Family Engagement | Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning

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.

Family resources, Connect & Playgroups, neighborhood ‘Learning On the Go’ programs, food pantries, the Getting Ready for Kindergarten Family Engagement Guide, and social media platforms all contribute to building strong families and children’s brains. The family engagement team collaborates with parent-led organizations to strengthen capacity, amplify family voices, and inform, equip, and support caregivers throughout their child’s first five years. Together, this partnership ensures that families are equipped to be their child’s FIRST and MOST important teacher.

Make the most of everyday moments—Maximize Love and Manage Stress; Talk, Sing, and Point; Count, Group, and Compare; Explore through Movement and Play; and Read and Discuss Stories. Everything you do together helps build your child’s brain and prepares them to thrive.

Connect and Play (Free Playgroup)

Connect and Play is a free opportunity to connect with other families that have children ages, birth to five, and have fun and play.
To learn more click here.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten Family Engagement Guide

Pick up a copy at libraries, health care facilities, local businesses, laundromats, or by messaging EPEL.

Download the Guide Here

Learning on the Go

EPEL partners visit five neighborhoods weekly to read children’s stories, offer hands-on early learning opportunities, books, materials, and support for parents and caregivers. Food is available at Elgin sites for children ages 18 and under and book checkout is available on the bookmobiles.

Summer 2025 neighborhoods we will be visiting!