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Our Academy

EFS believes in educating caregivers to produce high-quality learning environments for the children and families they serve.

The Academy team provides an innovative and interactive curriculum to our partners.

The Educational First Steps Academy

The Academy Training Mission

The Academy Training mission is to deliver exceptional professional development opportunities and resources that empower educators to elevate their expertise in early childhood education. Our comprehensive training program equips educators with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to significantly impact the growth and development of the children they serve. Through a combination of hands-on workshops, instructional videos, and personalized coaching, participants can refine their teaching practices and foster dynamic, engaging learning environments.


We offer over 70 training sessions with various options, including in-person sessions, live webinars, and pre-recorded videos. Additionally, we provide support for obtaining and maintaining Child Development Associate credentials, as well as preservice training tailored for both new and experienced teachers.


Transforming Early Education

At no cost to educators, families, or communities, Educational First Steps partners with childcare centers to help them meet and exceed national accreditation standards. Through comprehensive training, expert mentoring, and tailored resource support, we guide centers in achieving and sustaining excellence. This collaborative approach empowers providers to deliver high-quality care and early learning environments that set children on the path to lifelong success.


To learn more and register for our upcoming Academy opportunities, explore the training sessions in the calendar below!

EFS Academy Training Schedule

February 2025
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
26
27
12:00 AM
🌡️Supervision of Young Children
+1 more
28
12:00 PM
🌡️Playground Safety
+1 more
29
12:00 AM
🌡️Seguridad en el patio de Recreo
+1 more
30
31
12:00 AM
🌡️Emergency Preparedness & Evacuation
+1 more
1
2
3
4
12:30 PM
❤️Controlled Chaos Saves the Day
+1 more
5
6
12:00 AM
❤️Language Development (PR)
+1 more
7
12:00 AM
❤️Desarrollo del Lenguaje
+1 more
8
9
10
12:00 AM
❤️Musical Art
+1 more
11
12
12:30 PM
❤️From Discipline to Guidance - (In-Person Hubs)
+1 more
13
12:00 AM
👤Tour of the Facilities (ADMIN)
+1 more
14
15
16
17
18
19
12:00 PM
🎬Director Leaders Call
+1 more
20
12:00 AM
❤️Boosting Self Esteem
+1 more
21
12:00 AM
👣Edades y etapas del Desarrollo Infantil
+1 more
22
23
24
12:00 AM
❤️Conflict Resolution
+1 more
25
12:00 AM
❤️Reading Aloud with Toddlers
+1 more
26
27
12:00 AM
❤️Unleash Creativity Through Passion & Imagination
+1 more
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Texas Core Competencies
for Practitioners

Texas Core Competencies
for Administrators

👣

Child Growth & Development

🧩

Supporting Skill Development

🚸

Families

& Community Relationships

❤️

Responsive

Interactions

& Guidance

📝

Observation

& Assessment

🌡️

Health, Safety

& Nutrition

👩‍🏫

Learning Environments, Planning Framework, Curriculum & Standards

🗣️

Diversity & Dual Language Learners

👤

Professionalism

& Ethics

🌐

Establishing &

Maintaining an

Effective Organization

👥

Human Resource Leadership & Development

📚

Implementing a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

& Environment

📊

Business &

Operations

Management

🧰

Maintaining a

Healthy & Safe Environment

🏘️

Instituting Family & Community-Centered Programming

Child Development Associate CDA

What is a CDA?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education. Through instructor-led courses, attendees, upon completion, will have received 120 hours of early childhood training in 8 competency standards and prepares them for success to apply and pass the CDA Credential Exam.

We support educators in maintaining and strengthening their qualifications by upholding the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Additionally, we share key elements of Educational First Steps' Four Steps to Excellence 2.0 quality-building course curriculum to further enhance their effectiveness.

Questions for the Professional Development team?
EMAIL: efsacademy@educationalfirststeps.org

Why it Matters:

EFS increases early childhood teacher retention and by providing professional development, training, and data support that empowers ECE teachers as they master skills and build credentials as development specialists.

Register for professional development courses, including the Child Development Associate via the calendar above.

Educational First Steps

2815 Gaston Ave.

Dallas, TX 75226

5049 Edwards Ranch Rd. 

Fort Worth, TX 76109

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