Educational First Steps

09/08/2026

So, what does Educational First Steps actually do?

We support the people and programs working every day to give young children a strong start. Learn more about our work at educationalfirststeps.org.

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we’re celebrating the dedicated early childhood educators who show up every day for North Texas children and families.

Their hard work, patience, creativity, and care make a lasting difference — and we see that impact in the children who learn, grow, and thrive because of them.

To every early childhood educator in North Texas: thank you for the work you do and the lives you touch.

Happy Labor Day!

09/04/2026

We were proud to be part of the 3rd Annual Beyond ASQ Conference last weekend, hosted by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and community partners.

This year’s conversations centered on two important priorities: early identification and educator well-being. From ASQ screenings and early intervention to family partnerships, challenging behaviors and self-care, attendees explored ways to reduce barriers for children and families while supporting the educators who serve them every day.

We were especially excited to see EFS community member Kendrick Alford of Poised for Success Learning Center help kick off the conference, sharing how ASQ screenings can help educators identify potential developmental concerns earlier and connect children and families to additional support.

EFS Manager of Innovations Kamikka Hughes also joined a panel discussion, bringing her experience and perspective to the conversation.

We’re grateful for opportunities to learn, share and collaborate with others working to help young children — and the adults who support them — thrive.

09/03/2026

Transformative. Rooted. Strong.

That’s how Board Vice Chair Cinco Calfee Sorrow describes Educational First Steps and it shows in the classrooms, the educators, and the families we serve across North Texas every day.

Early giving is open now for North Texas Giving Day, be part of what’s next.

Check out the link in our bio to give early.

09/03/2026

Access to affordable, quality childcare remains out of reach for far too many Texas families.

A new report from KERA News highlights the growing number of children waiting for childcare assistance across Texas — and the difficult choices families face when funding simply doesn’t stretch far enough.

EFS CEO Dominique McCain shares why rising costs for staffing, food, utilities and quality care mean that existing funding can’t serve as many children as it once did.

This is more than a waitlist. It’s families waiting for an opportunity to work, learn and build a stronger future.

Read the full story from KERA News: https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-09-03/texas-families-childcare-assistance-waitlist

Thank you to reporter Sujata Dand for shining a light on this important issue and the families impacted by the childcare assistance shortage.

Data shows the number of Texas children on a waiting list for childcare payment assistance has spiked in recent years, and advocates worry the pressure on the system isn't letting up.

09/01/2026

Strong childcare systems depend on accurate information, thoughtful oversight, and providers having the support they need to navigate complex requirements.

We’re grateful to see Educational First Steps’ Dominique McCain, President & CEO, and Shawneequa Blount, Managing Director of Programs & Partnerships provide perspective in this Fort Worth Star-Telegram story on the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the realities of operating a childcare business.

Thank you to Lina Ruiz and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for including EFS in this important conversation.

Read the full story:

The lawsuit filed against Purpose Driven Ministries alleges “disallowed expenses” connected to the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

08/31/2026

What happens to Head Start matters far beyond the classroom.

Proposed federal changes could have real implications for children, families and the early childhood system in Tarrant County. Our CEO, Dominique McCain, recently spoke with Ismael Belkoura and the Fort Worth Report about what’s at stake.

We’re grateful to Ismael for highlighting the local perspective in this important conversation.

Read the full article:

The Fort Worth Report discussed changes and concerns with leaders from the Center for Transforming Lives and Child Care Associates.

08/28/2026

Big news for Educational First Steps!

We’re proud to announce that we have been named a Pre-K Partnership Intermediary by the Texas Education Agency for Regions 10 and 11.

So, what does that mean?

Simply put: EFS will help bring school systems and high-quality early childhood providers together to build more opportunities for children to access high-quality pre-K.

As a Pre-K Partnership Intermediary, EFS will help:

CONNECT — Recruit high-quality pre-K providers and connect them with school systems.

SUPPORT — Help partners navigate contracts, financial planning, negotiations and the partnership process.

STRENGTHEN — Support pre-K quality and provide operational support as partnerships take shape.

This new role builds on the work EFS has done for years alongside early childhood educators and providers across North Texas. We’re bringing that experience to a new opportunity to help strengthen connections between early childhood programs and school systems.

As one of the first organizations selected for this new initiative, we’re honored to help build an exemplary model for pre-K partnerships in Texas and across Regions 10 and 11.

We’re excited for what’s ahead, and for the possibilities this creates for children, families, educators and communities across North Texas.

More information about the Pre-K Partnership Intermediary initiative and how school systems and early childhood providers can connect with EFS will be available soon.

08/28/2026

What happens in a child’s first classroom can reach much farther than we realize.

One of the most compelling examples comes from the Chicago Longitudinal Study, a decades-long study that followed over 1,500 children who grew up in high-poverty neighborhoods.

Researchers looked at children who participated in the Chicago Child-Parent Center program, which provided educational enrichment and family support from preschool through third grade. They followed these children into adulthood and found that the benefits of participating were still visible when the children reached age 35, including stronger educational outcomes and higher rates of postsecondary degree attainment.

That’s why we believe the early years deserve our attention and our investment.

At Educational First Steps, we work alongside early childhood educators to strengthen the learning environments where young children begin building the skills, confidence and curiosity they’ll carry with them for years to come.

The foundation starts early. The possibilities are lifelong.

08/27/2026

Something is growing at EFS. 🌿

Today we kick off our journey to North Texas Giving Day, and we need our whole community with us.

On September 17, we’re rallying together to support the educators and children at the heart of our mission. Mark your calendar. Tell a friend. Stay tuned.

Every root holds. Every leaf grows.