Maryland Judy Centers Mark 25 Years Of Early Learning Support

HYATTSVILLE, Md. — Judy Center Early Learning Hubs, a statewide early childhood model rooted in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), marked 25 years of service last week during a celebration hosted by PGCPS and the Maryland State Department of Education at Rosa Parks Elementary School in Hyattsville.

The anniversary event highlighted the statewide impact of Judy Centers and included remarks from Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland State Superintendent Carey Wright, former State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick, former Gov. Parris Glendening and Interim PGCPS Superintendent Shawn Joseph. U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, who represents Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, served as the guest of honor. Rosa Parks Principal Rhonda Hester opened the program alongside members of the school community.

Judy Center Early Learning Hubs Celebrated Its 25th Anniversary — Credit: MSDE Tuesday Tidbits Newsletter

Guests toured the school’s Judy Center Early Learning Hub and observed a Family/Child Playgroup, a core program that supports parents and caregivers as their child’s first teachers.

The Judy Center model traces back to Judith P. Hoyer, an early childhood advocate and PGCPS early education coordinator who, in the early 1990s, identified gaps in services for families with young children. Her vision took shape in 1993 with the opening of the Early Childhood and Family Learning Center in Adelphi. After her death in 1997, her husband, Rep. Steny Hoyer, led efforts to expand the model statewide. The Maryland General Assembly created the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Program in May 2000, establishing the original 13 Judy Centers.

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Charles County’s Judy Centers Also Mark 25 Years

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) celebrated the 25th anniversary of its first Judy Center at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School. The center opened in fall 2000 after the state program was enacted.

“Early childhood education is the cornerstone of lifelong success. It builds cognitive, emotional and social foundations children need to thrive — not just in school, but in life,” Judy Center specialist Jennifer Gimmel said in the CCPS release. “At the Judy Center our mission is to provide enriching, nurturing and inclusive experiences for children and families.”

Judy Centers in Charles County offer free services to families with children from birth to age 5, supported through grant funding. Staff work with community partners to ensure children are socially, emotionally and physically ready to enter school. Programs include adult education, English classes, case management, health services, playgroups, a dental program for young children, parent workshops and developmental screenings.

Today, three Judy Centers operate within CCPS at Dr. Mudd, Indian Head and Eva Turner elementary schools.

Families say the centers have become essential community anchors. Corissa Owens, a recent Charles County resident, said in the CCPS write-up that the center helped her daughter build confidence through play and connected her with other local parents.

25 years of Maryland Judy Centers — Credit: CCPS Press Release

Statewide Growth Continues

As of 2024, Maryland had 86 Judy Centers. According to MSDE’s annual report, the number is expected to grow to more than 180 statewide by 2030. The model aligns with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which emphasizes equitable early childhood access and school readiness.

In Southern Maryland, Judy Centers operate in all three counties:

Charles County: Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, Indian Head, and Eva Turner elementary schools.
St. Mary’s County: Green Holly, Lexington Park and George Washington Carver elementary schools.
Calvert County: Calvert Elementary School, with services also supported at Patuxent and Appeal elementary schools.

These hubs serve as critical access points for family engagement, early intervention and school readiness resources across their communities.