Montgomery County Public Schools will receive a state grant of $644,000 to establish the county’s second Judy Center designed to help families prepare their children for school. The Center will serve the Rosemont and Summit Hall elementary school communities and provide a comprehensive set of services for children from birth through age six. The school system is among 11 grant recipients this year.

The Judy Centers, named after the late early childhood educator, Judith P. Hoyer, were first established last year at 13 sites, including a site serving the Rolling Terrace Elementary School community in Takoma Park.

“The Judy Centers provide a wide spectrum of services that are vital components in our effort to strengthen early childhood education, particularly for those students who are English language learners or lack opportunities because of low family income,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jerry D. Weast. “I am delighted that these Gaithersburg school communities will have convenient access to the comprehensive and coordinated opportunities for children and families that Judy Centers provide.”

While each Judy Center runs programs geared to its community’s needs, all centers provide quality early childhood programs (kindergarten, pre-K, and Infants and Toddlers), family support services, information and referral for child care, and health services. The centers are based in or affiliated with local elementary schools and provide a single, easily accessible location for a range of services.

A total of $7 million was awarded to 11 school systems for new Judy Centers this year, expanding the total number of centers to 24 located in 21 counties statewide.