Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is pleased to announce that Accident Elementary School will officially become a Judy Center beginning with the 2026–27 school year, expanding access to high-quality early childhood services and family support for children and families in the Accident community.
The addition of Accident Elementary reflects GCPS’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every child enters school healthy, prepared, and ready to learn by providing comprehensive services that support young children from birth through age five and their families.
Judy Centers serve as a central hub for early childhood education, family engagement, health, and community resources. Through strong partnerships with local organizations and agencies, families have access to programs and services designed to support children’s development while connecting parents and caregivers with valuable resources.
Families served through the Accident Elementary Judy Center will have access to a variety of opportunities and supports, including:
- Early childhood learning experiences for children from birth through age five
- Parent education workshops and family engagement activities
- Developmental screenings and referrals
- School readiness programs and kindergarten transition support
- Health, nutrition, and wellness resources
- Connections to community agencies and family support services
- Literacy, STEAM, and enrichment activities for young children and families
The Judy Center model emphasizes collaboration among schools, early childhood providers, healthcare organizations, libraries, social service agencies, and community partners to provide seamless support for families during a child’s most critical years of development.
“Expanding the Judy Center model to Accident Elementary represents another important step in strengthening early childhood education across Garrett County,” said Mrs. Carrie Wampler, Garrett County Judy Center Coordinator. “By bringing together educational opportunities, family supports, and community partnerships, we are helping ensure that every child and family has the strongest possible foundation for future success.”
With the addition of Accident Elementary, GCPS will now have six Judy Center schools serving communities throughout Garrett County:
- Accident Elementary School
- Broad Ford School
- Friendsville Elementary School
- Grantsville Elementary School
- Route 40 Elementary School
- Yough Glades Elementary School
The expansion to Accident Elementary builds upon the success of Garrett County’s existing Judy Centers, which have provided families with meaningful opportunities to engage in their children’s learning, access community resources, and prepare young learners for success in school and beyond.
Families interested in learning more about the Judy Center at Accident Elementary or any of Garrett County’s Judy Center locations are encouraged to contact their local school or the Garrett County Public Schools Office of Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
GCPS remains committed to investing in early childhood education and strengthening partnerships that support children and families throughout Garrett County.
