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 & Play groups, 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.
Talk, Play and Read with your child anywhere and everywhere. Your child learns through early childhood experiences you offer to build their child’s brain.
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 Calendars
2025 New Family Engagement Guide Coming Soon
Pick up a copy at libraries, health care facilities, local businesses, laundromats, or by messaging EPEL.
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 caregivers. Food is available for children ages 18 and under and book checkout is available on the bookmobiles.
Check back soon for the neighborhoods we will be visiting Summer 2024!
Buena Vista Neighborhood
Century Oaks Neighborhood
Cornerstone Neighborhood
Drake Park Elgin
Lords Park Elgin
Ontarioville Elementary Hanover Park
Parkwood Elementary
River’s Landing Neighborhood
