Pre-K Registration Still Open in Shelby County

First 8 Memphis encourages parents to register for the 2020-2021 school year

First 8 Memphis, a new organization working to make sure local children receive early care and educational services from birth through age 8, is partnering with Memphis-area Pre-K schools to help parents register for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Enrolling children in Pre-K gives families access to special support, wraparound services and other impactful resources as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. First 8 Memphis partner programs accepting student registrations include Shelby County Schools, Bartlett City Schools, Millington Municipal Schools, Porter-Leath Pre-K, UofM Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning and Research Center, Libertas School of Memphis, Cornerstone Prep Denver Campus, Achievement School District and Perea Preschool. Children must be 4 years old by August 15 to be eligible.

Enroll your child in Pre-K today at PreKMemphis.com.

First 8 Memphis Pre-K partners

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRE-K PROGRAMS

High-quality early childhood programs help our children, families and communities succeed, and Pre-K programs are one of the first and most important steps families can take to prepare students for success in kindergarten and beyond.

“We’ve been trained to think education starts at kindergarten, but research shows, and many families know, that children begin learning much earlier, in fact prenatally. Pre-K is often a child’s first experience in school, or in group care, and can set the stage for a child’s long-term educational experience,” said Kandace Thomas, Executive Director of First 8 Memphis. “Even though many Pre-K programs are virtual this school year, it is still important that parents register their kids in Pre-K. It will give young children the opportunity to use technology to learn; and some programs provide devices and wraparound services to families that may need extra support this year. Our Pre-K partner programs are currently enrolling students and applications are still open.”

FAMILY RESOURCES FROM PARTNER PROGRAMS

First 8 Memphis Pre-K partner programs provide education, wraparound services and family support, all of which are free of charge for those who meet income eligibility requirements. In addition, partner programs will provide home learning devices to students who need them, when health precautions require a virtual classroom environment.

About First 8 Memphis

First 8 Memphis is a new organization devoted to ensuring that Shelby County children 0-8 and their families have access to high-quality early childhood programs. Through comprehensive Pre-K, Home Visitation, Childcare and K-3rd grade partner programs, First 8 successfully prepares children for kindergarten readiness and third-grade literacy. To learn more, visit first8memphis.org, call (901) 563-5921 or email ladora@first8memphis.org.

Pre-K Registration Still Open in Shelby County – Press Release [PDF]