Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has opened its second Early Learning Center (ELC) as part of its ongoing expansion of prekindergarten services. Located at 3155 John Hanson Drive in Waldorf, the ELC, Waldorf welcomed 153 three- and four-year-old students to its newly renovated facility at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. This expansion aims to support early childhood education in compliance with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the official opening of the ELC, Waldorf. The event was attended by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria V. Navarro, members of the Charles County Board of Education, and the center’s staff, including Center Coordinator Ashley Valenzuela-Carrington. During her opening remarks, Valenzuela-Carrington thanked all those who contributed to the success of the center and praised her team for their dedication to helping the students transition into school life. “Our students are three- and four-year-olds, but many of them are doing an outstanding job learning the routines of being in school. This is largely due to our amazing staff,” she stated.
Superintendent Navarro echoed these sentiments, recognizing the hard work that went into transforming the former CCPS Transition School into a welcoming space for the county’s youngest learners. She emphasized the importance of the renovation efforts, noting how full-sized items and appliances were replaced with smaller, child-friendly equipment to meet the needs of the center’s students. “We discussed how we would utilize the building long term, and this is where the idea of ELC, Waldorf being housed here started,” Navarro explained.
Board Chairperson Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., who also spoke at the event, expressed her admiration for the young students in the prekindergarten program, commenting on the hope and optimism they exude. “I love the young children because the hope that they have is infectious and you can’t help but be joyous around them. You can’t help but really see that our future will be bright,” she said.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the participation of Josiah Wade, the first student registered at ELC, Waldorf. Wade held the oversized scissors used in the ribbon-cutting, surrounded by staff and guests who shared in the excitement of the day. Following the ribbon-cutting, Valenzuela-Carrington led a tour of the facility, where guests had the opportunity to see firsthand the enhancements made to accommodate the prekindergarten program.
Throughout the tour, Board members emphasized the critical role early education plays in shaping students’ futures. Board Member Dottery Butler-Washington remarked, “What they are taught now will shape their voice and worldview as they get older.”
Valenzuela-Carrington shared her vision for the center, outlining two primary goals for the students: “I want them to know that they are loved here and that they leave here demonstrating elementary school readiness with both social and academic foundation skills.” She also highlighted the importance of fostering a strong connection between the center and the families it serves, adding, “Building relationships with our students and families has been a top priority of mine.” Valenzuela-Carrington further stressed the significance of team collaboration, stating, “The work we do is hard, but I wouldn’t want to do it without any of them. The teamwork amongst our staff is incredible to see.”
The ELC, Waldorf is the second early learning center to open in the county, following the launch of ELC, La Plata on the campus of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) last school year. The Waldorf center officially began serving prekindergarten students on September 3, 2024.
The opening of this new facility is part of CCPS’s broader effort to expand early learning opportunities across the county. The prekindergarten curriculum at ELC, Waldorf mirrors that of other CCPS elementary schools, ensuring consistency in the education provided. Upon completion of the program, students advance to kindergarten at their zoned elementary school.
The center offers inclusive classrooms where preschool-aged students with special needs learn alongside typically developing peers. In addition to following the CCPS prekindergarten curriculum, the program provides bus transportation and meals for all enrolled students.
To learn more about the CCPS prekindergarten program, interested families can visit the school system’s website at CCPS Prekindergarten Program.
