September 11, 2026

All Critchlow Adkins Sites Earn Highest State Rating—and Are Still Reaching Higher

At Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, a commitment to excellence is evident every day—in the care children receive and in the dedication of the staff who support local families.

With five sites across Talbot County, Critchlow Adkins provides preschool, before- and after-school care, and summer programs for children ages 2 through 12. All five locations are Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Accredited and have earned EXCELS (Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School Age Care) Check Level 5 ratings. The highest recognition available for childcare providers in Maryland.

These accomplishments are especially meaningful because they are voluntary. To earn them, providers must exceed state licensing requirements and demonstrate a sustained commitment to program improvement and high-quality practices.

Even with these top distinctions, Critchlow Adkins continues to raise the bar.

Across all five sites, staff are focused on improving care for children and families in thoughtful and meaningful ways. This dedication is reflected in their pursuit of additional EXCELS badges, which recognize excellence in areas such as Health and Wellness, Family Engagement, Eco-Friendly Practices, partnerships with Judy Center Early Learning Hubs, Quality Business Practices, and support for Military Families. 

“We are so proud of our staff for taking this on,” says Executive Director Cristy Morrell. “Maintaining a Level 5 rating is a significant achievement, and reflects the care, energy, and intention our teachers bring each day to the children and families we serve.”

At Critchlow Adkins, this commitment means children aren’t just cared for, they are supported, challenged, and given the foundation they need to succeed.


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.

AI Disclosure: The Spy and its writers may use artificial intelligence tools to support accuracy and clarity in our reporting.

Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article

We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to the Spy
Receive daily intelligence reports right to your inbox

SRM 3231 General Ad JUN'25 (300x500)
Ad 4 Talbot Spy Rotating Ad 300x500px Chuck Mangold Jr
Talbot Spy Free Admission.jpg
Family Fundays Sundays Talbot Spy updated
TalbotSpy Ad 2023.jpg
Wye School 300 x 500.jpg
2.png
unnamed 1
Forum Spy Ad 8 20 26
Spy Ad 300 x 500 px.png
GunstonGolfTourn 300x500 1.jpg
Country School March 300x500.jpg
Pickering Creek something marvelous copy
  • unnamed 1
  • Forum Spy Ad 8 20 26
  • Wye School 300 x 500.jpg
  • healthcare careers ad 300x500(1)
  • Pickering Creek something marvelous copy
  • Family Fundays Sundays Talbot Spy updated
  • 2.png
  • TalbotSpy Ad 2023.jpg
  • Country School March 300x500.jpg
  • Spy Ad 300 x 500 px.png
  • unnamed
  • GunstonGolfTourn 300x500 1.jpg