RecZone Program Offers Virtual Learning Assistance For HoCo Kids

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Families who are struggling to accommodate their students' virtual learning while working full-time can utilize the county's newly unveiled "RecZone" program, which will be operated by the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. The program will be open to kindergartners through fifth graders. They will receive support for virtual learning assignments, work sessions and will enjoy crafts, physical activities and games. The program will start Sept. 8 at select schools across Howard County.

“Safe, accessible childcare is an urgent need as more residents return to work and as our schools remain virtual for the fall,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. “Our department of recreation and park's partnership with the Howard County Public School System will provide safe programming to meet the needs of Howard County families."

RecZone childcare 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. – 3 p.m. ($259 per week). Financial assistance will be available to those who qualify. The program is licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of Childcare.

“As many parents return to the workplace, RecZone will provide flexible, safe childcare options for families,” said recreation and parks director Raul Delerme. “In the past, parents have relied on us for reliable before and aftercare programs offered through our recreational licensed childcare and community services division. RecZone will give families the opportunity to enroll in an engaging recreation-based program as they navigate these unique times we are experiencing.”

Registration will open Friday at 8 a.m. for Howard County families interested in childcare for the month of September. Registration will open Aug. 21 at 8 a.m. for October through January. Due to coronavirus 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 is working with county officials 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

For information about how to register, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap.