What’s a Judy Center?

Judy Center Early Learning Hubs prepare children for success in school and life. Through community partnerships, Judy Centers promote school readiness for children ages birth through five by connecting families to comprehensive full-day, full-year early care and education services. Judy Centers use a multigenerational approach for families and children and provide professional development for early childhood educators.

Judy Centers support Maryland’s youngest learners by empowering a child’s first teacher— their families. Through family engagement activities, such as playgroups and family education, Judy Centers help families to learn new ways to engage with their children.

Each Judy Center is unique in meeting the needs of its communities. Judy Centers provide services or connects families with local service providers for some of the following options:

• Adult Education
• Case Management
• Developmental and Health Screenings
• Family Engagement Activities
• Parenting Classes
• Playgroups
• Early Intervention Identification

The Judy Centers are located in every Maryland County and at Title I and other high-needs schools.  They are open year-round to serve families who live in these school districts and play an important role in the community.

What’s a Patty Center?

Patty Centers are dedicated hubs designed to assist parents and caregivers in overcoming the challenges of raising young children while promoting their overall well-being. Each year, these centers support over 3,000 parents in completing their education, acquiring job readiness skills, building strong social networks, and enhancing their parenting abilities. Simultaneously, the centers provide state-of-the-art early care and education for their children, from birth to age three, ensuring they reach their full potential. By offering a comprehensive range of free services—including high-quality child development care, parenting education, and support for personal and professional goals—Patty Centers foster optimal child development, effective parenting, and robust support networks.

Patty Centers are strategically placed in communities that demonstrate a significant need for supportive services. These locations are selected based on various factors, including high levels of economic disadvantage, limited access to early childhood resources, and overall community vulnerability. By focusing on areas with substantial needs, Patty Centers aim to bridge gaps in service availability and reach families who might otherwise lack access to crucial support. The centers are intended to create a positive impact in these underserved areas by providing comprehensive services that foster family stability, child development, and community engagement. To address the growing demand, the Blueprint mandates the expansion of Patty Centers by three new sites annually from FY 2024 to FY 2030, ensuring broader reach and increased support for families across the state.

Do you want to connect with your local Judy Center? Find the nearest center and discover the many ways your local Judy Center can help support your family! Having trouble contacting your local Judy Center? For assistance, contact Kaymi Plank, Judy Center Manager, at (410) 767-0675 or kaymi.plank@maryland.gov.  Para asistencia en Español, Nancy Garcia, Judy Center Specialist, at (410) 767-0785 or nancy.garcia1@maryland.gov.

Do you want to connect with your local Patty Center? Find the nearest center and discover the many ways your local Patty Center can help support your family! Having trouble contacting your local Patty Center? Contact Maryland Family Network for assistance.

JUDY CENTER EARLY LEARNING HUBS AND PATTY CENTERS MAP