The pilot program will give children under the age of five who experience extended hospital stays access to early learning opportunities from qualified educators.
The University of Memphis has partnered with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare to create a pilot program that will provide young children experiencing extended stays in the hospital with early learning opportunities to support their growth and development. The university’s University Schools’ Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning and Research Center will provide the educators, curriculum, and learning technologies for the children, and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare will provide the learning space and a program administrator.
According to an article on the University of Memphis website, Brooke Willis, who serves as the executive director of Early Childhood Programs, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “We are proud to launch a program that not only delivers high-quality early learning experiences to children during extended hospital stays, but also preserves their sense of belonging and connection. By engaging directly with a partner classroom community, children are able to learn alongside their peers, nurturing vital friendships and social bonds even while they receive medical care. This partnership ensures that children maintain a sense of normalcy, continue to grow academically and socially and remain connected to a supportive school community during and after their hospital stay.”
The program and partnership is made possible through a one-year grant awarded by the nonprofit organization First 8 Memphis, which focuses on coordinating early childhood education in Memphis and Shelby Counties. Thanks to the grant, 10 students can be enrolled into the one-year pilot program, and both Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning and Research Center are hopeful that following a successful pilot, the program can be extended and integrated into the school district and the health system’s support resources.
Kids ages three and four who are admitted into a Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare hospital for an extended period are eligible to be enrolled in the early learning program. The goal is to help kids stay on track with school readiness, social-emotional growth, and development even though they must remain in the hospital during a critical time for early education. Qualified preschool teachers will provide this crucial education either virtually or in the patient’s hospital room, depending on their condition.
Erin Lasley, who is the All Kids Academy Program Coordinator and Family Resource Center coordinator at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, said, “Early childhood, particularly ages three and four, is a critical period for development. Hospitalization can significantly limit these opportunities. Through this unique partnership, Le Bonheur ensures that young patients receive academic support while their families experience a sense of belonging and community during a challenging time.”
Jessica Liles, who serves as the director of Volunteer & Family Support at Le Bonheur, added, “Le Bonheur strives to care for the whole child and not only their medical needs. This partnership allows us to further support the educational and developmental needs of our patients, creating a more holistic approach to healing.”
For more information about the University of Memphis, visit the school’s website.