Edina/Edinborough
Create. Laugh. Learn.
EFC was voted Best of Edina 2022!
Welcome to Especially for Children’s Edina/Edinborough Child Development Center, located in Edina. Our center has been serving families since 1987, making us the second longest running EFC! We serve infants through kindergarten children in a caring and nurturing environment. Our center neighbors the unique Edinborough complex, which features a completely enclosed indoor Adventure Peak, Great Hall and theater, and are all used frequently by our children. In addition, the surrounding Centennial Lakes area provides chances for leisurely walks with our infants, older preschoolers, and kindergarten children.
At EFC, daily activities such as group time, music, art and storytelling makes every school day fun! Find out more about our curriculum here. Our center also offers special classes, frequent in-house guests and field trips in the community. Parent involvement is also important, and every year we host several popular events for our families where you can connect with teachers and one another. We invite you to visit our unique school to see if it is the right place for your family!
Director
Anna
Hello! My name is Anna. I started with the company in 1994 as a preschool teacher. Since then I have worked as both Assistant Director and Director, and I also completed my Elementary Education degree at St. Kate’s. I am married and have two girls of my own. Both my girls attended EFC since they were infants and I am thrilled that they have been able to attend a program with such caring staff, great structure and strong sense of community. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling (I grew up in Sweden and go home at least once every year) and just getting together with friends over a quiet dinner.
Assistant Director
Laura
Hi my name is Laura, and I am so excited to be joining EFC Edinborough! I am coming to EFC with a huge passion of Early Childhood Education. I began my Early Ed. career in 2016 as a teachers aide in a preschool class. I did that while going to school for my A.S. in Educational Foundations, as I continued in school I worked as an Assistant Teacher, then Lead Teacher, and loved every moment of it. I did that for a couple of years before going back to school for my B.S. in Elementary Education. As I made that transition I began working a dual role as a Pre-K teacher and Assistant Director. During that time, I also spent time logging Fieldwork hours in K-5 classes and found myself longing to be back in Early Ed.. That is when I made the decision to make the switch and complete my B.S. in Early Childhood Education. I have had the privilege of getting to experience and grow into all of the roles that really make this field so wonderful. I am so excited to grow even more with you at EFC- Edinborough! Outside of work I love exploring hiking trails, reading a good mystery, cheering on MN sports teams, and spending time with my cat (a maine coon) and dog (a boxer)!
Infant Teaching Staff
Maria
Hello. My name is Maria and I work in the infant room. I have worked with children since 2007, as a tutor and para professional in Richfield school district, joined EFC in August 2017 and earned my CDA in 2021. I have five children of my own. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, walking and running.
Melissa
Hello. I grew up with younger siblings and cousins, and used to babysit them. Over the last 10 years, I have worked at a few different childcare centers and at a school, and I have an AA degree in Office Administration. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Thea
Hi, my name is Thea and I work in the infant room. I have been in the early childhood field since 1987. I have my associate of liberal arts degree from MCTC, and I am currently finishing up my Art History major at the U of M. I plan to continue for a Master/PhD program in Art History. I love to travel and spend time with my three adult children. I look forward to working with you and your children.
Anna
Hi! My name is Anna and I work in the Infant room. I have been working with children since 2009 and have experience with a variety of age groups and ability levels in many different subjects and settings. I even taught English in Spain! I have a teaching license and a Master’s Degree in Childhood Education/Childhood Special Education from Pace University in NYC. In my spare time, I love to travel and explore new places, be creative, and go to fun events.
Sheila
My name is Sheila and I work in the Lamb room with the infants. I have worked with infants for several years, and I really enjoy my time here at EFC. The staff and children are great! When I’m not working, I enjoy baking, watching movies, and spending time with my family.
Toddler Teaching Staff
Christina
My name is Christina and I have worked at Especially for Children since January 2012. I grew up in a small town in South Dakota, and graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Interior Design in 2010. I have worked with children for many years and have worked in a child care setting 2005. I look forward to working with your children in the toddler room!
Sarah
Hi! My name is Sarah. I’ve been working with children since 2017. I have a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus on infants. My favorite things to do outside of work is to take care of my pets: Tessa the dog, a lizard, and a hamster!
Rose
Hello! My name is Rose, and I work with the toddlers. I grew up in a big, growing family and have always been the family babysitter which has led me to this career path. Outside of work, I like to go for walks, listen to music and do some scrapbooking. I really enjoy working with the toddlers and I’m excited to grow with EFC!
Preschool Teaching Staff
Amy H
My name is Amy and I work with preschool children. I have a Child Development degree from Minneapolis Technical College. I ran my own licensed, family in-home program for 14 years and also worked with toddlers before joining EFC in July 2012. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my four children, camping, going to hockey games and running. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!
Carolyn
I’m very excited to be working with the young preschool children. I have over 25 years of experience working with children. I worked at the same company for 24 years as a teacher, assistant director and director. I’m excited to be back in the classroom working with preschoolers again.
Barb
Hello. My name is Barb, and I have been working with the preschool group since October 1992. I live in St. Louis Park and have three children. I have a degree in Speech Pathology, which comes in handy with the preschool group! I enjoy working at EFC because of the great staff and wonderful families who work together to create a positive environment for everyone. When I’m not working, I enjoy going for walks, reading and spending time with my family and friends.
Pre-K Teaching Staff
Erin S
Hi, my name is Erin. I graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in 2018 with my K-6 license. I taught Kindergarten in Blaine in 2019/2020 school year and I’m excited to join EFC for PreK this year. Outside of working with children, I love hiking, gardening and spending time with my family and friends.
Jessica
My name is Jessica and I am one of the Pre-K teachers. I am so excited to be back here at EFC-Edinborough! I began my career with EFC in April 2010 in the Pre-K classroom. I then worked as a Director at the Coon Rapids and Eagan locations, before returning to Edinborough in July 2017. I have a B.S. degree in Child, Adult and Family Services from Iowa State University and am an avid Cyclone fan! I live Bloomington with my husband and my two children. I am so passionate about Early Childhood and I can’t wait to partner with you in the development of your children.
Float Staff
Barb
Hello, my name is Barb. I am the kitchen manager, and work in the kitchen and also in the infant classroom in the afternoons. I grew up in a home where my mother did in-home childcare 1975-2010, and I sometimes helped after school. My father owned and operated a fine dining restaurant and I ended up following in his footsteps. I have been in the restaurant business since 1985 and worked my way up in most of my jobs, into management. I have two grown children and four grandchildren; three girls and one boy. I am super excited to be working with children being the kitchen manager, and I look forward to getting to know you!
Lorena
My name is Lorena and I am from Guadalajara, Mexico. I have been living in MN for 17 years. I have taught children for more than 20 years, and started with EFC in 2014. I love to cook, read, watch movies and walk around the lakes in my spare time.
Sue
Hi I’m Sue and I started at EFC Edinborough in 1987, the same year the center opened! I have worked for many years with young toddlers and infants, and preschool groups and currently float between age groups. I’ve presented numerous workshops with activities and toys made from every day materials. I am married and have a son and two grandchildren, and spend lots of time watching hockey games!
EFC Edina/Edinborough: October Newsletter Photos