Judy Center Early Learning Hub Expansion Grants is sponsored by Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Provides grants to establish new Judy Centers, offering comprehensive early care and education services to children and families.

Judy Center Early Learning Hub Expansion Grant Office of Teaching & Learning College and Career Pathways Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association Judy Center Early Learning Hub Expansion Grant FY27 The Judy Center Early Learning Hub Expansion Grant is a competitive program administered by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to support Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in establishing new Judy Center Early Learning Hubs.

The program provides funding to support children from birth through age five and their families by offering comprehensive early care and education services. These services focus on improving school readiness, strengthening families, and enhancing child development outcomes through a multigenerational, community-based approach. GRANT INFORMATION GUIDE (GIG) When will the application be open?

The Grant Information Guide (GIG) was released on April 15, 2026 , and the application window runs through Application Submission Date $330,000 per site per year (up to $990,000 total over three years). Estimated Number of Grants eighteen (18) awards are anticipated. This funding opportunity is available to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) .

MSDE directs applicants to prioritize placing a Judy Center Early Learning Hub in Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools . MSDE also reserves the right to consider geographic distribution when making awards. Local Education Agencies may apply for funding to establish a new Judy Center Early Learning Hub.

Priority is given to proposed sites located in Title I schools and Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools. Grant funding may only support one site . Multiple sites on a single grant are not permitted.

12-month full-time coordinator and a 12-month full-time family services coordinator dedicated to that site. full-day, full-year programming , including summer services. Sites are required to host at least two family/child playgroups per week on a consistent basis.

Each site must provide at least 12 family engagement opportunities per year . Sites must maintain a monthly outreach plan and conduct two outreach activities each month for families with children prenatal through age five. Grant funds may be used only for allowable expenses that support the Judy Center Early Learning Hub model.

The examples below summarize approved and unapproved uses described in the Grant Information Guide. Examples of Allowable Uses of Funds Staffing to coordinate and manage Judy Center programming and family support services. Instructional materials, books, family literacy supplies, and materials for family engagement.

Supplementary classroom materials and supplies for partners when reasonable. Contracted services for family engagement activities and outreach events. Professional learning, conference registration, and approved in-state travel.

Promotional materials that help families connect with Judy Center services, within program limits. Office furniture and equipment used by Judy Center staff. Food for family engagement events and outreach.

Family support items such as diapers, clothing, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Cell phones or cell phone plans used by Judy Center staff to communicate with families and partners. Advertising and marketing within the grant’s stated limits.

Pre-K and Kindergarten field trips aligned with learning standards, within stated limits. Mental health services contracted through the Judy Center when appropriate. Training and materials needed to administer ASQ-3 screening.

Examples of Unallowable Uses of Funds Supplanting existing LEA services, programming, materials, salaries, or benefits. Capital improvements or permanent structures, such as playground equipment, fencing, or building additions. Gift cards or gift certificates.

Food or beverages for staff meetings or steering committee meetings. LEA classroom teachers’ and assistant teachers’ salaries and benefits, except for summer programming. Early Childhood LEA office staff salaries and benefits.

Out-of-state travel costs, transportation, lodging, meals, or reimbursements. Hotel accommodations for in-state professional learning located less than 50 miles from the work site. Accreditation materials and supplies for Pre-K or child care partner classrooms.

Vendor-led family/child playgroups. Pre-K and Kindergarten support staff such as aides, assistants, tutors, or interventionists. Classroom furniture for Pre-K, Kindergarten, or child care partners.

Office furniture or equipment not used by Judy Center staff. Costs incurred before grant approval. Important Spending Limits Promotional materials: up to $5,000 per year for continuing sites and up to $10,000 in the first year for new sites.

Advertising and marketing: up to $2,000 per grant year for continuing sites and up to $5,000 in the first year for new sites. Pre-K and Kindergarten field trips and associated costs: no more than Professional learning opportunities: Judy Center staff may attend up to three total opportunities per grant year per staff member for combined in-state and out-of-state registration-based learning.

Customer Service Support Sessions MSDE will hold customer service support sessions for interested applicants. During these sessions, MSDE personnel will provide an overview of the application process and key requirements. April 22, 2026 – Session 1 April 28, 2026 – Session 2 You may also submit questions using the online question form .

Responses will be included in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. MSDE staff will be available to provide technical assistance throughout the grant application process. Applicants are encouraged to reach out with questions regarding the application or submission requirements.

Judy Center Early Learning Hub Program Manager Division of Early Childhood A list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers will be posted on the MSDE Grant Programs page following the customer service support sessions. Grant Information Guide (PDF) Application for Participation (Zipped Word) Judy Center Budget Spreadsheet (Zipped Excel) Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)