As a prekindergarten teacher for Shelby County Schools, I have firsthand experience with the school readiness problem in our community. I have kids who begin the year not knowing how to spell their names, and some who don’t know a single letter of the alphabet.
‘Early Advantage’ brain exhibit debuts at Pink Palace Museum
December 11, 2013
Advancing their commitment to provide resources to help Memphis and Shelby County children reach their full potential, The Urban Child Institute recently opened the first module of the Early Advantage Brain Awareness Exhibit at the Pink Palace Museum.
A Parent's Attention is Greatest Gift to Child
November 12, 2013
A little more than a year ago, Dr. Meg West, a member of our board at the Memphis Pink Palace Museum suggested I take a look at an exhibit at The Urban Child Institute about the development of a child's brain. On Tuesday a user-friendly, highly interactive version of a portion of that exhibit will debut at the Pink Palace.
In "Data Book 2013: The State of Children in Memphis & Shelby County," The Urban Child Institute explores social and economic conditions affecting optimal brain development for babies ages zero to three, and subsequently outlines critical areas that need improvement. Research findings show that the environment and community in which a child is born and raised contributes greatly to her future well being, while the health and well-being of its children determines a community's future.
Babies and young children often serve as the greatest sources of joy in our adult lives. Maybe that's why we are all guilty at times of going against our better judgment – spending beyond our means or giving in to tearful requests even when we suspect it may not be the right thing to do.
Collective Action is Benefiting Shelby's Youngest
July 17, 2013
This month The Urban Child Institute will release the eighth edition of the Data Book: The State of Children in Memphis and Shelby County.