Changing the odds
for kids in North Texas & beyond
What we do
Educational First Steps (EFS) empowers early childhood educators and childcare centers to provide high-quality learning environments for children from birth to age five, particularly in historically under-resourced communities. Through professional development, mentoring, and business support, EFS partners with childcare centers and home-based providers to improve teaching practices, achieve national accreditation, and ensure children are prepared for success in school and beyond. EFS aims to level the playing field, offering every child access to the education they deserve, regardless of their economic background or zip code.
How we do it
Our Strategic Pillars
EFS supports early childhood centers and their owners on their journey to offer high-quality childcare in areas of high need so that communities have access to opportunities.
Pipeline
Leadership
Development
Teacher Retention
Business Coaching
Family Engagement
EFS increases early childhood teacher retention by providing professional development, training, and data support that empower ECE teachers as they master skills and build credentials as developmental specialists.
Development
Credentials
Coaching
Mastery
EFS supports the K-12 continuum for early literacy by providing early childhood educators with the curriculum and tools needed to promote school readiness in their students from infancy to preschool.
Curriculum
Data Support
Assessments
Continuous Improvement
Our Impact
By strengthening local childcare, we support: Educational Excellence, Local Entrepreneurship, Social Equity, Policy-Level Change, and Workforce Development.
