First 8 Memphis

On the 8th of every month, we invite you to give $8 to support children ages 0–8 across Memphis and Shelby County. Give any variation of $8 ($38, $88, $800)! first8memphis.org/donate

Today is the 8th — and we’re asking for just $8. When we invest in the first 8 years, we build stronger families and a stronger community. 💚📚❤️ Give. Share. Repeat every month. first8memphis.org/donate

Nearly 50% of children entering foster care are birth–5. That’s why Shelby County’s first Safe Baby Court matters. We're proud to join partners in this major step toward a more connected, trauma-informed approach for babies, toddlers, and families. #investearly #safebabycourt

"We have to increase the quality" of early care and education! Our vision remains the same a community where every child has the resources to thrive. Read more about our High-Quality Indicators at first8memphis.org/early-chil…

“Play is the highest form of research.” — Albert Einstein 📚🚪 Photo courtesy of Freedom Prep Academy Westwood 🧡 #prekforall #first8memphis #ece #earlychildhoodeducation

On the 8th of every month, give $8 to support children ages 0–8 across Memphis and Shelby County. No gift is too small. Give any variation of $8 ($38, $88, $800) to help our work in the ECE community. 💚✨ first8memphis.org/donate

Building a stronger future starts with a stronger workforce. 💼 Check out our Career Lattice at first8memphis.org/workforce-…!

Women Behind the Workforce 💜 Meet Mrs. Rotasha Jackson of Perea Preschool! Rotasha believes, “Behind every child who believes in themselves is a teacher who believed in them first.” She is a true asset to their program and our families at Perea.

Women Behind the Workforce 💜 Meet Ms. Shante Gipson of @porterleath @ Frayser.  Shante is a caring educator who creates a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where students learn and grow. She uses creativity to help develop important social, emotional, & academic skills.

City Leadership is hosting the Teach901 Educator Expo & Job Fair at Crosstown Concourse. Connect with schools hiring now and for the upcoming school year! 📅 Wednesday, March 25 ⏰ 4:30 - 6:30 PM 📍 Crosstown Concourse, 4th Floor Register today: choose901.typeform.com/to/Dq…

⏰ DEADLINE IS FRIDAY: Shelby County Gov is accepting applications from summer camp operators for its Summer Camp Grant Program. Selected grantees will receive grants up to $10k, which will fund free summer camp placements for youth. Apply here: tinyurl.com/yhnzkhun

Women Behind the Workforce 💜 Meet Ms. Minerva Padron of Su Casa Preschool. Minerva truly has the heart of an educator and is one of those people born to teach. Her love and patience have endeared her to every family she has encountered.

This women's month we're spotlighting Women Behind the Early Care and Education Workforce! 💜 Meet Ms. Danyelle McKinney of Broad Minds Academy. Danyelle lives by the belief: “Children don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

We're still riding the energy from the First 8 Memphis Early Care & Education Conference 💫 So much learning, connection, and shared purpose—all in service of our babies and the people who care for them. What was your favorite part of the Conference? #F8MConference2025

Today is the 8th — and we’re asking for just $8. Your $8 supports access to early care and education for children ages 0–8 across Memphis and Shelby County. When we invest in the first 8 years, we build stronger families and a stronger community. 💚📚❤️ first8memphis.org/donate

#LovinOnOurBabies ❤️ Families are clear about what they need: supportive relationships, strong communities, and systems that truly work for them. Investing in early childhood means investing in wages, healthcare, affordability, and flexibility so families can thrive. ❤️

Yesterday, our ED, Dr. Kandace Thomas, was named a 2026 Black History Month Honoree by the Shelby County Commission by Commissioner Michael Whaley. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Thomas!

Want to learn more about infant mental health in a classroom setting? Apply to join this statewide opportunity to advance our early care and education system! Apply here: associationofinfantmentalhea…

Our youngest children are learning from the very beginning—through books, exploration, and everyday moments of connection. When babies are supported to be curious and confident, it shapes how they experience the world around them. #LovinOnOurBabies ❤️

#LovinOnOurBabies Why it matters: babies’ earliest relationships shape their brains and their futures. Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health lays the foundation for strong relationships, emotional well-being, and lifelong learning—starting from day one. ❤️