• We Covene: Early Care & Education Conference Recap

    Our inaugural Conference was an incredible success! Over 150+ early childhood educators, leaders, and advocates gathered for two inspiring days of learning, connection, and celebration.

    Read More about Our Conference
  • Two young girls playing with colorful building blocks and toys on a vibrant alphabet-themed rug in a classroom. They are smiling and making a heart shape with their hands. Behind them are shelves with more toys and a photograph of children camping.

    We Lead: Pre-K for All - Historic Win for Our Community!

    Our new initiative gives access to a FREE, public Pre-K program for ALL 3 and 4-year-old children in Memphis and Shelby County!

    Read Our Press Release

  • We Advocate: Annual Day on the Hill in Nashville, TN

    Each year, F8M partners with advocates to bus parents, children, educators, advocates, and more to meet with legislators on the importance of investing in early care and education.

    Photos from 2026 Hill Day
  • A young girl with braided hair wearing a white shirt and blue backpack, holding a notebook, standing in a classroom with other students blurred in the background.

    Today’s dress-up, tomorrow’s award-winning actress.

    View Our Presentation
  • Two young boys sitting at a table looking at a colorful book together, smiling and sharing an enjoyable moment in a brightly decorated room.

    Today's builder, tomorrow's innovator.

    View Our Whitepaper
  • A classroom full of young students sitting on a blue carpet, with some raising their hands, and a teacher standing at the front near a computer and whiteboard.

    F8M Spotlight: Pre-K Success in Memphis and Shelby County

    Stories from local leaders, parents, teachers, students, and the incredible efforts of our partners over the past three years.

    Watch Video
Donate to First 8 Memphis!

Building our city’s future from the start.

A child’s foundations in life and learning are essential to lifelong success. First 8 Memphis was founded to build an early care and education system that will allow every child in Shelby County to have a successful first 8 years as a strong base for lifetime success.

 Help make a difference in the lives of children and families in Memphis!

DONATE TODAY
Pre-K for All Memphis Shelby County logo with colorful dots and text outlining early childhood education in Memphis and Shelby County.

We’re starting at 3! Our Pre-K for All program gives access to FREE, public Pre-K for ALL 3 and 4-year-old children in Memphis and Shelby County to prepare ALL children for lifelong success!

Read Our Press Release
Learn More About Pre-K for All!

Thank You for Making Our Inaugural Early Care and Education Conference a Success!

Conference keynote speakers featuring three diverse professionals with their names and titles. From left to right: Dr. Kandace Thomas, Executive Director of First 8 Memphis, smiling woman with short curly hair in a purple dress; DJ Pryor, actor, comedian, father, with glasses and a dark suit; Dr. Deborah Reed, Director at Tennessee Reading Research Center, smiling woman with short hair in a black top. The background has colorful abstract shapes and the text 'Conference Keynotes' at the top.

Our inaugural First 8 Memphis Early Care & Education Conference: Innovate. Inspire. Impact. was an incredible success! Over 150+ early childhood educators, leaders, and advocates gathered for two inspiring days of learning, connection, and celebration.

Learn more about our Conference!
A circular badge featuring Memphis Business Journal's 2025 list of best places to work, highlighting First Eight Memphis, emphasizing success in the first 8 years.

We are thrilled to share that First 8 Memphis was named one of the Best Places to Work 2025 in Memphis by the Memphis Business Journal.

This honor reflects the commitment, passion, and talent of our team, as well as the supportive network of partners, educators, and families who make our mission possible. We’re beaming with pride and fueled with more passion to continue the work!

Learn more about us!
 
 

Our Impact

View All of Our Pre-K Reports!

Stay Connected with F8M

View fullsize 🚨 Registration closes Thursday, April 2nd 🚨 Join F8M and Save the Children Action Network TN to deepen your understanding of the early childhood landscape while building advocacy capacity among providers and community members. Register (link in b
View fullsize A huge congratulations to our Executive Director Dr. Kandace Thomas, who alongside an incredible group of women, were recognized by Senator London Lamar, Senator Raumesh Akbari, and the Tennessee State Democratic Caucus as 2026 Women on the Hill hono
View fullsize ➡️ Swipe to see highlights from Quarter 1 of the 2025-26 school year! Our Pre-K programs are strengthening young learners and the community. Read our full report at first8memphis.org/pre-k. 📚💚
View fullsize Women Behind the Workforce 💜 Meet Mrs. Rotasha Jackson of Perea Preschool! @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
View fullsize Join F8M and Save the Children Action Network TN to deepen your understanding of the early childhood landscape while building advocacy capacity among providers and community members. This event will begin with a screening of Make a Circle, a documen
View fullsize Women Behind the Workforce 💜 Meet Ms. Shante Gipson, Pre-K/Head Start Teacher at @porterleath Early Childhood Academy @ Frayser. Ms. Gipson is a caring and dedicated educator who creates a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where students learn
View fullsize City Leadership is hosting the @Teach901 Educator Expo & Job Fair at Crosstown Concourse. Connect with schools hiring now and for the upcoming school year! AND explore incredible community partners offering: – Professional development res
View fullsize ⏰ DEADLINE IS FRIDAY: The Shelby County Office of Education and Youth Services 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