1976 - 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 University of Minnesota, as well as her early education teaching certificate, Priscilla aimed to create centers which were fun, positive, challenging, and child-centered. She established Especially for Children to serve families in the Minneapolis area.

1982 - Especially for Children opened the Edina center, which was initially located at the Highlands School.

1987 - Especially for Children opened its first center to serve infants. Today, each EFC location includes an infant program.

1987 - Edinborough Center opened.

1987 - Steve Williams, Priscilla's husband, joined Especially for Children as Vice President. Steve came to EFC with an MBA from University of Minnesota and many years of experience with both large and small companies. His business background brought a perspective of stability and sustainability to the company.

1988 - Eden Prairie Center opened.

1988 - Eagan Center opened.

1989 - In an effort to attract and maintain the best staff in the child care field, Especially for Children implemented the Staff Recognition and Rewards Staff Bonus Plan. The plan rewards employees for their tenure and performance.

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

1991 - Michael Phillips began providing music classes to children at Especially for Children centers. As part of the vision of Especially for Children's programming, Priscilla and Steve are committed to giving each child opportunities to learn and grow with outside resources such as music, professional story-telling, puppets, Stretch-and-Grow, and/or sign language as a part of EFC's regular program.

1991 - Priscilla was awarded the Edina Chamber of Commerce's Businessperson of the Year for her outstanding leadership in the community and at Especially for Children.

1994 - Circle Pines Center acquired.

1995 - Coon Rapids Center acquired.

1997 - Inver Grove Heights Center acquired.

1998 - Bloomington Center acquired.

2003 - Albertville Center opened.

2004 - Steve and Priscilla unveiled Especially for Children's new corporate training center in Edina, where each new staff spends four hours being trained by Priscilla and an Especially for Children center director, in addition to the onsite orientation training they receive.

2006 - Kelly Matthews (Edina), Especially for Children's longest-standing employee, marked her 28th year as a teacher with EFC. Following close behind were Kathy Brotten (Circle Pines) with 26 years and Sandy Sklenar (Edina) with 22 years of tenure at EFC.

2006 - Especially for Children celebrated its 30th Anniversary of providing quality childcare to Minneapolis area children and families.

2007 - 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.


2008 - Especially for Children launched the STAR WELLNESS program to promote healthy habits for children and families.


 

Steve and Priscilla Williams