Supporting children and families at every step.

The Urban Child Institute (UCI) works with our three core support organizations (Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, The University of Memphis, and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center) and other community nonprofits to carry out a mission that prioritizes children ages 0-8. UCI seeks to increase positive early childhood outcomes as measured across four critical milestones.

Critical Milestones

Healthy Mom &Healthy Baby

Early Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment

Kindergarten Readiness

Grade-Level Reading by 3rd Grade

Our Theory of Change in Action

Explore the evidence-informed strategic inputs we promote across four focus areas as we strive toward a vision that all young children in Shelby County are safe and nurtured, healthy in body and mind, and developmentally on track.

Nurturing Relationships
Early Intervention/Medical Home
Positive Childhood Experiences
Language-Rich Home
Nutrition/Healthy Food

Affordable, Nurturing, Safe & Language-Rich Learning Environments
Inclusion and Early Intervention
Nutrition/Healthy Food

Inclusive, Supportive School Culture
Science of Reading Approach
High-Dosage/Low-Ratio Tutoring
Language-Rich School Environments
Nutrition & Healthy Food

Grassroots Advocacy
Place-Based Services and Supports
Language-Rich Environment

Download Theory of Change PDF

See how we put the UCI Theory of Change into action every day

Explore Our Work

Our Focus

Critical Milestones

Our Theory of Change in Action