***NEWS RELEASE***
CENTREVILLE, MD – In recognition of a major milestone in early childhood education, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools joined the statewide celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Judy Center Early Learning Hubs. The event, held on June 30, 2025, at Conquest Beach in Centreville, honored the legacy and continued impact of the original 13 Judy Centers established in May 2000 through the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Program.
Maryland’s Judy Centers have provided critical support for children and families for a quarter of a century. These hubs were inspired by the groundbreaking work of Judith P. Hoyer, who opened the first Early Childhood and Family Learning Center in 1993. Her model—integrating education, health, and social services under one roof—became a cornerstone for school readiness and family engagement. After her passing, her husband, Congressman Steny Hoyer, championed the statewide adoption of her vision, resulting in the creation of 13 centers across Maryland.
Queen Anne’s County is proud to have been one of the founding sites for this initiative. Over the years, the county’s commitment to early learning has grown, with Judy Centers now located at Grasonville Elementary, Church Hill Elementary, and Sudlersville Elementary. These centers serve as vital community resources, offering a comprehensive range of services that support young learners and their families.
The recent celebration brought together Judy Center staff, families, and district leaders for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship. The event highlighted the dedication of local educators and staff who carry forward the mission of the Judy Centers every day.
Today, Judy Centers across the state offer an integrated approach to early childhood support that includes early education, family engagement, access to physical and mental health services, and more. Their model has become a national standard for holistic, family-centered early learning.
As Maryland marks this 25-year milestone, Queen Anne’s County proudly celebrates its role in shaping the future of early childhood education and recognizes the educators, partners, and families who continue to make this work possible.
Original 13 Judy Centers (Established in 2000):
• Prince George’s County – Adelphi/Cool Spring Elementary
• Calvert County – Patuxent Elementary
• Caroline County – Federalsburg Elementary
• Montgomery County – Silver Spring Judy Center
• Baltimore City – Moravia Elementary
• Queen Anne’s County – Community Setting
• Allegany County – Beall Elementary
• Washington County – Bester Elementary
• Frederick County – Waverly Elementary
• Dorchester County – Sandy Hill Elementary
• St. Mary’s County – Green Holly Elementary
Download a PDF copy of the news release here.