2023 Back to School

We're fast approaching the first day of school! Baltimore City and County schools open their doors on August 28. Our Pediatric & Family Clinic team wants to make sure everyone in our community has access to all the tools they need for a successful school year. Check out these resources to support teachers, parents/guardians and their little ones.

Know your rights

Regardless of your housing situation, your child has a right to:

• School Breakfast & Lunch
• Before/After School Programs
• Preschool Programs
• Transportation
• Special Education
• Gifted and Talented Programs
• Career & Technology Education

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures these rights and provides services to children experiencing housing instability or homelessness.

• Learn more about the McKinney-Vento Act and you child's rights here. 
• If you have questions or concerns, contact your local Homeless Education Coordinator/Liaison. 

Services and resources at Health Care for the Homeless:

We can help with:
(Providers speak both English and Spanish)

• Getting your child up-to-date on the required vaccinations 
  • Flu vaccines will be available in early September
  • COVID-19 vaccines are available to all children ages 6 months and up (as well as their parents, guardians, and caregivers)
• Completing physical exams that are sometimes required by schools
  • School physical exams are offered by appointment
• Providing referrals to specialty medical care
• Sharing education on child health like on nutrition, exercise, emotional health and wellness and learning concerns

Connect with care

• Contact us, call 410-837-5533, or use the chat feature on our site to schedule an appointment. 
• Health Care for the Homeless clinic info (English and Spanish)

Events in the community—outreach, giveaways, cookouts, and more: 

• Back to School Outreach Event, Saturday, August 5 - 1:00-4:00 pm, "The Life Center at Christ Cathedral," 4005 Old York Rd.  
• Supplies Drive & Resource Fair, Saturday, August 5 - 12:00-3:00 pm, New Mount Sinai Worship Center, 4224 Pimlico Rd. 
• Child Care & Back 2 School Expo, Saturday, August 12 - 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Druid Hill Park.
• Mayor Brandon Scott's Back to School Event, Saturday, August 19 - 11:00 am-4:00 pm, War Memorial Plaza. 
• Back to School "Shop", Sunday, August 20 - 1:00-3:00 pm, EHS Community Affairs, 2023 Merritt Ave., Dundalk, MD.
• Back to School Giveaway, Saturday, August 26 - 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Food 4 Thought Community Outreach Services, Park Elementary, 201 11th Ave, Brooklyn, MD. 

Local and statewide resources:

• Child Find Services
  Special education service provided by every county for identifying children from ages three through twenty-one who are suspected of having an educational disability and who may be eligible for special education and related services.
  • • Baltimore City Referrals:
      • For children ages 3 to 21: call 443-984-1011.
      • For children younger than 3: call the Infants and Toddlers Program at 410-396-1666.
    • Baltimore County referrals, call: 443-809-3017
• Maryland Family Network
  Resources for parents and guardians of children ages 1-5 years-old including:​
  • • Services for Spanish speakers
    • Tips for choosing child care
    • Find child care
    • Find care for children with special needs 
    • Family support groups
    • More resources
• Baltimore City Public Schools Uniform Assistance for Homeless Students
  English | Spanish
• Mayors Office of Children and Family Success
  Youth engagement program in Baltimore City that provides access to rent and utility assistance, food access and more 

Want to support care for children and families?

Donate here