Porter-Leath Headstart

Enroll Now: FREE Head Start Program at Early Enrichment Center

The Early Enrichment Center (EEC) in Midtown Memphis is now an approved Porter-Leath provider. Enrollment for children ages 3–5 for the 2026-2027 school-year opens July 16.

Head Start is a nationally recognized program that helps children from lower-income families prepare
for kindergarten by providing education, nutrition, and family support services — all at no cost to
qualifying families.

Why Choose EEC?

At EEC, your child will benefit from:

⭐ Three-Star Quality Rating — Tennessee’s highest rating for childcare
Certified, caring teachers dedicated to school readiness
Safe, engaging classrooms that support each child’s growth and development
⏰ FREE tuition from 8 AM – 3 PM

Who Qualifies?

Enrollment is open now, but space is limited! Families may qualify if they meet income guidelines or
participate in programs such as WIC, SNAP, or TANF.

An Opportunity for Extended Care

Through Tennessee Smart Steps

If your family is approved for Smart Steps, your child may be eligible to receive wraparound child care services at our Early Enrichment Center outside of the regular Head Start instructional day, including:

Early Drop-Off: Beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Extended Afternoon Care: Until 4:00 p.m.
Attendance on days when the Early Enrichment Center is open, but the Head Start program is closed, providing greater consistency and support for working families.

These additional hours are designed to help parents who work or attend school while allowing children to remain in a safe, familiar, and nurturing learning environment.

Apply Today

While Smart Steps is currently maintaining a waitlist for new applicants, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applying now places your family in line for consideration as funding becomes available.

You can learn more and apply online by visiting:

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-care-services/child-care-payment-assistance.html

Applying is free, and eligibility is determined solely by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

If you have questions about how Smart Steps could work with your child's Head Start enrollment, please contact our office. We are happy to help explain the program and answer your questions.

Thank you for allowing us to partner with your family. We are always looking for ways to provide additional support that helps children thrive and makes life a little easier for the families we serve.