EGG Toolkit Approved by Parent Aware as Aligned Early Childhood Curriculum

Beginning July 1, early childhood programs across Minnesota can access EGG through grant-funded opportunities
Minneapolis, MN
The Family Partnership is excited to announce that EGG Toolkit is now an official Parent Aware Aligned Curriculum, marking a significant step forward for early childhood programs committed to equity and school readiness. With this designation, Parent Aware rated preschool programs statewide can access grant-funded support to implement EGG Toolkit—proven to build executive function skills in children ages 3 to 5.
EGG’s approval arrives just as Minnesota prepares to release updated Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) that emphasize trauma-informed practice and executive function development—areas where EGG leads with science-backed tools for classrooms, home visiting programs, and parenting groups.
“Parent Aware approval signals that EGG Toolkit is a trusted, high-quality curriculum that meets Minnesota’s benchmarks across several key developmental domains, including executive function,” said John Everett Till, Chief Strategy Officer at The Family Partnership and Co-Developer of EGG. “This designation means programs participating in Parent Aware can offer young children—especially those impacted by trauma or poverty—the chance to build core skills for resilience, focus, and lifelong success.”
Why Parent Aware Approval Matters for Early Childhood Programs
With EGG Toolkit now Parent Aware approved, early childhood programs can use grant funding to support adoption that covers costs for curriculum materials, professional development and quality improvement goals.
Because Parent Aware participation is tied to Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, using an approved curriculum like EGG helps programs boost their star rating and stand out to families and staff seeking high-quality, evidence-based care and education. EGG training also counts toward in-service licensing requirements.
“EGG Toolkit has been a powerful addition to my classroom—not just for the kids, but for me as an educator,” said Colin, a preschool teacher at Four Directions who has used EGG in his classroom for the past three years. “It gives children the language and tools to manage big feelings, support each other, and build confidence in who they are. I see them practicing calming techniques on their own and encouraging each other in ways they never did before. EGG supports what matters most in early childhood: helping kids become kind, self-aware people who feel heard, respected, and ready to thrive—not just in school, but in life.”
EGG is the only Parent Aware Aligned Curriculum that focuses specifically on building executive function skills—critical for school readiness, behavior regulation, and resilience in the face of trauma. The curriculum’s alignment with Minnesota’s forthcoming Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs), which now center executive function development as a response to the impact of trauma, positions EGG as a timely and forward-looking resource for early childhood educators statewide.
Proven Impact on Child’s Executive Function Development
EGG Toolkit is uniquely designed to build executive function skills—critical for children’s school readiness, behavior regulation, and lifelong success. These skills are especially important for children impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which can disrupt early brain development and create lasting barriers to learning and wellbeing.
Independent evaluations confirm EGG’s effectiveness among preschool-aged children:
- Children use their words: EGG significantly improves emotional language, behavior, and personal storytelling (University of Minnesota’s Center for Early Education and Development)
- Children tell their stories: EGG boosts narrative complexity in young learners (Salt Software)
- Children make healthy choices: Children who started below the median for executive function skills improved to above the national median (Reflection Sciences)
These gains support brain development during a once-in-a-lifetime window for building executive function skills—ages 3 to 5—while also nurturing joyful preschool classroom environments. Teachers report fewer behavioral disruptions, more engaged learners, and stronger overall outcomes. EGG’s flexible, easy-to-use format helps educators create joyful, responsive learning experiences that benefit every child.
The latest results from EGG’s 2024-25 Minnesota-funded pilot expansion will be available later this year.
About EGG Toolkit
Developed by The Family Partnership in collaboration with educators and brain science experts, EGG Toolkit builds executive function skills in 3- to 5-year-olds.
Adaptations are available for preschools, home visiting programs and parenting groups. Activities take just minutes per day and build skills for success in school and life:
- Internal State Language: Supporting emotional awareness and self-control
- Narrative: Boosting memory, problem-solving, and decision-making
- Mindfulness: Encouraging resilience and self-regulation
To learn more about EGG Toolkit and how it can support your program’s school readiness efforts, visit www.eggtoolkit.com.
####
About The Family Partnership
The Family Partnership is a 147-year-old Minneapolis nonprofit providing advocacy and services in early childhood education and care, mental health therapies, family home visiting and anti-sex trafficking. Our mission is to build strong families, vital communities and better futures for children. We use a 2Gen approach with the latest insights from brain science to remove barriers and clear the path to success for those who have experienced trauma and deep poverty.
####
Contact:
John Everett Till (he/him)
Chief Strategy Officer
The Family Partnership
JTill@thefamilypartnership.org