Porter-Leath Earns Federal Early Head Start and Head Start Expansion Grant
Non Profits | September 23, 2024
Non Profits | September 23, 2024
The Administration for Children and Families has awarded Porter-Leath with federal funding to expand its Early Head Start and to add Head Start services in Shelby County. Head Start programs prepare America’s most vulnerable young children in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners. The Head Start program encompasses Head Start preschool programs, which primarily serve 3- and 4-year-old children, and Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.
“Porter-Leath is deeply appreciative of the continued trust of the Office of Head Start for this expansion opportunity that will add needed service capacity to Shelby County” said Sean Lee, Porter-Leath President. “With our Program of Excellence distinction, 25+ year relationship with the OHS, and strong partnerships with families, we know that our proven, quality model will enhance outcomes for children and families.”
Porter-Leath was one of only 13 programs - out of 1600 Head Start grantees nationally - designated as a 2023 Program of Excellence by the National Head Start Association, meeting 41 Indicators of Excellence.
To serve the additional seats for Early Head Start, Porter-Leath is expanding its child care partnerships with Knowledge Quest and Hooks-Dimmick. Porter-Leath will also partner with Millington Municipal Schools to extend Head Start services in previously underserved areas.
“Millington Municipal Schools and the City of Millington are thrilled to collaborate with Porter-Leath and the Head Start Program to create a nurturing environment where our youngest learners can flourish. This partnership is dedicated to providing exceptional educational, social, and emotional development, paving the way for our children to become the future leaders of Shelby County and the world,” said James “Bo” Griffin, Superintendent of Millington Municipal Schools.
First 8 Memphis and Porter-Leath have expanded their partnership through this grant, ensuring access to high-quality Head Start placements that will improve school readiness and social-emotional development of children while building strong foundations of support for their families. “First 8 Memphis is pleased to expand our partnership with Porter-Leath with this preschool expansion opportunity. Both Porter-Leath and Millington Municipal Schools are important partners in Shelby County's early childhood ecosystem and both offer high-quality programming to young children in our community. This partnership will help us better understand how high-quality services improve school readiness, early reading and long-term outcomes,” said Dr. Kandace Thomas, Executive Director of First 8 Memphis.
Interested families should contact Porter-Leath to enroll their child(ren) at (901) 577-2500.
Early Head Start locations:
Head Start locations:
Porter-Leath is actively seeking qualified candidates to join our team of dedicated professionals. Opportunities are available for teachers, teacher assistants, family liaisons, and other roles. To learn more, visit porterleath.org/careers.
This grant marks a significant milestone in Porter-Leath’s ongoing commitment to expanding high quality early childhood services and fostering partnerships that benefit our youngest citizens. As we look forward to welcoming new families and staff, we invite the community to join us in building a brighter future for all children.
