Our Mission Educational-First-Steps_HR-1411 The mission of Educational First Steps (EFS) is to increase the number of economically disadvantaged children receiving high-quality early childhood education. EFS began addressing this mission in 1990 in South Dallas and in 2012, expanded its resources into Fort Worth and the greater north Texas community. Educational First Steps achieves its mission by partnering with centers at no cost to directors, teachers or families. EFS provides centers with qualified, experienced mentors who coach and train childcare center staff to achieve the goal of national accreditation. Educational First Steps also helps these businesses become economically viable, with the primary focus on sustaining and increasing enrollment.