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Educational First Steps

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 752334053 ✦ Dallas, TX ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Educational First Steps?

Educational First Steps (EFS) is a nonprofit organization situated in Dallas, Texas, specifically at 2815 Gaston Avenue. Its primary mission is to foster high-quality early learning environments for children from birth to age five, primarily in low-income and historically marginalized communities. EFS achieves this by converting existing childcare centers into nationally accredited preschools within a span of 36 to 48 months, at no cost to the centers or parents. This transformation not only elevates the centers' reputation but also instills strong teaching methodologies that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond, thereby setting them up for long-term success. EFS provides various resources and support services to these children and their educators. This includes weekly mentoring and consulting, scholarships for professional development courses in child development and education, books, supplies, field trips, enrichment programs, playground equipment, and targeted financial aid to enhance programs and facilities. EFS currently serves approximately 4,869 children and 102 independently operated partner centers across six counties in North Texas. In addition, EFS offers professional development, on-site mentoring, and classroom instruction to teachers and educators in 14 school districts in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Johnson, Denton, and Grayson counties. The majority of these educators are women of color who live in the same neighborhoods as the children they teach and typically possess a GED or high school diploma. EFS serves around 4,869 children, with demographics including 49% African American, 30% Latino, 12% Caucasian, 3% Asian, and 6% identifying as other.


Official website here: www.educationalfirststeps.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 97% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)

Educational First Steps has received an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a high level of accountability and financial health. The organization excels in multiple areas, particularly in Leadership and Adaptability, where it scored a perfect 100. The independent board structure and strong oversight practices further enhance its credibility, suggesting that the organization is well-managed and committed to transparency.

The charity’s mission focuses on creating and supporting high-quality early learning environments for children from birth to age five. This aligns with its strong commitment to community and culture, reflected in its 93% score in that category. The nonprofit demonstrates a solid program expense ratio of 65.42%, indicating that a significant portion of its budget is directed toward its mission-related activities.

However, while the organization shows overall financial stability and efficiency, its program expense ratio could see improvement. Even so, its fundraising efficiency is notable at just $0.10 to raise a dollar, showcasing effective fundraising practices. Overall, Educational First Steps stands out as a responsible and impactful nonprofit in the early childhood education sector.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Educational First Steps legitimate?

Educational First Steps is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Educational First Steps submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $614,759
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $968,854

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.educationalfirststeps.org

What is the mission statement of Educational First Steps?

Educational First Steps, for over three decades, has been committed to enhancing the quality of early learning environments for children from economically disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities, from birth to age five. Their mission is to transform existing childcare centers into nationally accredited preschools within a period of 36-48 months, without charging the centers or parents. By securing national accreditation, these centers become respected institutions, providing children with a strong foundation in teaching pedagogy. This preparatory education empowers children to excel in kindergarten and beyond, thereby setting them up for long-term success.


Official website here: www.educationalfirststeps.org

Who is the CEO of Educational First Steps?

Vickie Allen is the President & Ceo of Educational First Steps. The CEO's salary of Educational First Steps is $161,260 and their total compensation is $172,653.


Official website here: www.educationalfirststeps.org

What is the revenue of Educational First Steps?

Educational First Steps's revenue in 2022 was $5,036,248.


Official website here: www.educationalfirststeps.org

Who are the executives of Educational First Steps and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Educational First Steps during 2022 was $52,787. There are 30 employees and 50 volunteers at Educational First Steps.


Here are 31 key members and their salaries (Educational First Steps's CEO's salary is $161,260 and their total compensation is $172,653):


Vickie Allen (President & Ceo)
  • Compensation: $161,260
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,393
Rebecca Farrow (Coo)
  • Compensation: $107,675
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $10,100
David Smith (Cdo)
  • Compensation: $98,256
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $7,484
Daisy Cano-Esparza (Ceio)
  • Compensation: $79,854
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $8,480
Nancy Ferguson-Partial Year (Cfo)
  • Compensation: $78,761
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $2,763
Ken Gilliam-Partial Year (Cfo)
  • Compensation: $48,910
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $3,574
Alice Barnett (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Wasan Alfalahi (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marsha Brito (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Pete Brookhart (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Amy Stewart (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paige Hendricks (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Massey (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Loree Cullum (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Norman Robbins (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kathryn Lake (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Celeste Moya (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Margaret Shouse (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Miki Van Cleave (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Amy Nickell Jacobs (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Audrey Decherd (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Roy Johnson (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bill Mattes (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Shaunetta Heiskell (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gail Stoke (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paula Minnis (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Patrick Reardon (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Margaret Spellings (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michelle Lockhart (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Julie Smith (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Wendy Stanley (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.educationalfirststeps.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Educational First Steps?

Educational First Steps's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.educationalfirststeps.org

Learn more at the official website: www.educationalfirststeps.org

Mission Statement of Educational First Steps

Educational First Steps, a nonprofit organization, is committed to igniting the minds of children from birth to age five in low-income and historically oppressed communities. For over three decades, it has been transforming existing childcare centers into nationally accredited preschools within a span of 36 to 48 months, without any financial burden on the centers or parents. By securing this accreditation, Educational First Steps helps establish these preschools as highly respected institutions, rooted in strong fundamental teaching pedagogy. This approach prepares children for a smooth transition into kindergarten and sets them on a path towards long-term success.

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Impact




July, 2024

Educational First Steps creates and supports high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five in low-income and historically oppressed communities. The organization serves nearly 5,000 children, predominantly African American and Latino, in quality and accredited learning environments. Through mentoring, consulting, scholarships, enrichment programs, financial assistance, and professional development for teachers and educators, Educational First Steps is making a tangible impact on the educational outcomes of these children. This work not only benefits the individual children but also has a broader societal impact by helping to break the cycle of poverty and inequality in these communities.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Educational First Steps. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$5,036,248 (2022)
Expenses
$2,824,829 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $57,784
  • Program Service Revenue: $35,800
  • Gross Receipts: $10,620,929

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $9,997,512
  • Total Liabilities: $196,946
  • Net Assets: $9,800,566

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

PROGRAM SERVICE FEES

Revenue

$35,800

Organization Details

Founding Year

1990

Principal Officer

Vickie Allen

Main Address

2815 GASTON AVENUE, DALLAS, TX, 75226

NTEE Category

Code: B82J - Education

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