Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!
Jan. 20, 2011
Children participating in early learning programs offered through Maryland’s Judy Centers, one of which is located in Garrett County, have an academic jump start on their peers, according to the results of a new report.
Young children who enter kindergarten after taking advantage of the Judy Center offerings score higher in kindergarten readiness in all seven domains gauged by the Maryland Model for School Readiness Assessment Program, according to the new report.
“An Analysis of Influence of Judy Center Services,” released Friday, is based on research conducted during the 2008 and 2009 school year by the Maryland State Department of Education. The study looked into the effect of the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Program – the Judy Centers – on children starting kindergarten.
“Classroom education is only a piece of the puzzle when it comes to ensuring that all children succeed,” stated Maryland congressman Steny Hoyer. “This report from MDSE proves that Maryland’s Judy Centers – which partner with the community to provide children and their families with a full range of services – have been a success in giving children the tools they need to come to school prepared to learn and excel. We believe we can build on this idea to help more children throughout the country reach their full potential. In the coming weeks, I will introduce legislation in the House that would apply the successes we have had in Maryland’s Judy Centers to expand the idea of full-service education throughout the country, so that children receive supportive wraparound services in addition to high quality education.”
State School Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick said the report confirms what educators have long understood: Investment in early learning pays big dividends throughout a child’s schooling.
“The Judy Centers give children a running start on the rest of their educational program,” Dr. Grasmick said. “We know that when we give young people a strong foundation for learning, they will thrive and prosper. The foundation provided by our Judy Centers is rock solid.”
