Awards
At Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, we strive for excellence in all we do. We are honored to have been recognized by the State of Maryland and our community for providing exceptional care.
MARYLAND ACCREDITATION
Each of our five sites is accredited through the Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of Child Care. Maryland Accreditation is a voluntary process for childcare providers. Critchlow has committed to achieving the high standards set by the State of Maryland, and participates in the accreditation process every five years. Learn more about accreditation HERE.
MSDE EXCELS LEVEL 5 RATING
All five of our sites have been awarded EXCELS (Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School Age Care) Check Level 5 ratings by the Maryland State Department of Education. EXCELS is a voluntary annual process that our sites undergo to ensure that we are providing top-tier care to our children and their families. Check Level 5 is the highest possible rating awarded to Maryland childcare providers, and is based on nationally recognized quality standards and best practices. Proudly, Critchlow has achieved this or similar standards of excellence for more than 30 years.  Learn more about EXCELS HERE.
EXCELS ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENT BADGES
Although Check Level 5 is the highest rating available within the EXCELS Program, Maryland offers opportunities for childcare providers to earn Additional Achievements through participation in supplemental training, specific initiatives, and strategic partnerships to further enhance the chilcare experience for families. Additional Achievements earned by our sites include:
St. Michaels: Accredited Program, Asthma and Allergy Friendly, and Judy Center Early Learning Hub
School Age Site (Easton): Accredited Program, Asthma and Allergy Friendly, Health and Wellness, Eco-Friendly Program, Family Engagement, and Judy Center Early Learning Hub
Preschool Site (Easton): Accredited Program, Asthma and Allergy Friendly, Health and Wellness, Military Families, Eco-Friendly Program, Family Engagement, Quality Business Practices, and Judy Center Early Learning Hub
Learn more about the EXCELS Additional Achievements HERE.
BEST OF THE BEST CHESAPEAKE
Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers is proud to have been voted Best Childcare Provider in the APG Media Best of the Best Chesapeake Contest for seven years in a row. In 2025, we were honored to receive the additional distinction of Best Preschool.
These awards have a special place in our hearts, as they are decided by our community. We are so grateful to everyone for their vote of confidence in the services we provide to local families!
TCPS/JUDY CENTER
PARTNER OF THE YEAR
The Talbot County Public Schools Department of Early Learning and The Talbot County Judy Center Early Learning Hub recognized Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers as their 2024 Community Partner of the Year. Critchlow was recognized for our “outstanding support to TCPS in the Pre-K Maryland EXCELS & Accreditation Process.” We also partnered with TCPS and the Talbot County Judy Centers to host “Dine and Discovery” sessions at our Preschool Site in Easton for other local childcare providers to learn about providing high-quality care. We are honored to partner with these and many other incredible community partners in order to ensure that local children and families have the support they need to Build Brighter Futures!
WOMEN TO WATCH
All of our Site Directors were recognized in the 2025 APG Women to Watch initiative. Each year, people from the community nominate local women who are leaders in their field and who make a difference in the lives of those living in our area. Keieve Colbert (School Age – Easton), Marlene Thomas (St. Michaels), Melissa Johnson (Cordova), Annetta Biscoe (White Marsh), and Donna Austin (Preschool – Easton) received well-deserved nominations this year. We are so very proud of their hard work and dedication to providing exceptional care to our children and their families in a nurturing, safe, diverse, and enriching environment!
CHARITY NAVIGATOR 4-STAR RATING
We are proud to have received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. A 4-star rating means that Critchlow Adkins has met or exceeded best practices and industry standards across almost all areas. This means that Charity Navigator considers Critchlow Adkins likely to be an effective organization.
