Resources for Student Parents and Caregivers

Diverse group of parents with their children.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore offers many resources for students with children and caregivers. If you have any questions or to suggest additional resources, please email ile@umaryland.edu.

This webpage is part of the ongoing effort to improve UMB’s campus climate for students. To learn about the campus climate survey and its findings.

UMB faculty and staff can access more resources from Work Life and Wellness by visiting https://www.umaryland.edu/hrs/benefits/work-life-and-wellness/caregiving/

COVID-19 Resources

Elder Care Resources 

National Resources 

Local Health and Wellness Resources

Best Practices for Caregiving

Find a Caregiver

Elder Abuse & Neglect

Self-Care

Financial Resources

Meal Sites 

Use the links below to help you locate meals distribution sites for school-aged children.

  • Baltimore City Free Food location interactive map website.
  • Baltimore County Free Food location interactive map website.
  • Maryland meals for K-12 students distribution site website.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility website.

Financial Needs 

Downtown Baltimore Childcare Center Scholarship https://dbcckids.org/financial-aid/

University of Maryland, Baltimore students are eligible for a scholarship for services at the Downtown Baltimore Childcare Center.

 

Child Care Scholarship (CSS) Program | https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/child-care-scholarship-program 

CSS provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. Eligible families receive payment vouchers that can be utilized by child care providers. 

For information about applying for emergency funding, visit the Student Emergency Funds webpage.

Contact the student affairs office in your school to explore options that address the full spectrum of your needs.

Contact the Office of University Student Financial Assistance to review your FAFSA to determine if an increase to your cost of attendance is needed to cover your needs as a parent.

Internet Access and Technology 

Check out internet and low-cost computer options:

Fun and Activities 

Here are some fun activities to engage children of all ages:

Additional Resources

Child Care 

Child Care Scholarship (CSS) Program | https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/child-care-scholarship-program 

CSS provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. Eligible families receive payment vouchers that can be utilized by child care providers. 

Aunt Bertha | https://www.auntbertha.com/ 

A search engine that provides results by ZIP code “for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more,” including childcare.

Downtown Baltimore Child Care | dbcckids.org

237 N. Arch St.
410-659-0515

High-quality early education and child care for infants as young as 12 weeks through children in pre-kindergarten (age 4 turning 5 years) is available at Downtown Baltimore Child Care (DBCC), located between Saratoga and Lexington streets directly across from the Saratoga Street Garage. DBCC is accredited by the Maryland Statement Department of Education.

Hours are 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call for full-time monthly rates.

Maryland Family Network | http://www.marylandfamilynetwork.org/

Resources and information regarding child care in Maryland, including voucher information.

On-Campus Resources 

Lactation Center | https://www.umaryland.edu/campuscenter/building-resources/lactation-center/ 
SMC Campus Center, Room 332

UMB supports a mother’s choice to breastfeed her baby while pursuing her graduate or professional degree. There are currently seven Lactation Centers on UMB’s campus. For a list of locations, hours and instructions on how to use the rooms, click here.

To register to use the lactation rooms, click here.

Any nursing mother who is a UMB affiliate (faculty, staff, student, or their breastfeeding spouse/domestic partner) can use this service offered by the Wellness Hub.

Summer U Camp | https://www.umaryland.edu/summeru/

The camp curriculum has been crafted to offer a wide variety of programs that meet the interests, abilities, and needs of students. Camp activities invite participants to enjoy all that the University has to offer. All activities are interactive and led by staff members who are enthusiastic, energetic, and fun to be around. Each camper’s day will be filled with a variety of age-appropriate sports, games, arts and crafts, and educational activities that will keep your camper active and engaged.

The Wellness Hub | https://www.umaryland.edu/wellness

The Wellness Hub supports UMB students in pursuing self-awareness, professional and personal development, and academic-life balance through a variety of interdisciplinary workshops and lectures at the SMC Campus Center. Our mission is to assist students in achieving a state of academic-life balance within the dimensions of physical, emotional, social, cultural, ethical, intellectual, environmental, and financial wellness. Since 2010, the Wellness Hub has supported more than 150 programs and several one-on-one services for the UMB student community, especially by tailoring our programs and services to meet the unique needs of graduate and professional students.

YouthWorks
Program Website: https://youthworks.oedworks.com/
UMB Webpage: https://www.umaryland.edu/oac/outreach/youthworks/

Each year, UMB collaborates with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development in its efforts to provide Baltimore youth with five to six weeks of full-time summer employment. Applicants must be between the ages 14 and 21 and reside in Baltimore City. For students with children who are eligible, their children will receive real work experience that will enhance their future.

Health Services 

Student Counseling Center | https://www.umaryland.edu/counseling/

Provides short-term, professional counseling and psychiatric services for currently enrolled full-time and part-time UMB students. Their mission is to help promote and maintain the emotional well-being of UMB students and serve as a resource to the entire university community.

Student Health Center | https://www.umaryland.edu/studenthealth/student-health-center/

Student Health provides students with the highest quality care in a friendly and expedient manner. Operating within UMaryland Immediate Care. The staff maintains a policy of strict confidentiality and will not release information without the student’s written permission. The Student Health Center is supported by student health fees, which are included in tuition. Please bring your student ID.

Moms Breastfeeding Group | https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/womens-health/obstetrics-gynecology/pregnancy-childbirth/breastfeeding/lactation-support

Meets every Thursday from Noon - 1 p.m. in the family medicine office. Group also provides access to provide Facebook group for breastfeeding moms. For questions, please email childbirthed@umm.edu.

Family Medicine Office
29 S. Paca St., Lower Level
Baltimore, MD 21201

Postpartum Support International | https://www.postpartum.net/

Provides direct peer support to families by providing a bridge to local resources and trained professionals.

University of Maryland’s Children’s Hospital: https://www.umms.org/childrens/patients-visitors

The University of Maryland Children's Hospital has locations throughout the state of Maryland to help children of all ages get the health care they need when they need it most, from well-care visits to treatment that requires a stay in the hospital.

 

Policies 

UMB Police on Lactation Support for Nursing Mothers | https://www.umaryland.edu/policies-and-procedures/library/administration/policies/vi-101a.php

UMB recognizes the importance and benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants and is committed to supporting nursing mothers. This policy applies to employees (both faculty and staff) and students. Learn more about the policy.

Reporting Discrimination or Bias | https://www.umaryland.edu/non-discrimination/

The University of Maryland, Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or age in its programs and activities. Specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in UMB's programs and activities. UMB will take steps to eliminate prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. Learn more about UMB's non-discrimination policy.

Student Organizations 

University-Wide

The Advisory Board for Student Caregivers (ABSC) is an interprofessional group of student parents and caregivers from across the University. ABSC meets twice a semester to build peer support and discuss the needs of student parents and caregivers at UMB. If you are interested in joining ABSC, please contact Rosemary Ferreira, associate director of the Intercultural Center at rosemary.ferreira@umaryland.edu

School of Social Work

SSW Parent Alliance | sswparentalliance@gmail.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sswparentalliance/
One-pager for MSW students that are expecting.

UMBengaged | https://umaryland.campusgroups.com/

UMBengaged is a campus-wide website where UMB students can learn about university-wide and school-based organizations.

Family Fun 

There are plenty of family-friendly activities to do in Baltimore. Check out the websites below for directions, discount days and more!

A go-to resource for Baltimore families, featuring fun family-friendly events around Baltimore. 

Off-Campus Resources 

Mobtown Mommieshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/242734795844697

An active Facebook group for Baltimore-based parents. 

DJCChttps://www.jcc.org/j-downtown/families

A family parenting center based in downtown Baltimore. Visit site for membership fee. All faiths are welcome.

Education Resources 

Waldorf School of Baltimore | https://www.waldorfschoolofbaltimore.org/

UMB full-time faculty, staff, and students receive a 50 percent reduction in tuition for the first two semesters of their child's attendance. Interested parties should reach out to Ilene Wise: admissions@twsb.org.