Judy Center Opens At Stevens Forest Elementary School

COLUMBIA, MD — A new grant-funded school has opened in Howard County.

The Judy Center at Stevens Forest Elementary School — the second in Howard County — provides free, high-quality early learning experiences, parent education, developmental screenings and connections to health and social services to children aged prenatal through five years old and their families who live in the school’s catchment area. It also supports families who live outside that area and have children with disabilities and/or who are experiencing homelessness.

“One of the best ways to ensure all students achieve is to be sure they are prepared for kindergarten and have the necessary supports and resources for a successful start to their educational journey. Our Judy Centers benefit many students and families, and I am delighted that we now have two centers that provide valuable early learning opportunities and put our children on a path to succeed in kindergarten and beyond,” said Howard County Public School System Superintendent Bill Barnes, who joined local leaders, community partners, and families on July 25 to celebrate the opening of the SFES Judy Center.

The Judy Center at SFES offers a combination of structured and flexible playgroups and a variety of family engagement activities. Staff members work with the team at Judy Center at Cradlerock Elementary School (CRES). Programs at both locations are aligned with the Maryland Early Learning Standards.

Judy Centers have existed in Maryland since 2000 and now there are more than 80 centers located across the state – all aimed at helping to ensure that children enter school ready to succeed. The SFES and CRES Judy Centers are funded through grants administered by the Maryland Department of Education Division of Early Childhood.

Playgroup Programs

Structured and drop-in programs are designed to support a child’s development from birth through age five. There's Toddler Time, Preschool Pals, Open Play and Parents at Play.

Thematic Events

These programs and events include storytime, singalongs, family yoga, creative art and more. There's Terrific Tuesdays, Thematic Thursdays, Let's Move, Read for Health and Abrakadoodle Art.

Learn more about the new school here.