The mission of Educational First Steps (EFS) is to create and support high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five. EFS was established in 1990 to help transform low-performing childcare centers in communities with the greatest need across North Texas into nationally accredited, high-quality early learning environments. Through its signature early childhood education program, the Four Steps to Excellence, EFS provides the evidence-based training, mentoring, and comprehensive resource support, all at no cost to educators, families, and communities, needed to help childcare centers achieve either the highest level of Texas Rising Star certification or national accreditation from two of the most rigorous accrediting agencies – the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Accreditation Commission of Early Care and Education (NAC). In turn, childcare providers provide the high-quality, high-impact care required to create and support early learning environments that help all children experience an equal opportunity for success. By investing in early childhood education, Educational First Steps aims to help close achievement gaps for early learners, break cycles of generational poverty for families, and create a brighter and more economically and socially equitable tomorrow for the children and communities of North Texas.