What’s a Judy Center?

Judy Center Early Learning Hubs prepare children for success in school and life by empowering their first and most important teacher— their families.  Through their work and community partnerships, Judy Centers enhance and increase school readiness for children by connecting families to comprehensive full-day, full-year early care and education services and family support.  

Judy Centers use a multigenerational approach for families and children, especially those from historically underserved communities. Judy Centers are not childcare centers but a comprehensive hub where families can participate in family learning experiences and receive services and support.  

Where are Judy Center Early Learning Hubs Located? 

Judy Center Early Learning Hubs are in Title I schools and those identified as high need in every Maryland county.  

Who Do Judy Center’s Serve?  

Using a multigenerational approach, Judy Centers serve children birth through age five and their families that live within the school’s catchment area (boundaries).   Judy Centers also serve children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).  Each Judy Center site may serve children with an IEP or IFSP outside their catchment area, depending on their site capacity and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, Judy Center Early Learning Hubs can serve homeless/housing-insecure families not currently residing within the school’s catchment area.  

What Services and Supports are Offered?  

Judy Centers either provide or connect families with local community partners for the following services and supports: 

• Developmental Screenings 
• Family Learning Activities/ Family Engagement  
• Parenting Classes/Training/ Workshops  
• Connections to Adult Education and Workforce Development 
• Evidence-Based Parent/ Child Playgroups 
• Referrals for Services and Supports  
• Early Intervention Identification 
• Home Visiting 
• Case Management with Families and Service Coordination with Community Partners 
• Additional Support for Pre-K and Kindergarten to Enhance the Current Curriculum 

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