The first Judy Center in Charles County celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this month. The center, housed at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School, opened in fall 2000 after state lawmakers enacted the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Program earlier that year.
“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,” Jennifer Gimmel, Judy Center specialist, said. “At the Judy Cener our mission is to provide enriching, nurturing and inclusive experiences for children and families.”
The Judy Center Early Learning Hub provides services and programs for children ages birth to 5 years old and their families. Center staff works with community partners to ensure that children are socially, emotionally and physically ready to enter school. Judy Center services, programs and activities are free through grant funding.
The centers are the legacy of the late Judy Hoyer, an early childhood advocate and supervisor of early childhood education for Prince George's County Public Schools, who passed away in 1997. The wife of U.S. Rep Steny H. Hoyer, Judy Hoyer helped launch two similar early childhood education programs in Prince George’s — one in Cheverly and another in Adelphi.
Judy Hoyer believed in the “it takes a village” approach to educating children. “Judy was a teacher,” Steny Hoyer said during the anniversary event. “She had other talents, but she was a teacher.” She knew from the time she was in second grade that she wanted to be a teacher. “She never deviated from that conviction,” Hoyer said of his late wife.
The Judy Centers were originally called the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Centers. Then-Gov. Parris N. Glendening, a friend of Judy Hoyer and her husband, thought it was a mouthful. He suggested the center’s title be shortened to what they were called behind the scenes — The Judy Center. Everyone was onboard, Steny Hoyer said.
In 2000, 13 centers opened in Maryland. The following year, counties could apply for one of 11 grants to open additional centers. Dr. Mudd’s coordinator, Cheryl DeAtley, asked if Charles County could apply to get a second center but was told it was a long shot — counties without a center would have preference. A few counties didn’t apply, allowing the second Judy Center to open within CCPS, this time at Eva Turner Elementary School.
Today, there are three Judy Centers in CCPS — Dr. Mudd, Indian Head and Eva Turner elementary schools — that offer various services including adult education and English classes, case management services for families, health services and screenings, a dental program for children up to 5 years old, family engagement activities, parent workshops, playgroups and early intervention identification through developmental screenings and referrals to the Infants and Toddlers program.
Corissa Owens and her family are new to the area. The first-time mother was in a new place, not knowing too many people when a coworker of her husband’s suggested they check out The Judy Center. She was looking for ways to engage her daughter Caliyah and maybe pick up tips along the way that would help Owens prepare her daughter for school.
“We love it,” Owens said of the center. She has seen Caliyah build confidence through play and has been able to gather resources that are helping the family make a smooth transition to their new home. Playgroups and field trips organized by The Judy Center are connecting Owens to parents like her and helping build a sense of community. “It’s a great resource for both parents and children,” she said.
As of 2024, Maryland has 86 Judy Centers throughout the state. The center’s mission aligns with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, education reform legislation aimed at providing equitable education to all students while preparing most for college and careers after graduation. According to a Maryland State Department of Education Judy P. Hoyer Early Care annual report, the number of Judy Centers is expected to increase in the state to more than 180 centers by 2030.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 39 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).