Especially For Children - Parent Stories

Parent Stories

Listen to what parents say about their experiences with EFC by watching the video. You can also read more parents stories below.

Michael and Rachel, Inver Grove Heights Parents

Our daughter has been going to Especially for Children since she was 12 weeks old. She is now three. It is such an important decision to leave your child in the hands of another person. But, from the first time that we left our daughter in the caring hands of Jeannie, we knew that everything was going to be alright. Since then she has been cared for by many of the wonderful teachers at EFC. We have been happy with the communication and support that we receive from the teachers and directors. We really like the monthly newsletter and events calendar. We have found EFC to have a nice balance of childcare along with an educational curriculum that is top-notch. Our daughter is learning new things each day in a safe, clean and friendly environment. We like to refer to it as her “going off to school” as opposed to just “going to daycare.” Our daughter recently started going on field trips and we are confident that she is in very capable hands when leaving the center. One of the unique things that we have found at EFC is the continuity and longevity of its teachers, which we feel translates to the security, trust and familiarity that our daughter feels there. Several of our friends have commented to us that there is a lot of turnover at other centers. This can be difficult for some children to adjust to and we are grateful that this has not been an issue for our family. We would highly recommend Especially for Children, Inver Grove Heights to any parent making this very important decision for their family.

Michelle and Ed, EFC Eden Prairie Parents

I just can't tell you enough how much it means to us that you have welcomed Sam and created such a positive environment for him to come to every day. You have a wonderful center - and even more wonderful people. I had a good feeling the moment I walked in. Your jobs are not easy, but please know how much we appreciate all of the love, care and patience that you give the kids each day. Knowing Sam is with you puts me at ease every morning. Thank you!

Diane J. Andersen, Former EFC Parent and Current EFC Grandparent

To the Connecting with Kids Board of Directors:

It gives me great pleasure to nominate Priscilla and Steve Williams and Especially for Children, the organization they founded in 1976, for the 2009 Connecting with Kids Leadership Award.

One need only step through the door of one of their Especially for Children Centers to realize that through their efforts, these centers offer much more than basic care. I know. Two of my daughters attended beginning in 1984 and my five year old granddaughter has been enrolled for over three years.

As the Especially for Children website describes, these centers and their outstanding personnel also provide education for young children which enhances their emotional security and self-esteem, while stimulating their intellectual growth. Children are able to explore and discover with their peers and with encouraging adults in a creative and safe environment.

Priscilla and Steve are truly meeting the guiding principles they established for Especially for Children which include:

Trust and openness
Respect and affirmation
A balance between flexibility and structure
Adaptability and spontaneity
Support of individuality and self-reliance
A spirit of cooperation
An atmosphere of warmth and caring
A sense of humor

Kathy, EFC Edina Parent

First and foremost, the staff and management at Especially for Children is stellar. Overall, their education and training are exceptional; their patience and stamina appears unlimited; their skills at teaching and in simply dealing with the kids are great. We especially appreciate the clear and consistent communication we receive from our children's teachers, and from the directors too. The daily structure, weekly themes, and variety the kids experience is very important, and we also like the diversity at Especially for Children.

Both of our kids have grown socially and emotionally. They have learned countless skills and have expanded upon the ones they already had. They both love Especially for Children and all the teachers and kids there. Perhaps most importantly, through our efforts at home plus those at EFC, our older child really loves to read and learn.

We love everything and everyone at EFC. We always feel that our kids are very safe and well cared for, and we believe that is the ultimate bottom line any parent should hope for and experience.

Katrina, EFC Inver Grove Heights Parent

I have been so satisfied with the care my girls have gotten at Especially for Children. Both of my daughters attend; one of them has attended for about two years. She loves it, and would love to show you around her school if you giver her a chance. A nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack will be provided to you. Maybe you'll be lucky and be in one of the groups that does Cooking Class!

You will have caring teachers and staff that love what they do and stay to do it everyday because of their passion for making sure you are happy, healthy and learning. You will have tons of fun in the Winter in the back yard with the snow. You'll have fun on Sprinkler Days in the summer. You will be challenged. You will have plenty of art projects to give to Mom or Dad to view while they work. You will be blessed with a flexible structure.

Your mom and dad will have the ability to see on your Monthly Calendar what you are doing each day and what the theme of the week is. My daughter and I love this, too. From bringing a stuffed animal to school day, to computer class, to Spanish and Sign Language class, you will be learning all kinds of things you can teach your parents!

Trips to the apple orchard, pumpkin patch, Nature Preserve, bowling alley and Hilltop Elementary will fill your summer and fall. You will be safe on the transportation provided and will have a blast! You'll love it here!