Educational First Steps

Juneteenth marks an important moment in our nation's history and serves as an opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate freedom.

At Educational First Steps, we believe that education helps build understanding, empathy, and opportunity. Today, we honor the significance of Juneteenth and the resilience of those whose stories continue to shape our communities.

This year, we were proud to recognize Kenyatta Henderson, founder and director of YaYa's Yuniversity, as Educational First Steps' 2026 Director of the Year.

Her commitment to family engagement and scholar success is reflected in every aspect of her leadership. Read her thoughts below on what it means to create an environment where scholars can learn, excel, achieve, and dream.

✨ Thinking back to our incredible 2026 Educators Conference, we're still feeling inspired by the energy, passion, and dedication that filled every room.

Last month, more than 500 educators, directors, volunteers, vendors, partners, and supporters came together to learn, connect, and celebrate the important work happening in early childhood education across North Texas.

From engaging training sessions and meaningful conversations to new connections and shared ideas, the day was a powerful reminder that when we invest in those who care for and educate young children, we strengthen entire communities.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year's conference such a success. We can't wait to do it again!

More than 10,000 children across North Texas benefit from Educational First Steps affiliated programs each year.

That impact is made possible through the dedication of educators, directors, families, and childcare providers who work every day to create nurturing, high-quality learning environments for young children.

Together, we're helping build strong foundations during the years that matter most.

Thank you for being part of this important work.

“Early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society.”

To the educators, directors, and caregivers who show up every day for young children: thank you.

The relationships you build, the skills you nurture, and the safe environments you create have a lasting impact on children, families, and communities.

Your work matters more than you know.

Nearly 80% of brain development happens in the first three years of life.

For those working in early childhood education, this isn’t an abstract statistic, it’s something you see every day in classrooms, homes, and care settings.

The early years are full of rapid growth, learning, and connection, and the consistency and care educators provide play a critical role in shaping that development.

What happens in these earliest moments matters far beyond childhood.

The quality of an early childhood educator can have a lasting impact on a child's development.

Every day, educators help children build the skills they need to succeed, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Through meaningful interactions, encouragement, and intentional learning experiences, they help lay the foundation for lifelong growth.

When we support and invest in early childhood educators, we're investing in stronger outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Their work matters, and so does the impact they make every day.

We all have that one educator we never forget.

Maybe it was a teacher who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself.

Maybe it was someone who made learning feel exciting for the first time.

Maybe it was a caregiver, coach, or mentor who shaped who you are today in ways you still carry with you.

Today, we want to hear those stories.

Who was an educator that made a difference in your life—and what’s your favorite memory of them?

Drop their name or share your story in the comments. We’d love to celebrate the people who helped shape us all. 👇

Congratulations to our 2026 David Munson Award Recipients!

At this year’s Educators Conference, we had the privilege of recognizing three outstanding early childhood professionals whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to children and families make a lasting impact in their communities.

🏆Home-Based Provider of the Year
Teressia Whitehead-Blair, Nanna's First Childcare

🏆Teacher of the Year
Tinaundra Davis, Pace & Ross Learning Center

🏆Director of the Year
Kenyatta Henderson, YaYa's Yuniversity

These exceptional educators embody excellence in early childhood education and inspire those around them every day.

Please join us in celebrating their incredible achievements and the difference they make in the lives of young children.

One of the most memorable conversations from our Educators Conference took place during our closing panel discussion on the importance of male role models in early childhood education.

Dr. LeBrandan Jenkins, Aaron Fields, Ronnie Davis, Ezohn Smith, Andre Williams, and Ronald Rivera shared their personal journeys into the profession, discussed the unique perspectives they bring to their work, and reflected on the difference positive role models can make in the lives of young children.

We are grateful for their honesty, insight, and commitment to supporting the next generation of learners. Thank you to each of these leaders for helping advance an important conversation for our field.

What qualities made a teacher or mentor memorable in your life? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments.