Learning on the Go program brings education, resources and fun to Elgin-area families
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 sign-ups-Elgin Parks and Rec served over distributed 70 lunches-138 families served at mobile pantry resulting in 600 ... Read more
EPEL is Coordinating the Plays: Strengthening the Early Childhood System
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 attended The Basics Greater Elgin kickoff, you heard the call to action to “take the call” for ... Read more
Community effort aims to prepare our youngest for the future
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 pet a dog or cat’s soft fur for the first time. With each new experience, ... Read more
Basics of Greater Elgin Launches
Our community is now two weeks past the launch of The Basics Greater Elgin—what an exciting start! Over 200 of you have already answered the call and signed the Community Saturation Map, committing to building strong foundations for our youngest children. As we continue this momentum, you can watch the launch presentations from Dr. Suzanne Johnson, ... Read more
Dr. Ron Ferguson of Harvard University to Deliver Keynote
The Basics of Greater Elgin Initiative Launches on Friday, April 11, 2025 ELGIN Launches “The Basics of Greater Elgin” Initiative Dr. Ron Ferguson, faculty director of Harvard’s Achievement Gap Initiative, will headline the launch event on Friday, April 11, at the Centre of Elgin. The event introduces The Basics of Greater Elgin—a community-wide movement aimed at giving ... Read more
New Name, Same Commitment
For the past 12 years, EPEL has built relationships, strengthened partnerships, and worked alongside you to ensure that every child enters school ready to learn. Together, we have created a collaborative network where you—our partners—are the hands and feet of this essential work, making a lasting impact on children and families. As we continue this ... Read more
Building Brighter Futures with United Way
EPEL is committed to engaging, informing, equipping, and supporting families from the very start. Families like Janet’s are at the heart of our work—helping parents build confidence, access resources, and create strong early learning foundations for their children. From her first child as an infant to now supporting her new baby, EPEL has walked alongside Janet, ensuring ... Read more
Dear Valentine XOXO
Dear Valentine, We LOVE the LOVE you show to EPEL! What’s not to LOVE? Your dedication to EPEL reflects the power of love in action—creating opportunities, strengthening families, and shaping brighter futures for our youngest learners. Together, we are building a community where every child is nurtured, supported, and loved, ensuring they are ready to ... Read more
Basics of Greater Elgin Launch
Exciting News for the Greater Elgin area! The future of our youngest learners is brighter than ever! SAVE THE DATE to join us for the launch of The Basics of Greater Elgin, a powerful community-wide movement dedicated to equipping families with simple, fun, and effective ways to boost early brain development. Together, we can ensure every child gets the strong ... Read more