EFS Events

Educational First Steps (EFS) is proud to host the 2024 Early Childhood Educators Conference at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center on Saturday, April 20th.

This year’s theme, “Striving for Greatness,” reflects the heart of this conference and early childhood education in North Texas. When community leaders and early educators come together for growth and connection, great things happen.

Educational First Steps (EFS) hosted the Striving for Greatness gala at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas on Tuesday, February 20th. The evening featured a seated dinner and conversation with the most decorated U.S. Olympian, Allyson Felix. In addition to raising funds to further their work in early childhood education, this event was a celebration of all that has been accomplished over the years.

The Ritz Carlton Dallas was the scene for “An Evening with The Great Nowitzki,” a fundraiser held by Educational First Steps (EFS) to benefit childcare providers across North Texas. NBA legend and local icon Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks headlined the event, sharing his story of perseverance and determination with a sold-out crowd of 500 fans and EFS supporters.

The Ritz Carlton Dallas was the scene for “Diving Deep with Mark Cuban,” a fundraiser held by Educational First Steps to benefit childcare providers across North Texas. Dallas Mavericks owner and Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban headlined the event and discussed the importance of education and entrepreneurship with sports radio personality Donovan Lewis of The Ticket.

Co-chairs Wasan Alfalahi and Tiffany Cuban lead the evening and shared their personal commitment to early childhood education and the impact it has on the lives of children birth to age five. The benefit surpassed $1 million raised in support of the mission of Educational First Steps and its efforts to address the current teacher shortage crisis.

From April 25th to April 29th, local Dallas nonprofit, Educational First Steps (EFS) hosted its annual Early Childhood Conference themed: Changing Times, New Beginnings. Sessions featured topics ranging from Multicultural Diversity in ECE to Five Marketing Strategies to Set You Apart from the Competition, culminating in a keynote presentation from CEO and Creative Director of Role Model Professional Development, Shawn Brown. The conference was offered at no cost to the over 1,750 teachers, directors, and home-based providers from EFS’ network of 150 childcare centers and providers throughout North Texas.