Family Engagement

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, neighborhood “Learning On the Go” programs, food pantries, the Getting Ready for Kindergarten calendar, and social media sites help build family engagement and partnership for support. The family engagement team of partners collaborate with parent-led organizations to build capacity, collect family voices, and work together to empower caregivers in their child’s journey in the first five years of life. The partnership empowers families 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.


Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendars

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

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