Porter-Leath Selected as Program Operator for New South City Early Childhood Education Center
Memphis, TN – Following an eight-week public application process, Porter-Leath has been selected to provide programs and services at the new South City Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center.
On behalf of the South City Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) development team, First 8 Memphis (F8M) coordinated the Request for Proposals (RFP) application and convened a review committee composed of City government and community representatives to evaluate applications based on a scoring rubric.
Though a limited number of qualified candidates submitted applications during the process, multiple providers were rated highly by the review team. Porter-Leath was chosen based on their proven experience and immediate readiness to begin programming at the center and will now work directly with the South City CNI development team on the operational and contractual agreements.
“First 8 Memphis is proud to have helped lead the process that will bring much-needed and much-deserved education programming to young children and families in the South City community,” said F8M Executive Director Dr. Kandace Thomas.
The new South City ECE Center is part of the South City Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, a comprehensive mixed-use redevelopment of the former Foote Homes public housing site near the South Main Historic District, downtown, and the Medical District. The center is expected to open between the Fall of 2023 and the Fall of 2024.
Porter-Leath will coordinate and provide early childhood care and education services for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years old to support their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development and readiness for Kindergarten.
“Porter-Leath is honored to be selected to provide high-quality early childhood services at the new South City Early Childhood Education Center,” said Sean Lee, Porter-Leath President. “The South City partnership will not only deepen our continuum of support for local families, but will further our goal to ensure all children, regardless of ZIP code, have access to quality early childhood experiences to become Kindergarten-ready.”
About Porter-Leath: For over 170 years, Porter-Leath has been a primary resource for Memphis’ children and families. By focusing on the essential building blocks of healthy development, Porter-Leath not only gives them access to the tools they need, but also a sense of hope. Porter-Leath helps build stronger children, stronger families and a stronger Memphis. For more information, contact us at 901-577-2500 or visit us at porterleath.org.
