Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning

The Basics of Greater Elgin

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FY 23-24 Impact Report

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EPEL RESOURCES

The Basics of Greater Elgin

The Basics of Greater Elgin

Rooted in five science-based parenting and caregiving principles, The Basics provides simple yet powerful ways to support young children’s development in everyday life.

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The 5 Basics Principles

The 5 Basics Principles

80% of brain growth happens in the first three years of life. Use these Basics tips to connect with infants and toddlers.

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Basics Insights Text Messaging

Basics Insights Text Messaging

Basics Insights is a free text messaging program for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers that sends science-based tips to boost your child’s development. Receive two messages a week until your child turns 3.

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Find Childcare

Find Childcare

Find child care options based on locations. Several providers offer childcare assistance funding if needed. You can also see if you qualify for funding assistance here.

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CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CCAP)

CCAP

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), assists low- income working families with paying for childcare services.

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FAMILY ENGAGEMENT GUIDE

Family Engagement Guide

This Guide is a valuable tool that offers developmentally appropriate daily activities to enhance the skills needed to be ready for Kindergarten.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Community Resources

EPEL creates family/caregiver opportunities for leadership, family voice, and experiences through Meeting Families Where They Are in the neighborhoods, laundromats, mobile food pantries and pop-up sites.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Community Engagement

Community Engagement includes building awareness of the importance of early learning through initiatives in the community.

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HOW EPEL HELPS

How EPEL Helps

EPEL and our partners offer many resources that help families with young children be happy, healthy and ready for Kindergarten.

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EPEL IN THE COMMUNITY

Playing, Learning, Growing, Thriving EPEL Playgroup

Learning In the Laundromat

Latest News

Learning on the Go program brings education, resources and fun to Elgin-area families

June 4, 2025

Today was a great first day of Learning On the Go at Cornerstone Park. Daily Herald Article by Rick West We served….. -44 families and 83 children with programming and early learning materials-159 visitors on the library mobile bus and had 30 summer reading …

EPEL is Coordinating the Plays: Strengthening the Early Childhood System

May 26, 2025

EPEL serves as one of the quarterbacks of the early childhood system, helping coordinate and guide efforts across our community. But like any great team, we rely on strong players—our cross-sector partners—who are stepping up in big ways. If you …

Community effort aims to prepare our youngest for the future

April 29, 2025

Few things bring more joy than interacting with a young child who is discovering the world around them. You watch their senses come alive as they smell the beautiful fragrance of a flower, eat a sweet and juicy strawberry or …