Mission: The Early Childhood Advisory Council supports a community-wide effort to build a school readiness community

Vision: Every child in Washington County will enter school ready to learn

The Washington County Early Childhood Advisory Council was created as part of Maryland’s Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant. The ECAC’s purpose is to overcome local school readiness gaps and improve the early childhood service delivery system. By developing a local infrastructure that engages all community members in supporting children’s development before they enter school, we can create positive change in the lives of young children.

The Washington County ECAC is comprised of members representing Head Start of Washington County, The Judy Center, Local Management Board, The Family Center, APPLES for Children, early childhood education associations and professionals in family child care and child care centers; Frostburg State University; Hagerstown Area Religious Council; Hagerstown Community College; MSDE/Office of Child Care; United Way; Washington County Free Library; Washington County Health Department; and Washington County Public Schools.

We welcome membership and support from local government and business leaders, as well as any individual interested in improving early childhood services in Washington County.