Important Links
Local Resources
Below you will find a list of local organizations providing information and services to children and their families. These are by no means the only resources out there. However, they will make excellent starting points as you begin your search. For additional information, you can also visit our page of general resources.
Family Resource Center
In addition to maintaining a calendar of local parenting and family events, the center has a lending library for parents and a telephone answer/referral service, among many other services. It is sponsored by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
Anne Arundel County Department of Health—“Learn to Live” program
The “Learn to Live” program focuses on all aspects of healthy living, emphasizing such topics as healthy eating, smoking cessation and prevention, and sun safety. There are resources for parents, as well as activities for children and teens.
Anne Arundel County Public Libraries—Kids page
This site contains links to Web sites about reading, as well as other fun-yet-educational sites for children of all ages. They also have a "Kids' Library," which organizes topics in easy-to-understand and kid-friendly categories (“spooky things,” anyone?), with pictures as well as text. In addition, they have compiled lists of kids' pages from all Maryland libraries, and a recommended list of parenting sites.
YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
The YWCA offers a variety of programs for parents and families. These include workshops and support groups for parents going through divorce, grandparents and other relatives providing care for children, and parents of young children. They also offer other classes and workshops aimed at adults who are not necessarily parents.
Tot's Line for Anne Arundel County
The Tot's Line is a nonprofit agency which provides a toll-free number that parents and caregivers can call to get free information, advice, and referrals. They also provide programs and workshops on a variety of topics.
The Family Tree
The Family Tree is Maryland’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to improving our community by providing families with proven solutions to prevent child abuse and neglect. They provide family education programs, serve as a resource for parents and caregivers, and work with other local agencies to create more comprehensive community services.
Learning Disabilities Association of Maryland, Inc.
The LDA promotes awareness of and provides support services to individuals with disabilities and their families. They provide workshops, sponsor support groups, and recommend resources for further information.
The Arc of Anne Arundel County
The Arc provides direct care and support to people with mental retardation/developmental disabilities and their families. Services include family support services, community education, respite care, advocacy, and community living programs. They also work with the local chapter of PODS (Parents of Children with Down Syndrome).
Parents’ Place of Maryland
Information for parents of children with disabilities. They offer a wide variety of workshops on topics such as behavior management at home, understanding psychological and educational test information, and navigating the special education system in the public schools.
Gifted and Talented Association of Anne Arundel County
The GTA is dedicated to raising awareness of and advocating for the rights of gifted and talented students in Anne Arundel County, including those in undeserved populations such as ESOL, learning disabled, and Title I. They serve as a grassroots organization to encourage parents to become advocates for their children's education. They can be reached at GTAAAC@comcast.net
Anne Arundel County of the Autism Society of America
The mission of this organization is to serve as a resource for residents of Anne Arundel County with autism spectrum disorders and their families through education, advocacy, and public awareness activities, and by serving as a liaison to the Autism Society of America.
Chesapeake Family Magazine
This is a free parenting magazine distributed in Anne Arundel and Calvert counties. Their Web resources include a calendar of local events as well as directories of schools, camps, day cares, and other services.

Last Updated: Jul 30 2007 10:03AM