Dani Betancourt, Assistant Director and Marcia Whalen, Director of Eagan Campus
Eagan
Create. Laugh. Learn.
EFC Eagan was voted Best of Cities South 2025!
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 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
Marcia
My name is Marcia Ale, I have a bachelor’s degree in Business administration. I’m originally from Bolivia. I moved in 2016 years ago. I have 3 kids and I really enjoy working with children and their families.
Assistant Director
Daniela
Hello, my name is Daniela, I’m originally from Venezuela where I earned my bachelor’s degree in education. I have lived in Minnesota for 5 years. I have 14 years of experience working with children. I am passionate about working with children showing them different routines and activities.
Infant Teaching Staff
Liz
My name is Liz. I work with the sweet infants at EFC and am currently studying Early childhood education at Normandale Community College. I have been working with children for over 6 years. I enjoy working with the infants because there is so much growth and development these kids are faced with each day. I feel extremely lucky to be a part of each milestone. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, and resting. My favorite place to eat out is Chipotle and I love my iced coffees!
Toddler Teaching Staff
Bianca
Hola! My name is Bianca. I’m originally from Venezuela. I studied advertising and marketing in school. I started working at EFC this year and have grown passionate about the programs and watching the children grow. I am currently studying for my CDA to become a Lead Teacher. My goal is to a continuous learner to enable myself to be an excellent teacher, who supports the development of the children in my classroom. I’m a mother and wife, I have one son, and have another little one on the way. I love spending time with my family. My hobbies include baking sweets, painting, watching movies, and eating “empanadas Venezolanas”.
Chameli
Hi, my name is Chameli, I have been working with children since 2013. Toddlers are my favorite age group. I like to play and enjoy different activities throughout the day. I love watching them grow every day. I completed my CDA in 2016, I have two boys. I love to spend time with my family and friends.
Preschool/Pre-K Teaching Staff
Susana
I was born in Bolivia, in a large family with my parents, siblings, grandparents, and cousins. While studying Law at University, I worked with a friend’s Daycare for quite some time. Later, I completed me Master’s degree and other postgraduate courses. When I completed my studies, I got married and had
three children. I worked as a professor at Juan Misael I also worked at Saracha University and Domingo Savio University At the Judicial Branch and the Municipality of my city. When we arrived in the USA, I took a daycare course and worked there for a while. Now I am very happy with my family in Minnesota.
Reina
My Name is Reina Martinez, I’m from El Salvador my country I worked in public schools for several years and in Minnesota, I have been working since 2018 with 5-year-old children. I have loved working with children since When I was little, we always played school, and I was the teacher all the time. A proud mother of 3 wonderful children. I love going for walks, and having a good coffee, and enjoying time with my family. I love seeing new places and to different countries.
Karissa
Hello, my name is Karissa, I’m very happy to be part Especially for Children team. I’m a very enthusiastic and creative teacher passionate about nurturing children’s minds and helping them grow. I studied administration and then completed my preparation and training to become a lead teacher with the CDA in early childhood education. I have worked with children in education since 2017. I am married and have 2 kids. In my free time, I enjoy going out and spending time with my family.
Alex
Hi, my name is Alex, I started working at EFC in June 2014. Helping kids learn and grow is my passion. I’ve have worked with toddlers and pre-k children for over 11 years. Outside of EFC, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog (ZEKE), travel, and playing softball.
EFC Eagan: February Newsletter Photos