First 8 Memphis aligns processes and standards to transform the county’s isolated programs to an integrated system. Our system improves outcomes and reduces costs, while supporting professional and educational opportunities for parents.  

These five pillars are where First 8 Memphis supports practitioners in the direct service of the care and education of young children.

First 8 Memphis Early Childhood System

Nurturing Relationships - Improving how we care for and nurture young children.

Home Visitation - Supports healthy development and family relationships for children from prenatal to 5 years.

Childcare - Provides full-time, full-year care for children ages six weeks to 5 years.

Pre-K - Promotes school readiness for young children.

K-3rd - Achieves grade-level literacy for children from kindergarten to 3rd grade.

Supporting healthy development and family relationships for children from prenatal to 5 years.

Parenthood is exciting, but also intimidating. Home visitation programs help parents manage their stress and make good choices. Programs are for pregnant mothers and families with young children.

Home visitors help families in their homes.  Parents can enjoy screenings, counseling and training to support optimal birth, health and growth for their children.

Home visitation programs also help families become safer and stronger. By participating, parents can build the skills to raise resilient children. 

Home Visitation Partners

Early Success Coalition

ParentPlus

Need Home Visitation?

Please call (901) 577-2500, ext. 1127, or contact the Early Success Coalition at earlysuccesscoalition@gmail.com or ParentPlus901 here.

Promoting school readiness for young children.

Starting school can be stressful for young children. They must have the tools to manage the transition to kindergarten. And Pre-K provides their most important introduction to the classroom.

Being kindergarten-ready means being able to adapt and achieve in school. In Pre-K, children develop social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills — skills that help them become students. They gain vital experience talking, listening and interacting with others.

But above all, Pre-K engages children’s creativity and curiosity in the classroom. And an early love of learning puts them on the path for school success.

Enroll Your Child in Pre-K Today!

First 8 Memphis Pre-K operators are accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. Enrolling your child in Pre-K gives your family access to special support, wraparound services, and other impactful resources. Children must be 4 years old by August 15 to be eligible.

View all of the First 8 Memphis Pre-K operators, plus enrollment tips and the many benefits of Pre-K, at PreKMemphis.com.

Achieving grade-level literacy for children from kindergarten to 3rd grade.

Reading by 4th grade is a make-or-break milestone in a child’s development. In 4th grade, students start learning more subjects, like history, math, and science. So by the end of 3rd grade, they must transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

Literacy is a key predictor of a child’s future academic and economic success. Students who enter the 4th grade reading on grade level are more likely to graduate high school and college. Students who cannot will likely fall further behind.  

Reading forms the foundation for learning, and K-3rd programs keep children on track between pre-K and the 4th grade. Children who participate can master the skills for lifelong literacy.