The Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Program were established in July 2000 through Senate Bill 793. As a result of this legislation, the Maryland General Assembly allocated $7 million to establish the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Centers (hereafter, the Judy Centers), provide Enhancement Grants for private providers, and track progress in school readiness using the Maryland Model for School Readiness (MMSR). The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) was charged with administering these programs. Judy Centers were designed to provide a comprehensive set of services for at-risk children birth through age five and their families. Judy Centers are located in or affiliated with elementary schools and provide full-day, full-year services. Services were designed to foster a child's readiness for school. Twenty-three counties across Maryland were awarded grants to establish Judy Centers.