 8 a.m. for Howard County families interested in child care for the month of September. Registration will open Aug. 21 at 8 a.m. for October through January. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and requirements, space is limited. Each group will have a maximum of 15 people, including two staff and 13 children. RecZone plans to have two groups at each location, and more groups may become available later.

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is currently working with HCRP to solidify the following program locations:

• Bellow Springs Elementary School, 8125 Old Stockbridge Road, Ellicott City
• Bollman Bridge Elementary School, 8200 Savage-Guilford Road, Savage
• Bushy Park Elementary School, 14601 Carrs Mill Road, Glenwood
• Clarksville Middle School, 6535 South Trotter Road, Clarksville
• Dayton Oaks Elementary School, 4691 Ten Oaks Road, Dayton
• Deep Run Elementary School, 6925 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge
• Elkridge Elementary School, 7075 Montgomery Road, Elkridge
• Forest Ridge Elementary School, 9550 Gorman Road, Laurel
• Fulton Elementary School, 11600 Scaggsville Road, Fulton
• Hanover Hills Elementary School, 7030 Banbury Drive, Hanover
• Hollifield Station Elementary School, 8701 Stonehouse Drive, Ellicott City
• Ilchester Elementary School, 4981 Ilchester Road, Ellicott City
• Laurel Woods Elementary School, 9250 North Laurel Road, Laurel
• Manor Woods Elementary School, 11575 Frederick Road, Ellicott City
• Veterans Elementary School, 4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City
• Waverly Elementary School, 10220 Wetherburn Road, Ellicott City
  

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