Sarah, Director
EFC Eagan
Eagan
Create. Laugh. Learn.
Welcome to Especially for Children’s Eagan Child Development Center. We serve infant through Pre-K children in a caring and safe environment. Our programs are based on the Creative Curriculum®, which is designed to encourage exploration and learning through play. Read more about our Learning Curriculum and Developmental Goals here.
At EFC Eagan, children enjoy a spacious, newly remodeled center with a Gym/Large Muscle room as well as two playgrounds with sandboxes and grassy hills. We are located next to Quarry Park, which features a baseball diamond, soccer field, playground, ice rink and sledding hill, so we have many opportunities to spend time outdoors. Throughout the day the children participate in a wide range of activities including art, reading, outdoor play, buggy rides (infants) and sign language. Music and movement classes are offered bi-monthly. We would love for you to visit us and learn more about your family!
Directors
Sarah
Hi, my name is Sarah. I have been working with children since 2003. I have a psychology and philosophy degree from St. Catherine University. I also have a masters in counseling from Adler Graduate School. I started as the Assistant Director at Inver Grove Heights in 2021 and joined the Eagan team as Director in 2022. I love working with families and helping their children grow and learn. In my spare time I love to be with family and friends. I love camping, running and spending time with my dogs.
Infant Teaching Staff
Molly
Hello! I’m excited to provide care for your child! I am lucky to have joined EFC in March 2020. I have always known I would pursue a career working with children, and have a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from UW-Stout. After college I spent about 9 years living in the Seattle area, but am loving being back in my home state of MN and closer to family. I have two daughters, Lilly and Lexa, to keep me busy outside of the classroom. We enjoy as much outdoor time as possible in summers and then hunker down for family movies or game nights in MN winters.
Toddler Teaching Staff
Alex
Hi, my name is Alex. I work in the Little Sprouts classroom. I started working at Especially for Children in June 2014. I enjoy working with toddlers. I have babysat and volunteered at a few different daycares and I live in Farmington with my family and dog. When I’m not at work I like to watch Wild games, walk my dog, go for walks, hang out with my family and friends, and play softball.
Abbey
Hello! My name is Abbey and I work in the toddler classrooms. I started at EFC in February 2022 but I have been working with kids for a long time. I am a professional dancer and dance instructor. I dance with the 612 crew for the Minnesota Timberwolves. I also teach and choreograph for competitive dance studios. I love bringing my love for music an dance into the classroom. When I am not working, I enjoy snuggling up with my kitties and doing art projects.
McKenzie
Hello! My name is McKenzie. I grew up in Green Bay, WI and have also lived in Mississippi and Maryland before moving to Eagan, MN. I have my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and have been working with toddlers since 2016. I love the Green Bay Packers, my two cats, and my husband, Colin. I love helping little minds grow, learn, and discover new things!
Preschool/Pre-K Teaching Staff
Rocio
Hello! My name is Rocio. I am originally from Mexico City, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Education. I have lived in Minnesota for over 25 years! I have worked in childcare and education since 1985 and have worked with all ages from infants through kindergarten. I have special training and experience in Educational Psychology and Nurturing Child – Rearing. I am passionate about working with children of diverse backgrounds, and particularly enjoy teaching my students about Spanish language and culture. Outside of work I enjoy gardening, scrapbooking and playing with my grandchildren!
Grace
Hello! My name is Grace and I am a lead teacher at Especially for Children. I have completed my AA degree in Early Childhood in the Spring of 2020. I love teaching young children and being able to watch them grow every single day. I am married to my husband, Jake and love spending time with family. I have been working at Especially for Children since February 2015 and I am loving all of what I have accomplished here.
Courtney
Hello! My name is Courtney and I be work in the PreK classroom! I have been working with children since 2007 and started at my first center in 2015. I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends when I am not working at my second job. I currently live in Cannon Falls with my grandpa and my cat, Dozier! I am so excited to start my journey at Especially for Children.
Julie
Hello! My name is Julie Bazzani and I have been working with children since 2013. I graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Early Childhood. I joined EFC in 2021 when the center I had been with for eight years closed. I am so happy to be a part of a new family! I live in Lakeville with my husband Declan, and our two boys Kieran and Aiden. Aiden was born with a congenital heart defect (Tetralogy of Fallot) and had corrective surgery at six months old. He is happy and thriving now! Because of this, I am a big advocator for CHD. My favorite thing about working with kids is that every day is different, and I love their fresh perspective of the world!
EFC Eagan: February Newsletter Photos