Porter-Leath, a Memphis-based nonprofit with deep roots in the community, is expanding its Head Start program to serve 2,920 more three and four-year-old children this school year. Through federal funding from the Administration for Children and Families, Porter-Leath is moving quickly and thoughtfully to implement the transition, recognizing the urgency to open classrooms with caring, professional teachers and staff.
This expansion brings the total number of children served in Porter-Leath’s preschool options to more than 4,400, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. For Shelby County families, access to Head Start means more than just pre-k. It is access to comprehensive support—early childhood education, health services, and family resources—all designed to help children develop strong academic, social and emotional skills. Porter-Leath will adhere to the national Head Start regulations while offering specialized services that are unique to the agency like Books from Birth, the Teacher Excellence Program, NEXT Memphis, and Generations.
“The award 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. Investment in our Memphis/Shelby County families has never been more important.”
Why Head Start Matters
Head Start is a proven, research-based, national model for providing children a positive start for life. Its programs support children’s growth from birth to age 5 through services that support early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes. Head Start services are available at no cost to families.
Children who receive high-quality early childhood education such as Head Start are more likely to graduate from high school, go to college, secure steady employment, and less likely to be held back a grade or require special education. These programs can level the playing field and give children a strong start for life, no matter where they live.
“Head Start is one of the most impactful investments we can make as a community. When we ensure children have the opportunity to learn and grow in safe, nurturing environments during their most critical years of development, we’re setting them—and Memphis—up for long-term success.”
Strategic Partnerships for Broader Impact
To meet the growing need, Porter-Leath is expanding its collaboration with First 8 Memphis and other community partners. These partnerships are key to the city’s broader effort to make pre-K accessible to all.
“We envision a community where every child has the resources to thrive—no matter their ZIP code. Our partnership with Porter-Leath reflects the kind of bold, strategic alignment that helps ensure all children are prepared to succeed in school and beyond.”
Enrollment Now Open
Children must be ages 3 or 4 years old by August 15, 2025 to be eligible for enrollment. Both families interested in enrolling their children and those who previously enrolled with another provider should visit porterleath.org/headstart to fill out an application and attend one of Porter-Leath’s student enrollment events.
July 25, 2025
9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Porter-Leath Early Childhood Center
4207 American Way, Memphis, TN 38118
July 30-31, 2025
9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Hooks Dimmick Child Care
4982 Knight Arnold Road, Memphis, TN 38118
To enroll their child, families must fill out a Head Start Preschool application and bring the following documents to complete enrollment and one of our student enrollment events:
- Parent’s Photo Identification
- Parent’s Proof of Income (3 most recent check stubs, 2024 W-2/Tax Return, Proof of Families First, SSI Disability or Child Support if Applicable)
- Proof of Parent’s Address (MLGW Bill, Telephone Bill, Lease or Mortgage in Parent’s Name)
- Certified Copy of Child’s Birth Certificate
- Copies of both child’s social security card and insurance card
- Certificate of Immunization with Current Physical Exam
- Proof of child’s dental exam, if applicable
- Well Child Summary
Note: It is not necessary to bring children to attend the enrollment events.
A Historic Milestone in Early Education
As Porter-Leath celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2025, this Head Start grant marks a monumental milestone in its ongoing commitment to expanding high-quality early childhood services and fostering partnerships that benefit our county’s youngest citizens.
Every child deserves the opportunity to be ready for kindergarten on day one. Thanks to Porter-Leath and its partners, thousands more Shelby County families now have that chance.
