Educational First Steps

Who We Are:

Background: Educational First Steps (EFS) was established in 1990 with the purpose to transform existing childcare centers in historically underinvested communities across North Texas into high-quality early learning environments that positively impact kindergarten readiness.

Mission & Vision: The mission of Educational First Steps is to create and support high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five, and EFS' vision is that all communities will have equitable, high-quality early childhood education.

Impact: In the last thirty-five years, Educational First Steps has positively impacted over 100,000 children and families in North Texas.

What We Do:

Services: Educational First Steps provides the classroom resources, evidence-based training, professional development, and business support services needed to make high-quality childcare more equitably accessible.

Outcomes: EFS’ partner centers provide the high-quality, high-impact care required to close achievement, opportunity, and equity gaps in communities throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

Impact: Presently, Educational First Steps partners with 150 childcare providers to help make high-quality early childhood education equitable accessible to over 5,000 children and their families across six counties in North Texas.

Why We Exist:

Early Matters: Research shows that 90% of critical human brain development occurs in humans from birth to age five, and early learners flourish when they are exposed to language, books, diverse experiences, developmentally appropriate learning, and professionally trained educators.

Societal Barriers: Poverty, systemic racism, and a lack of community resources are often sociteal barriers that restrict access to high-quality early childhood education for some North Texas children, which can negatively impact their overall life trajectory.

EFS Purpose: Educational First Steps exists to help ensure that all children have equitable access to a high-quality early childhood education and are kindergarten ready.

Your Gift Also Helps Support:

$500 – Circle Time Area (Rugs, Equipment, and Furnishings)

$160 – Dramatic Play Area (Pretend Play Food Set, Cash Register, and Play Money Set)

$130 – Social-Emotional Calming Area (Calm Down Tools Kit and Soft Lighting Lamp)

$110 – Writing Center (Alphabet Writing Trays, Letter Stamps, and Ink Pad)

$110 – Construction Center (Construction Vehicles Set and Community Play People)

$100 – Children’s Library (Set of Classic Children’s Book)

$100 – Art Center (Paints, Crayons, Paper, Scissors, and Supplies)

$100 - Manipulatives Center (Pattern Blocks, Sorting Kits, Counting Kits) 

$100 – Music Center (Music and Movement CD Collection, Microphone, and Materials)

$100 – Playground (Sports Equipment, and Outdoor Play Materials) 

$50 – Science Center (Magnifiers, Viewers, and Materials)

Thank you for supporting Educational First Steps!