CCPS staff, officials, and community members came together to celebrate the official opening of the new Greensboro Judy Center Early Learning Hub. Superintendent Derek L. Simmons welcomed guests and thanked the many partners that played a part in the new facility. He said, “This building came to fruition through cooperation and collaboration between many partners, including the Caroline County Commissioners, the Caroline County Board of Education, the State of Maryland, our local delegates and Senators, including Delegate Jeff Ghrist, Maryland Family Network, Maryland State Department of Education, our federal government partners, in particular Senator Van Hollen’s office, with support from Senator Cardin’s office as well and last but not least, the Town of Greensboro.”
Dr. Simmons also shared appreciation for long-time Judy Centers Supervisor Tearesa French and said, “Without her vision and expertise, we would not be standing here today.” He also thanked Acting Supervisor Heather Harding and her staff, stating that they’d worked hard to make the day a reality.
Caroline County Commissioner Larry Porter and Board of Education President James A. Newcomb also provided remarks and shared their appreciation for the partnerships involved in building the facility. Ms. Harding also thanked guests and explained that the center was an investment in children’s future by ensuring they are ready to succeed in school.
Following the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, guests toured the new facility and enjoyed refreshments.
The new facility houses two pivotal programs, the Greensboro Judy Center Early Learning Hub serving pregnant women, families and children birth through age five who live within the Greensboro Elementary School area and Caroline County Early Head Start serving families and children birth through age three. In collaboration with partners, the Center will provide comprehensive, integrated, full day, full year early care and education to promote school readiness for approximately 330 children and families. Although impacting all domains, efforts will focus on linguistic and early literacy skills, mathematics, family engagement and quality improvement for early care and education programs.
About Judy Center Early Learning Hubs
Judy Center Early Learning Hubs prepare children for success in school and life. By connecting families with high-quality, comprehensive, full-day, full-year early education services, the Judy Centers promote school readiness for children ages birth through five. Utilizing a multigenerational approach for families and children, and providing professional development for early childhood educators, Judy Centers help to support all of the adults in a child’s early years.
Maryland Judy Centers are named in honor of the late educator Judith P. Hoyer, an early childhood educational advocate, and supervisor of early childhood education for Prince George’s County Public Schools.
All event photos are available on the CCPS Flickr page.