Public School Employees'
Child Development Program
About Us
The Public School Employees’ Child Development Program (PSECDP) is a private, non-profit, early childhood program supported solely by parent tuition. PSECDP is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care. It was conceived as an on-site childcare service for the convenience and benefit of employees of the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS).
We provide care for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years in various Howard County schools. PSECDP wholeheartedly supports the concept of inclusion and believes that our caring staff and our attention to staff/child ratios enable us to meet the needs of most children in our classrooms. All of our staff members meet the requirements established by the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care Licensing.
Our Mission
As qualified educators, we are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing learning environment for all children.
We will support each child's uniqueness and potential through collaboration with HCPSS school staff, parents, and community members.
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We make a difference.
Program Leadership​
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Philandra Blackwell, M.S.
Executive Director
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MA in Women's and Gender Studies: Public Policy and Leadership
BA in Sociology
Concentration: Early Childhood Development, Advocacy and Family Studies.
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Ms. Philandra Blackwell has over 16 years of experience in early childhood education, where she gained expertise in early education program needs, curriculum implementation, and the importance of positive child-teacher interactions. Ms. Blackwell earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology, and her master’s degree in Women's and Gender Studies: Public Policy and Leadership from Towson University.
Ms. Blackwell is passionate about the early childhood education field and is committed to ensuring that the Howard County Public School Employees’ Child Development Program is a positive learning environment. Her overall goal is to provide the teaching teams and sites with support to help your child reach their individual development goals, and to be prepared for school readiness.
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Joi Smith
Program Director
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BA in Early Childhood Education (in progress)
AAS in Early Childhood Education and Development
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Ms. Joi Smith has over 20 years of experience of working with children, with the last 15 years focused on working with young children. Her experiences began with babysitting for family and friends then to professional settings ranging from after school tutoring to extra-curricular clubs to summer camp (site director) to being a classroom teacher with children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. While working in the childcare field, Ms. Smith pursed her education at the University of Delaware and Delaware Technical Community College.
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Her passion is working with young children, and she loves to see them grow. Children are so curious and watching them try to soak up every little bit of knowledge and learn about the world is amazing. She wants to help them build strong foundations for life-long learning. She has been an administrator for 6 years, and has helped to build strong teaching teams. Her goal is to ensure all children and parents are participants in a wonderful educational experience.
Contact
Public School Employees' Child Development Program
Office Address
11630 Scaggsville Road
Fulton, MD 20759
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Mailing Address
PO Box 538
Fulton, MD 20759
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Philandra Blackwell, Executive Director
Joi Smith, Program Director
T 410.888.9040 | F 410.888.9042