Transition of Federal Funding for Head Start Programs in Shelby County
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) have officially lost their eligibility to receive federal funding for local Head Start programs. This change marks a significant shift in the provision of early childhood education services within the county. The Office of Head Start has designated Porter-Leath as the new grantee for Shelby County, effective immediately. A statement released by MSCS on July 21 highlighted that this decision will impact not only the services provided directly through MSCS schools but also those coordinated with community partners.
The transition is expected to affect more than 23 contracted childcare providers, including small and minority-owned businesses. While the exact implications for MSCS staff remain unclear, the district emphasized that it will continue to operate Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) classrooms under an unblended model. This means that while the district will no longer manage the Head Start program, it will still offer pre-kindergarten classes for eligible children.
Porter-Leath, a well-established nonprofit organization based in Memphis, has taken over the responsibility of providing Head Start services. With a history spanning 175 years, the organization began as an orphanage and has since evolved into a key player in early childhood education. Porter-Leath’s mission includes delivering essential services such as early learning, health care, and family support to children aged birth to 5 and pregnant women across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The organization’s statement emphasized the importance of its programs in preparing vulnerable children for future success. It outlined that Head Start services are available in various settings, including centers, family child care homes, and even in the family’s own home. These services aim to provide comprehensive support to both children and their families.
Porter-Leath currently serves more than 1,500 children in Shelby County through a combination of Early Head Start, Head Start Preschool, Pre-K, and tuition-based preschool components. The new grant will enable the organization to expand its reach and serve nearly 3,000 additional children. According to Sean Lee, president of Porter-Leath, this investment will ensure that 2,920 children have access to safe, high-quality early childhood education while their families receive the necessary support to achieve their goals.
In addition to its direct educational programs, Porter-Leath sponsors initiatives like “Books from Birth,” which provides free age-appropriate books to tens of thousands of children in Shelby County. The organization plans to expand its partnerships with local entities, including First 8 Memphis and over a dozen other organizations. Kandace Thomas, executive director of First 8 Memphis, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that it reflects a strategic alignment aimed at ensuring all children have access to quality early education.
Porter-Leath’s first student enrollment event will take place on Wednesday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Memphis STEM Academy, located at 2180 Frayser Blvd. Parents interested in enrolling their children in the Head Start program can contact Porter-Leath at 901-577-2500 or visit porterleath.org for more information.
