Porter-Leath

Happy ! Tuesday we celebrated the naming of the Lura and Steve Turner Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy in ! We are so grateful for the Turner family's dedication to ensuring ALL children have access to high-quality options. In addition to the couple's incredible financial support, Lura Turner has given her time and talent as a member of the Porter-Leath Board of Trustees for many years. During the dedication, Steve Turner elaborated on why they give to Porter-Leath.

"In our community there are lots of problems. ... We tend to gravitate as the human condition, toward finding short-term solutions and gratifications. This organization does not work on short-term solutions. They work on today's problems today ... but as you can see from the goals going back 173 years this is a long-term group of folks. From the staff, the leadership, predecessors, the bricks and mortar that they invest in, they are worth investing in your money also."

Did you know that the Porter-Leath Books from Birth offers bilingual books? That's right! Books from Birth offers a English/Spanish version of books to children living in the U.S. and Mine Mine Mine Yours/Mio Mio Mio Tuyo is just one of many bilingual books in the program.

This story is about this energetic boy and his dad that are ready for a day full of adventure and opposites. These expressive illustrations emphasize the playful fun between a boy, his friends, and his father in this clever concept book about playdate dynamics that are sure to entertain little (and big!) members of the family.

We are thrilled to announce that Porter-Leath's program has earned the National Head Start Association's Program of Excellence Accreditation! This distinction recognizes our program’s quality, mission-driven work, and innovative nature. Thank you to the incredible staff that make our program shine.

Early Head Start staff recognized the achievement with a Kudos and Converse event to celebrate with fellowship, food, and even dancing! Learn more about this national mark of distinction at porterleath.org/news.

To all Porter-Leath friends who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah - Shana Tova! We are wishing you and your loved ones a good year ahead.

Porter-Leath's is the local-affiliate of Dolly Partons Imagination Library. While the main theme of the books from the Imagination Library is inspiration and imagination, each library consists of certain characteristics specific to the ages of children enrolled. From classic lullaby's and colorful shapes to heroes and conflict resolution, Books from Birth helps children fall in love with reading.

Find your child's year and tell us your favorite book! 📚

Porter-Leath's in Frayser celebrated by doing a day in the life of an student. By including grandparents, the expanded families of the children ages birth to three-years-old had a peek into the child's routines, including art and free play activities!

Porter-Leath's Books from Birth is currently celebrating Dolly Partons Imagination Library gifting 200 million books globally since 1995. In honor of this milestone, seven magical Dolly bookmarks will be hidden in Imagination Library books for enrolled children and families during September's International . Enrollment must be completed by July 31, 2023, to qualify for September books.

Lucky recipients who discover the bookmarks will have the chance to receive a video chat, a personalized letter, autographed photo from Dolly, four Dollywood Theme Park tickets, and a donation of $2,000 on behalf of each chosen child to their Local Imagination Library Partner, recognizing them as the true heroes of the program.

Lookout for your September books coming to your mailboxes soon! 📚📬

Porter-Leath Academy in celebrated with the Memphis Public Libraries - South Library. Lisa P. from the library assisted families with signing up for library cards, and gave away free books to our preschool and students.

Happy from Porter-Leath's . Grandparents can be the perfect partners in showing children a LOVE for reading, during and all year long.

What book do you read over and over again to your grandchild? Or, what book does your child ask their grandparents to read? Drop your answer in comments ⬇

Last week Porter-Leath classrooms wore their University of Memphis, Memphis Grizzlies and other blue gear to celebrate . Check out some of the fun!

We are one part of a three pronged statewide partnership. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library manages the selection, pricing and mailing of the books, while the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation provides a generous, annual state grant that covers half of the book and mailing cost. With these investments in place, can focus on securing financial support for half of the book cost and mailing and enrolling children in our community.

There are currently more than 1,100 children in in Shelby County alone. Porter-Leath is seeking 50 foster homes to meet this pressing need. Foster families can help keep sibling groups together and give children much-needed stability during very difficult times in their lives. Currently, the greatest need is homes for teenagers.

Interested in becoming a foster parent? Learn more about fostering at PorterLeath.org/foster or call Lisa Arnold at (901) 577-2500 ext. 1179.

Are you moving? Be sure to update your address so your child's books can follow them to their new home! Go to porterleath.org/books-from-birth to continue building your child's personal library.

Haven't enrolled? No problem! Use the link to enroll your child in Porter-Leath’s program and begin receiving books to your mailbox.

Our offices and classrooms are closed today. We are thankful for all the workers in our community that help move our mission forward!

Keep an 👁 out for our celebration of this September! We will be posting information about Porter-Leath's .

Happy , Memphis! The ☀️ is shining for Porter-Leath to have a bright start to our September. Share this post to help us celebrate our incredible community!

May we all walk into the week as confident as this little one at Porter-Leath. What do you say/do to help you enjoy the week to come? Tell us in the comment section!

Join our team, elevate your career and make a difference. Learn more about opportunities at Porter-Leath by visiting porterleath.org/careers today!

Porter-Leath's Director, Sheronda Smith, is the Tennessee Head Start Association President.

Recently, the Region IV Head Start Association Executive Director and Board Members, including Sheronda, attended the attended the NHSA Summer Leadership Meeting.

The group is pictured below outside the National Head Start Association office in Alexandria, VA.

At Porter-Leath, we know that play and learning go hand in hand. Children practice and reinforce their learning in multiple areas during play. It gives them a place and a time for learning that cannot be achieved through number charts.

For example, in playing cars, children take turns, honk horns, and manage traffic jams. Play provides rich learning opportunities and leads to children’s success and self-esteem. Learn more about how play impacts learning from The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/10-things-every-parent-play

Enjoy these happy smiling faces for your Friday!

Porter-Leath's Cornerstone families gathered at their August Connection with a Beach themed lunch and activity. They had a beachball toss and conversation about mental health, while the children enjoyed beach limbo. 🏖

Have you ever considered becoming a ? Learn more about how to become a foster family, training available for foster parents and support that Porter-Leath provides for foster families.

We are hosting an interest meeting this Saturday, August 19th from 10 to Noon. Learn more by contacting our recruiter/trainer, Lisa Arnold, at [email protected] or (901) 577-2500 ext. 1179. Join us!

Happy ! Porter-Leath believes everyone needs a little a relaxation in their lives and works to find ways to help bring employees together through fun, monthly activities. We call it H.O.P.E. - Helping Our Professionals Excel. Each site finds ways to honor employees and strengthen their teams. It may be a special "grab-and-go" breakfast, an art break or a little after hours rock climbing.

Porter-Leath is not only a terrific place for children to learn but also for employees to grow! We would love to talk with you about joining our team and show you how YOU can empower children and families with your skills. Learn more about all that Porter-Leath has to offer our employees at porterleath.org/careers!

children had a sweet first week at Porter-Leath. They loved meeting new teachers, seeing new and old friends. Some students even had new experiences like the sea that was projected on the floor for children to explore.

Porter-Leath works to ensure staff members enjoy their work. We are currently hiring for a variety of positions including infant/toddler teachers, preschool teachers, teacher assistants and teacher floaters. We have several locations to fit your commute and would love you to join our team! Visit porterleath.org/careers to learn more.

Porter-Leath students had their end of year celebration and loved having one last hurrah with their teachers and families!

Porter-Leath had a blast at this week's planning and pre-service. Team members got pumped up with trainings and an energetic keynote speaker.

This year's theme was "Oh the places we will go!" and we can't wait to see where high-quality education and family services will take children and families this year.

Drop an encouraging note below ⬇️in the comments for all our teachers and staff who are approaching their first day of school!

At Porter-Leath, we value staff members for the unique knowledge, skills and perspective they bring to their job. It is important to recognize for the incredible role they play in developing the children in their care.

Our Manassas location celebrated the end of their instructional year before a short summer break with a fun staff appreciation event. Site Manager, Mary Sesley gave out a certificate of appreciation to each team member along with their favorite sweet snack! 🍭🍬🍫

Porter-Leath's Summer STEM Camp ended with a Summer Festival in our own backyard! Our students and their families joined us at the Porter-Leath and University of Memphis Academy in Orange Mound for games, rides, face painting, and a chance to dunk our admin employees in the Dunk Tank. While the festival was in full swing outside, our STEM Camp classrooms showcased their summer projects inside. These projects showcased each classroom's knowledge of STEM and were voted for best project of the summer!
Congratulations Early Childhood team on successful STEM Camp!

If you have a passion for this post is for you! Explore a variety of available teaching positions and the benefits offered to Porter-Leath staff by visiting porterleath.org/careers.

From providing gross motor skill toys in preschool classrooms to new school uniforms for foster children, your recurring gift can have an immediate impact on the children and families served by Porter-Leath. For example, over time, $10 a month becomes $120 a year and $25 a month becomes $300 a year.

It’s not too late to join the fun! Click the to become a monthly donor today: https://bit.ly/Porter-Leath-Monthly-Giving

Over 100 individuals attended Porter-Leath's Cornerstone June Group Connection! This event highlighted family well-being by promoting and utilizing the Children's Museum of Memphis as a resource that provides recreational/enrichment for children and families. Cornerstone also partnered with the The Children's Museum of Memphis to provide over 50 families with FREE one year memberships! 🤩

Activities at the Children's Museum included sensory play, dental health, community safety, and community workers.

The event provided an opportunity for families in Shelby and Fayette counties to engage and interact with one another all while fostering safe, fun, and meaningful play.

At Porter-Leath, our staff members love seeing children thrive. By providing high-quality , our teachers can not only see the positive impact they make on their students, but also experience an incredibly meaningful career.

Explore a variety of available teaching positions and the benefits offered to our staff by visiting porterleath.org/careers!

Kendra Scott The Shops of Saddle Creek is hosting a "Christmas in July" give-back event benefiting Porter-Leath Toy Truck. 20% of sales that mention Porter-Leath or use our special online code will come back to us! Get ahead on your labor day/birthday/holiday or treat-yourself day shopping.

*Two ways to participate*
1.) Use code GIVEBACK-ELKYE when you checkout at kendrascott.com TODAY through Thursday, July 27th.

2.) Visit the Kendra Scott on Tuesday, July 25th (7515 Poplar Avenue, Suite 105) from 4-7 p.m. and mention Porter-Leath at checkout.

*Not combinable with other offers*

A monthly gift allows you to spread the impact of your giving across the entire year, and helps the emerging needs of local children and families. Over time, $10 a month becomes $120 a year - $25 a month becomes $300 a year. That is enough to provide 12 new books to preschool children and 12 weeks of baby formula for new mothers in just ONE year!

Click here to start your monthly giving today: https://bit.ly/Porter-Leath-Monthly-Giving

Porter-Leath Academy at Frayser students beat the heat last week by having a Water Day! Parents joined their children for a day filled with popsicles, bubbles, music and fun. ☀️🌊

Fact: Studies have shown that water play can help strengthen and develop fine motor skills like splashing and running in young children.