Laundry day just got a little more fun. We have partnered with Wash Smart Laundry to open early learning corners at both of their Elgin locations, so young children can play, talk, and learn while the machines do their work. Families often spend an hour or two at the laundromat every week. For a young ... Read more

We are honored to share that The Basics of Greater Elgin has been named the “Game Changer Project” at this year’s Elgin Image Awards! The real winners are Greater Elgin’s youngest children. They are the reason for this work and the true measure of its success. Every parent who learns a new way to talk, ... Read more

Strong communities are built through strong partnerships, and we are incredibly grateful to the Seigle Foundation for investing in the future of young children and families across the Greater Elgin community. The Seigle Foundation’s commitment to expanding high-quality educational opportunities that prepare young people in the Greater Elgin area for lifelong success reflects a shared ... Read more

At EPEL, we believe parents and caregivers are powerful leaders in our community. We’re excited to introduce our newest Family Partners, parents and caregivers who have completed leadership training and are now helping connect other families to resources, share The Basics principles, and strengthen early learning opportunities throughout the Greater Elgin community. Many of our Family ... Read more

Strong communities are built through collaboration and leadership. We are excited to welcome Byron Furdge, Jennifer [Last Name], and Jocelyn Vana to the Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds in business, finance, community engagement, and leadership will help guide our mission of creating equitable opportunities for young children and ... Read more

From Neighborhood Park to Parent Leaders Children do not get themselves ready for school. School readiness happens when families and communities are engaged, informed, equipped, and supported. It takes a coordinated system of supports—early learning, family literacy, health care, and community connections—to help children thrive. When families are connected to trusted resources and invited into ... Read more

Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) is honored to share that we were recognized by School District U-46 as the 2026 Business Partner of the Year at the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on March 4. U-46 Chief of Staff Brian Lindholm presented the award to EPEL Executive Director Amber Peters during the Chamber’s annual meeting. “EPEL has been a vital partner to ... Read more

Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) is honored to share that we received the Community Engagement Award from The Basics, Inc. Network while attending the national conference in Boston. This recognition celebrates the collective work happening across the Greater Elgin Area to support young children and families through The Basics of Greater Elgin. It reflects the power of partnership—when organizations, educators, ... Read more