The Judy Center Early Learning Hub grant enhances child development, supports families, and improves school readiness by establishing and expanding Judy Center Early Learning Hubs. These hubs utilize collaborative approaches to deliver high-quality, comprehensive full-day early childhood programming and family support services.
The Judy Center Grant program is a competitive initiative administered by the Division of Early Childhood at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). It provides funding to Local Education Agencies to establish additional Judy Centers.
Grant funds must be used to serve children from birth through age five and their families by offering comprehensive early care and education services that promote continuous improvement in school readiness. Judy Center grants are available to Local Education Agencies and are required to be located in high-need schools. They serve all children from birth to age five and their families residing within the school's catchment area.
When will the application be open?
This Grant Information Guide (GIG) was released on June 2, 2025.
Application Submission Date
Proposals are due no later than 5 pm on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Funding Amount Available
$330,000 per site
Estimated Number of Grants
Eighteen (18)
MSDE will hold two customer service support sessions for interested applicants. During these sessions, MSDE personnel will review what applicants need to get started, the program requirements, and provide a walk-through of the application. Representatives from the prospective Local Education Agency (LEA) must attend at least one customer support session in its entirety. This includes the LEA Judy Center supervisor, the grant writer, the multi-site supervisor (if applicable), and the school principal at the location where the Judy Center will be established.
If you have questions about the application or the process, please contact the Program Manager:
Kaymi Plank
Judy Center Program Manager
Division of Early Childhood
Office: (410) 767-0675
kaymi.plank@maryland.gov
Grant Information Guide (PDF)
Application for Participation (Zipped Word)
Component Standards (PDF)
Application Budget (Zipped Excel)
Form for Judy Center Expansion Grant Questions (Online Form)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (PDF)