R.R.
I have a friend who is white and adopted an african american baby. This was about 25 years ago, so when it wasn't quite AS common. Anyway - she was even worse than you - she had NO clue at all. It appears that you at least have a little knowledge. So, she made an appointment at a black beauty shop and said to the girls "ok - teach me" and they were so impressed that she wanted to know, they spent several hours instructing her on how often she should wash it (or NOT wash it, as it seems to white people) they taught her the should and should nots of black hair, showed her how to do simple braids, etc. I've always admired that she put herself out to do the best thing for her daughter.
Anyway - I'm no help to you, I know. I do know someone else in Grand Prairie that is white, married to an african american, and has a little girl. If you'd like to contact her, PM me, and I'll ask her if she is willing to help you.