About
Us
EFS transforms existing childcare centers in historically underinvested communities across North Texas into nationally accredited early learning environments.
Our Story
Through EFS’ early childhood education program, the Four Steps to Excellence, Educational First Steps transforms existing childcare centers into nationally accredited preschools.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Educational First Steps Board of Directors
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Gail Stoke – EFS Board Chair
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Kate Minnich – Governance Chair
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Libby Manning – Development Chair (Fort Worth)
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Norman Robbins – Opportunity & Innovation Chair
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Robin Berkley – Advocacy Chair
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Susan Mitchell – Finance Chair
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Alyssa Spiegel – Board Member
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Angela Hosseini – Board Member
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Cinco Sorrow – Board Member
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Danielle Hunter – Board Member
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Hollie Neal-Morgan – Board Member
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Kam Phillips-Sadler – Board Member
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Loree Cullum – Board Member
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Margaret Shouse – Board Member
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Nancy Sticksel – Board Member
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Shaunetta Heiskell – Board Member
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Shelby Sticksel – Board Member
EFS Life Members
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David Munson
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Sandra Estess
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Barbara Garton
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Joyce Wright
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Linus Wright
EFS Advisors
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Runa Ghosh
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Amy Jacobs
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Myra Savage
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Wendy Stanley
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Karen Wardell
