Learning starts at birth, with parents and caregivers serving as a child’s first and most influential teachers. Nearly 85–90% of brain growth occurs during the first 2,000 days of life. Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) engages the whole community to support families and prepare children for success in school and in life. EPEL works to increase awareness of and access to high-quality early learning opportunities, strengthening the early childhood system so more children enter kindergarten ready to thrive.
Support for Families from Birth–2
The Did You Know Educational Flip Book offers tips for caregivers of children birth to 2-year-olds to support Soothing, Attachment, Sleep, Brain Development, Talking, Singing, Playing, Toys, Reading, Doing, Math, Dads, Safety, Nutrition, Self Care and resources.
Click the pictures below to access and download simple tips to start the journey of preparing your child, birth to 2-years-old, for success in school and life during this critical time of brain growth.
The Basics of Greater Elgin
From birth through age two, everyday moments matter. Families can sign up for The Basics Insights™, a free texting platform that sends two simple, age-appropriate tips and encouragement aligned with The Basics Principles—helping parents and caregivers build strong brains through daily routines like talking, reading, playing, and comforting their child.
Families are also invited to attend FREE Connect and Play playgroups, where caregivers and young children can learn and play together in a welcoming environment. These playgroups offer opportunities to connect with other families, explore early learning through play, access community resources, and build confidence as a child’s first teacher.
Together, The Basics Insights and Connect and Play support families with practical tools, trusted relationships, and meaningful connections during a child’s most critical years of development.
Hear from local moms about why they have enjoyed Basics Insights Texting for their child.
Basics Insights™ Text Messaging
The Basics Insights™ text messaging program for our families with birth to four year old children. Insight texts helps parents and caregivers integrate early childhood learning into daily routines. Families will receive two FREE, simple, early learning tips and activities each week, delivered directly to your phones to support their child’s learning and brain development.
Basics Insights FREE texting program is available to all families with children from birth to age 4 within School District U-46 boundaries, serving 11 communities, including Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, South Elgin, Streamwood, and Wayne, as well as parts of Carol Stream, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Schaumburg, and West Chicago.
Have 2 or 3 children under the age of 5? Sign them all up with their birthdates to get customized developmentally appropriate tips for your child.
The program currently offers messages in English, Spanish, Brazilian- Portuguese, and Arabic.
Register for FREE Early Learning Text Messages
Expecting a Baby? Start Learning from Day One!
Get Basics Insights texts with two simple, free tips every week to help your baby grow, learn, and thrive—right from the very beginning.
Connect & Play Group
Please join EPEL for a FREE time to “Connect and Play” with other families. “Connect and Play” is for families and caregivers with your children, ages birth to five. You don’t need to register, just come to CONNECT & PLAY groups in the Greater Elgin area for FREE with other families.
Learn More Here.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides a free, high-quality book each month mailed directly to a child’s home from birth until age five. The program is available to children from birth through age five who live in participating communities. Families can sign up online by providing basic information, and once enrolled, books arrive automatically at no cost to the family—supporting early language, bonding, and a love of reading from the very beginning.
Storytime for Infants and Toddlers
Need Diapers?
EPEL partners with St. Paul’s Diaper Ministry to provide diaper support for families and caregivers facing need in our community. They bring diapers to monthly food pantries in Elgin and Connect & Play groups.
Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Market 3:00 PM Second Tuesday of the Month (April-October)
Address: Old Sherman Parking Lot
901 Center St., Elgin, IL 60120
Connect and Playgroup (First Monday of the Month)
Mondays: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
330 Griswold St., Elgin, IL 60123
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: Izaak Walton Center (Last Wednesday of the Month)
899 Jay St., Elgin, IL 60120
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.