Academy Child Development Center, Academy Hills

Academy Child Development Center, Inc. was founded in July 1981 as a not-for-profit educational corporation by Marilyn Fleetwood. As a mother and a public school teacher, Ms. Fleetwood wanted a high quality licensed child care for her toddler and infant but could not find a licensed center for children under two. An opportunity became available for rental space at a public school on Academy Way in Rockville, Maryland. Mrs. Fleetwood along with Ellen Goeden, the first Academy Center Director, hired the staff, organized the not-for-profit corporation, developed curriculum, and opened the first Academy on Academy Way on September 5, 1981, four days after Marilyn's son was born. The Academy legacy has grown to be one of the most well respected, nationally accredited, state accredited and internationally known child care companies specializing in high standards and expectations for staff, students, and parents. Through competitive state and local bid Academy leases county facilities at seven (7) locations. In addition Academy has a freestanding child care facility. In 1991 Academy partnered with IBM via Work/Family Directions Corporation to build and furnish a child care facility on the campus of Stone mill Elementary School using IBM Funds for Dependent Care Initiatives. This facility was one of the first infant child care group centers in Montgomery County, Maryland. NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation was awarded to Academy's Stone Mill Center in 1995 and DuFief and Cold Spring Centers in 2003. Due to continued teamwork and commitment, MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) Center accreditation was awarded to Cold Spring, Stone Mill, DuFief and Academy Hill Centers in 2005 and continuous re-accreditation awards. NAA (National After School Accreditation) was awarded to the school age programs at Academy's Stone Mill, DuFief, and Charles Drew Center locations. ATI was developed over 10 years ago to provide approved training for child care workers. Approved Training Innovations has offered various trainings to parents and staff. Academy teachers and parents receive this training as a benefit to being a part of the Academy family.