Annapolis, MD. – During the Maryland General Assembly’s fourth and final bill-signing ceremony on Tuesday, May 26, Governor Wes Moore recognized Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers’ Executive Director Cristy Morrell for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of children, families and childcare providers across Maryland.

In a surprise announcement, Governor Moore singled out Morrell during the ceremony, and presented her with the ceremonial first signing pen, recognizing her commitment to working families on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and her advocacy efforts for equitable childcare throughout the state.   

Throughout the 2025-2026 legislative session, Morrell joined childcare leaders from across Maryland in advocating for policies that expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare and strengthen support for providers. Their efforts helped advance landmark legislation, including HB849 and HB1321, both of which were signed into law during the May 26th ceremony

Together, the bills represent the largest investment in childcare in Maryland history. The legislation provides funding to move more than 3,200 families off the Child Care Scholarship Program waitlist and extends critical scholarship funding through Fiscal Year 2027.

Additional laws also restore funding for Maryland EXCELS (Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School Age Care) credentialing, the state’s quality rating and improvement system, which encourages providers to continually strengthen educational programming, staff development, health and safety standards, and family engagement.  Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers has long been recognized as a leader in quality early childhood education, consistently maintaining an EXCELS Level 5 rating—the highest designation available under the program.

During his remarks, Governor Moore highlighted both the organizations’ decades of service and Morrell’s role in advocating for children and families.

“Since 1970 Critchlow Adkins has been the place that the Mid-Shore has relied on, they’ve been the place that our Mid-Shore families have leaned on, and that our families trust with the people that they love the most—their children. Every day Cristy’s team lets a parent go to work knowing that their child will be safe, and their child will be okay, that they will be cared for, and also that they’re learning. The bills we will sign today are a direct result of the advocacy of Cristy’s team and the other childcare advocates who partnered with us on this and the members of the Maryland General Assembly,” declared Governor Moore.

The Governor further emphasized the broader impact of the legislation on Maryland families and the childcare workforce.

“These bills will help keep the most highly qualified teachers and welcome even more families through her doors at a time when our families need it, now as much as ever before. That’s who we’re fighting for—we’re fighting for Cristy. We’re fighting for her providers. We’re fighting for the families that she serves. We’re fighting to make sure that every single child knows from their earliest age that they are loved and they’re needed. And if you want to help a child, make sure that child is growing up in a strong supportive family, and if you want to help that family, make sure they’re growing up in a strong supportive community, and if you want to help that community make sure your anchors in that community show the parents how necessary they are.”

Morrell was both humbled and surprised by the recognition stating, ““Advocacy is never about one person—it’s about the thousands of Maryland families who need access to affordable, high-quality childcare and the educators who dedicate their lives to caring for and teaching our youngest learners. I was deeply honored by Governor Moore’s recognition, but this moment belongs to every childcare provider, teacher, parent, and advocate who raised their voice on behalf of children. These investments will have a lasting impact on families across our state, and I am proud that Critchlow Adkins could help lead that effort.”

About Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers
Founded in 1970 and proudly celebrating 56 years of service, Critchlow Adkins has cared for and educated four generations of children across the Mid-Shore. With a commitment to making high-quality childcare affordable and accessible, CACC serves hundreds of children and families each year.

To learn more, enroll your child, or support this work, visit www.cacckids.org or call 410-822-8061