The WAS Committee Session held on January 23, 2025, focused on a significant initiative aimed at enhancing early childhood education in Hagerstown, Maryland. The meeting highlighted a community-driven effort to establish a new child development center, which has already garnered nearly $5 million in private funding. However, the project requires state matching funds to complete the purchase and renovation of a building that is currently under contract.

The initiative is backed by a strong reputation, as the organization involved operates seven high-quality child development centers and has successfully partnered with local communities to address various needs. The proposed center aims not only to provide educational opportunities for children but also to support the health and employment prospects of their parents. This holistic approach includes partnerships for well-child screenings and resources to help parents secure stable jobs.

Linda Aebersole, a key advocate for the project, shared her personal connection to the initiative, explaining that her family's struggle to find childcare led her to recognize the significant gap in early childhood education options in the area. She emphasized the importance of this center in supporting families, particularly those in downtown Hagerstown, where many children come from low-income households.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of securing state funding to move forward with the project, which is already shovel-ready, with architectural plans and a general contractor in place. The successful establishment of this center is seen as a crucial step in providing essential educational resources and improving the overall well-being of families in the community.