Preparing Young Children for Success in School and in Life.
What’s A Judy Center Early Learning Hub?
Judy Center Early Learning Hubs are not traditional child care centers; instead, they serve as comprehensive hubs where families can engage in learning experiences with their children from prenatal stages through age 5 and access support services. Using a multigenerational approach, Judy Centers focus on families and children, particularly those from historically underserved communities.
Early Learning Hubs are designed to prepare children for success in school and life by empowering their most important teachers—their families. Through various initiatives and community partnerships, Judy Center Early Learning Hubs focus on enhancing school readiness for children by providing support in child development and family support.
History of Judy Center Early Learning Hubs
As the early education coordinator for Prince George's County Public Schools, Judith P. Hoyer recognized the gaps in available services for underserved families in the community. In the 1990s, she created a central location in Adelphi, Maryland, for early childhood services, thus fostering cooperation of governmental and private agencies around the needs of local families with young children. After she died in 1997, her husband, Congressman Steny Hoyer, in partnership with Governor Parris N. Glendening, led a successful movement to bring her collaboration model to other communities in Maryland. The Maryland State Legislature enacted the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Program in May 2000 to address the need for comprehensive family support services to increase school readiness.
Who is Eligible for Judy Center Early Learning Hub Support?
Judy Center Early Learning Hubs are grant-funded programs located in elementary schools across the state of Maryland. Judy Centers serve children who live within the school zone where the Judy Center is located. Children who live in this zone will attend Pre-K and Kindergarten at the school where the Judy Center is located. If you are interested in learning more about your local Judy Center, please contact them directly.
Judy Center Early Learning Hub Services
Judy Center Early Learning Hubs provide or connect families with local community partners for various services and support.
- Developmental Screenings
- Family Learning Activities/ Family Engagement
- Parenting Classes/ Training/ Workshops
- Connections to Adult Education and Workforce Development
- Evidence-Based Family/ Child Playgroups
- Referrals for Services and Supports
- Early Intervention Identification
- Evidence-Based Home Visiting
- Case Management with Families and Service Coordination with Community Partners
The location and contact information for each Judy Center can be found at https://marylandfamiliesengage.org/judy-center-hubs-map/.
Judy Center Annual Reports
For more information about the Judy Centers, please contact:
- Kaymi Plank, Judy Center Program Manager, kaymi.plank@maryland.gov or 410.767.0675
- Para asistencia en Español - Nancy Garcia, Judy Center Specialist, nancy.garcia1@
maryland.gov or 410-767-0785
Or contact your closest Judy Center Early Learning Hub.