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About 
Us

EFS transforms existing childcare centers in historically underinvested communities across North Texas into nationally accredited early learning environments.

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Our Story

Through EFS’ early childhood education program, the Four Steps to Excellence, Educational First Steps transforms existing childcare centers into nationally accredited preschools. 

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At no cost to the educators, families, and communities served, EFS creates and supports high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five.

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By investing in early childhood education, EFS aims to increase the number of high-quality early childhood providers who have the training, coaching, and data tools to create a brighter and more equitable tomorrow for the children and communities of North Texas.

Our Vision

All Communities will have equitable, high-quality early childhood education. 

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Our Mission

Educational First Steps (EFS) creates and supports high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five. 

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Since 1990, EFS has aimed to help transform low-performing childcare centers in communities with the greatest need across North Texas into nationally accredited, high-quality early learning environments.

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Annually, EFS impacts over 5,000 children from birth to age five and 1,000 early educators in North Texas through nearly 150 independent childcare centers and home-based providers.

Our Team

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Educational First Steps Board of Directors

  • Libby Manning – EFS Board Chair

  • Robin Berkley – Advocacy & Awareness Committee Chair

  • Angela Hosseini – Development Committee Chair

  • Kate S. Minnich – Governance Committee Chair

  • Terri Mossige – Opportunities & Innovation Committee Chair

  • Patrick Reardon – Finance Committee Chair

  • Lorree Cullum - Board Member

  • Melissa Goebel - Board Member

  • Shaunetta Heiskell - Board Member

  • Danielle Hunter - Board Member

  • Susan Mitchell - Board Member

  • Celeste C. Moya - Board Member

  • Norman Robbins - Board Member

  • Paige Hendricks Russey - Board Member

  • Margaret Shouse - Board Member

  • Nancy Sticksel - Board Member

EFS Life Members

  • David Munson

  • Sandra Estess

  • Barbara Garton

  • Joyce Wright

  • Linus Wright

EFS Advisors

  • Gail Stoke – Chairman Emeritus

  • Runa Ghosh

  • Amy Jacobs

  • Myra Savage

  • Wendy Stanley

  • Karen Wardell

Join our Team

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