MEMPHIS, Tenn. University Schools at the University of Memphis has started a new partnership with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH),an early childhood pilot program inside Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Children in the program, ages 3-4, will become students of the district’s Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning and Research Center (ELRC).
“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,” said Brooke Willis, executive director of Early Childhood Programs. “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.”
This partnership is designed to ensure children under the age of 5 who experience extended stays in the hospital have access to early learning opportunities that support school readiness, social-emotional growth and development. Student participation methods will depend on a case-by-case basis. Some instruction will be virtual; some will be done at a child’s bedside, all given by qualified preschool teachers and support staff.
“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,” said Erin Lasley, All Kids Academy Program Coordinator and Family Resource Center coordinator at Le Bonheur.
“All children deserve the opportunity to learn and thrive in a healthy and supportive school environment. We are thrilled to partner with Le Bonheur to ensure that happens for the children in their care,” said Sally Parish, vice provost and director of schools for University Schools.
The program is being funded for one year through a grant from First 8 Memphis, a non-profit founded in 2019 to help lead and coordinate early childhood education efforts in Memphis and Shelby County. The funding allows for the ELRC and Le Bonheur to enroll 10 patients in the pilot program. The ELRC will provide the academic staff, the curriculum and the technology, such as laptops and tablets. Le Bonheur will provide the learning space and appoint an administrator to assist in enrollment and academic data and performance reporting.
Enrollment into the program is voluntary. Students become eligible for enrollment once they’re admitted for inpatient care at Le Bonheur or if there is a recommendation based on an extended outpatient treatment, such as ongoing dialysis treatment. Students’ families will be registered at the ELRC and will become a part of the University Schools community, able to be included in all school events and celebrations.
"Le Bonheur strives to care for the whole child and not only their medical needs,” said Jessica Liles, director, Volunteer & Family Support at Le Bonheur. “This partnership allows us to further support the educational and developmental needs of our patients, creating a more holistic approach to healing.
While the current funding is only for one year for the early childhood pilot program, both entities have a long-term goal to scale this model to include a full PreK-12 program operated by the district and embedded within Le Bonheur’s existing efforts to support school-friendly health systems.
