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History

  • EFC Founded

    Priscilla Williams made an overnight decision to take over two child care centers that were on the brink of closing down. With her B.A. in Child Psychology from the U of M, as well as her early education teaching certificate, Priscilla aimed to create centers which were fun, positive, challenging, and child-centered.

  • EFC Edina Opens

    Especially for Children opened the Edina center, which was initially located at the Highlands School.

  • EFC Edinborough Opens

    In 1987, the Edina/Edinborough Center opened and EFC started its infant program. In addition, Steve Williams, Priscilla’s husband, joined EFC as Vice President.

  • New Centers Open

    EFC Eden Prairie and EFC Eagan opened.

  • The Creative Curriculum

    In 1989, The Creative Curriculum, which promotes learning through play and interactive experience, established as the cornerstone of Especially for Children’s programming.

  • Special Classes

    Michael Phillips began providing music classes at EFC in 1991. As part of the vision of EFC’s programming, we are committed to giving each child opportunities to learn and grow with outside resources such as music, story-telling, Stretch-and-Grow, and/or sign language as a part of EFC’s regular program.

  • EFC Expands

    In the period of 1994-1998, EFC opened center in Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Inver Grove Heights and Bloomington to serve more Twin Cities families.

  • EFC Training Center

    Steve and Priscilla unveiled Especially for Children’s corporate training center in Edina, where staff receive training and center directors meet.

  • EFC's VP of Operations

    DeeAnn Besch joined Especially for Children as Vice President of Operations. DeeAnn came to EFC with over 20 years of experience in the child care industry. She has expertise in director management and a passionate commitment to quality.

  • Star Wellness

    In 2008, Especially for Children launched the Star Wellness program to promote healthy habits for children and families.

  • EFC's 35th Anniversary

    Especially for Children celebrates its 35th Birthday! In addition, Priscilla Williams receives an award for being an Alumnus of Notable Achievement from the University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts.

  • NAEYC Accreditation

    All eight Especially for Children locations achieve NAEYC Accreditation in 2013.

  • 40th Anniversary

    Especially for Children celebrates 40 years of serving children and families.

  • 2019: EFC Founders Retire

    Priscilla and Steve Williams, EFC's founders, announce their retirement. Their dedication and leadership were immeasurable for the organization and in Minnesota's early childhood field. EFC will be led by DeeAnn Besch, as well as Steve's and Priscilla's daughters, Angie Williams and Alli Zomer.

  • 45th Anniversary

    Following a year like no other in 2020, EFC celebrates its 45th Anniversary with the Share Your Passion project.