Hoyer Visits Judy Center in St. Mary's County

LEXINGTON PARK, MD – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) visited the Judy Center at George Washington Carver Elementary School in Lexington Park and was joined by Steven Hicks, a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Early Learning at the U.S. Department of Education. During the visit, they highlighted the positive impact of funding through Preschool Development Grants and the importance of early childhood education.  They also focused on the success of the full-service community school model used by "Judy Centers."

"I thank Steven Hicks for joining me at the Judy Center at George Washington Carver Elementary School this morning to spotlight early childhood education and the full range of services that Judy Centers provide to students and families in St. Mary's County and throughout Maryland," said Congressman Steny Hoyer. "Named in memory of my late wife, who was an early childhood educator, Judy Centers are critical to getting children on the right path early in life. I'm proud that research has shown the significant impact of Judy Centers on children entering kindergarten. It has been proven that when students enter elementary school well prepared, they have a better basis to learn the skills they will need to be successful. I look forward to continuing to support our Judy Centers in Maryland and supporting efforts to expand this model to the rest of the country."

Congressman Hoyer fought to include the full-service community school model in the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law last month by President Obama. The law includes the Community Support for School Success program, which authorizes at least 10 grants annually for the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) program.