![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/4.8b189a2f.jpg)
![Logo](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/8dc4/thumb-d5995abbf1c8ced3167a7ddfa14cbeb3.png)
![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/4.fe7bb82b.jpg)
Judy Center Early Learning Hub
at Grasonville Elementary School
The holiday season can be a joyous time for many, but for some, it can be a time of great stress. This time of year, we see the effects of the holiday season combined with the economic squeeze on many parents/caregivers and families. All of the added activities and excitement can influence you and your family in different ways and may cause a myriad of emotions. Whether you feel excited, nervous, anxious, stressed (or all of the above) about the holiday season, you are not alone. However you and your family choose to spend this season, it is important to remember to spend time caring for yourself. This may look different for each of us; whether it is time to yourself, time with loved ones, practicing gratitude or any other way you may choose, please be sure to be gentle to yourself and to those around you. Season's Greetings!!!!
Parent/Caregiver Tips for the Holidays
1. Reflect on what is important to you during the holidays. Thinking about what you want for this holiday season will help you to be more intentional about who you would like to spend time with and how you would like to spend your time.
2. Focus on what you can control. It is OK if you feel anxious or stressed. Focus on the things within your control ( your thoughts, things you are able to plan and prepare for) to care for your physical and mental health.
3. Keep healthy habits. It’s important to keep healthy habits in place no matter your holiday plans. This may include going on a daily walk, getting a good night’s rest or making sure to stay hydrated.
4. Make time for yourself. Spending time with family or friends can be overwhelming. If you need a moment to yourself, try sneaking away to a quiet room or enjoying a cup of coffee or tea to yourself.
5. Create new traditions. Create new traditions that work for you and your family and prioritize your wellbeing.
6. Ask for help if you need it. If you are feeling sad, stressed, anxious or depressed, ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, a mental health professional, or a primary care physician for guidance and support.
What is a Judy Center?
The Judith P. Hoyer Center Early Learning Hubs, also known as “Judy Centers,” benefit everyone in Maryland by improving the quality of life for families. Through a dedicated staff of early learning professionals, they help prepare children age birth through kindergarten for school readiness. Located at Title I schools in every Maryland county, Judy Centers play an important role in the communities they serve. Judy Centers provide services or connect families with local service providers for some of the following options:
- Adult Education
- Case Management
- Developmental and Health Screenings
- Family Engagement Activities
- Parenting Classes
- Playgroups
- Early Intervention Identification
Each Judy Center is unique in meeting the needs of its communities, thus if there is a service you are in need of please let us know!
Playgroup, Field Trips, and Home Visits are available to you!!
How do you enroll?
Use these links to enroll and to access and "like" our Facebook page!!!
- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpfCKfQi6T8MOhBgJKvOQ-AlSzUKZXiqwad-NsGSUSWB9s3g/viewform?usp=sf_link
- https://www.facebook.com/100087158001512/
- Email us at Judycenterges@gmail.com
- Call 410-827-9436
Judy Centers serve families of children (prenatal through 5 years old) residing in their school's catchment area or children with an extended IFSP residing anywhere in Queen Anne's County.
Playgroups are open to all and can be attended multiple times weekly!!
**Children learn by repetition**
Playgroups are scheduled and offered according to need and interests of all participants. Currently playgroups are offered:
- Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-11am.
- Afternoon sessions are available from 1-2:30pm if desired and enough interests
- Wednesday scheduling is reserved for Providers ( i.e. private child care providers, daycares, and Early Head Start).
- Evening playgroups will be available monthly (with registration required).
Sultana "Let It Snow!"
Tuesday, Dec 5, 2023, 10:00 AM
200 South Cross Street, Chestertown, MD, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Willy Woo Woo Magical Snowman
Thursday, Dec 7, 2023, 10:00 AM
5435 Main Street, Grasonville, MD, USA
Pajama Movie Matinee
Tuesday, Dec 12, 2023, 10:00 AM
21 Washington Square, Chestertown, MD 21620
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Holiday Pajama Party
Thursday, Dec 21, 2023, 09:30 AM
5435 Main Street, Grasonville, MD, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Theme of the Month - Opposites
Additional Resources
Mental Health Resources
Mental health includes our psychological, emotional and social well-being and impacts how we feel, think and behave each day. Mental health is vital to living a balanced life; it is important to remember that mental health is health and is just as important as our physical health.
Access the resources below if you find yourself in need of support:
Safe Harbor Behavioral Health: http://safeharborbc.com/
410-838-9500
Corsica River Mental Health: http://www.crmhsinc.com/
410-758-2211
For All Seasons, Inc.: https://forallseasonsinc.org/
410-822-1018
Crisis Services: 888-407-8018
Mobile Crisis Services: 410-874-0711 or 800-NEXT-STEPS
National Suicide Prevention Line: 988
Food Programs and Supports
Haven Ministries
206 Del Rhodes Ave.
Queenstown, MD 21638
410-827-7194
Operating Hours: M, W, TH, F - 8:30-4:30pm; and Tue 7am-7pm
~ Please call for an appointment prior to visiting~
Mobile Food Pantry:
Faith Bible Church
407 Dudley Corner RD
Sudlersville, MD
Tuesdays 9am-5pm
Fridays 9am-5pm
(Not open on major holidays including Christmas Day or new Year's Day)
The food pantry truck offers a selection of non-cooked food items for those in need of emergency food in NORTHERN QAC with a photo ID.
***Haven Ministries is a food distribution partner of the Maryland Food Bank***
Utility Supports
If you are in need of some assistance with utility supports connect with QAC Dept. of Social Services, Office of Energy Programs, please call 410-758-8000
https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Pages/EnergyEfficiency/MEAP.aspx
Judy Center Coordinator
Keshia Turner
Early Childhood Liasion
Chache' Linthicum
Administrative Assistant
Valerie Mills