Judy Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer joined educators and elected officials to recognize 25 years of the Judy Center at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School. “It’s been wonderful to watch the network of centers grow & boost school readiness in our communities. I am so proud of the dedicated staff, teachers, and partners who, as Judy would say, are sowing the seeds of a better tomorrow all across Maryland,” Rep. Hoyer wrote on Facebook. (Facebook photo)
The first Judy Center in Charles County celebrated its 25th anniversary in October. 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 US 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,” Rep. Hoyer said during the anniversary event October 17. “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, Rep. 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.
This article was prepared by Charles County Public Schools.
