Porter-Leath is set to take control of Shelby County's Head Start program, as Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) announced they will step away from running the federally funded service, which prepares low-income children for academic success. Previously managed by MSCS, the $30 million federal grant to aid close to 3,000 children will now be in the hands of the local nonprofit, known for its Preschool services, which already sees over 1,500 youngsters from six weeks to five years old in the area, according to WREG. Families with children aged three or four by August 15, 2025, will be eligible for enrollment in the program, as confirmed by Porter-Leath.
Following the transition, MSCS disclosed it will focus on managing Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) classrooms funded by state and local sources. This shift impacts 23 contracted childcare providers, including multiple small, minority-owned businesses, but MSCS has pledged to offer unwavering support while also keeping employment implications under assessment. The network received a deficiency notice that questioned their safety protocols, highlighted by the distressing case of a four-year-old who eluded oversight for 44 minutes, as reported by WREG.
The handover promises continuity and minimal disruption with Porter-Leath, MSCS, and the Office of Head Start collaborating closely to forge a coordinated transfer of responsibilities that will see an expansion in Porter-Leath's capacity, through cooperation with First 8 Memphis and a host of local players, as noted by FOX13. Porter-Leath President, Sean Lee, emphasized the stewardship of this investment, stating, "Today's award by the Office of Head Start ensures 2,920 children will have access to a safe, high-quality early childhood education while their families receive the comprehensive support they need to reach their goals," a sentiment echoed in a statement obtained by Action News 5.
In their new undertaking, Porter-Leath is actively sourcing professionals to join their ranks, with positions open for teachers, teacher assistants, and family liaisons interested applicants are encouraged to explore these opportunities, can find further details on this and Porter-Leath's services on their official website, families looking to avail Head Start may also register during an event on July 23rd, at Memphis STEM Academy or reach out to the agency directly at their contact number or website for more guidance, as reported by both WREG and FOX13.
