Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning

Learning on the Go

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

Hear from Local Parents about FREE Basics Texting

Learning In the Laundromat

Latest News

Grateful for the Seigle Foundation’s Investment in Early Childhood

July 6, 2026

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 …

Meet Our New Family Partners

July 6, 2026

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 …

Karen Ceballos chosen for Maria Whelan Fellowship

We Couldn’t Be More Proud!

July 6, 2026

Congratulations to Karen Ceballos, EPEL’s Community & Family Engagement Coordinator, on being selected as a 2026–2027 Maria Whelan Emerging Leaders Fellow through the Illinois Action for Children. Karen’s passion for strengthening families, elevating parent voice, and building community leadership makes this recognition so …