Elgin Partnership for Early Learning

EPEL is a nonprofit organization based in Elgin, Illinois, serving the Greater Elgin area alongside community partners across eleven communities within the School District U-46 boundaries.

Through collaboration, EPEL informs, equips, and supports families and providers by providing resources, early childhood initiatives, and community-driven solutions for children under five.

Guided by local data and parent voices, EPEL works to build connected systems that simplify access for families. Committed to ensuring all children have access to high-quality early care and education, EPEL partners with the community to promote policies and practices that intentionally support children and families from diverse backgrounds and social identities.

EPEL leverages a collective impact model, using data and parent voices to collaboratively strengthen local systems. By fostering connections, EPEL raises awareness, expands access, and drives action to support children and families. Through partnerships, EPEL provides resources, early childhood initiatives, and vital information to empower families and caregivers of children under five.

Our Mission

EPEL engages families, organizations, the early childhood workforce, and healthcare providers dedicated to creating a collaborative community-wide system of support for every young child to succeed in school and life.

Our Vision

Young children and their families in the Greater Elgin area have equitable opportunities to thrive.

What We Believe

EPEL is driven to ensure that all children have access to high-quality early care and education in the Greater Elgin area. In partnership with our community partners, we are committed to promoting policies and practices that intentionally meet the needs of children and families from diverse backgrounds and social identities.

Our Purpose

• Champion a shared vision for young children that is clearly defined, widely communicated, and actively pursued within the community.
• Expand awareness and improve family access to high-quality early care and learning opportunities.Align and coordinate birth-to-five programs to enhance impact and efficiency.
• Strengthen the early childhood workforce and organizations through quality improvement and capacity-building efforts.
• Use community data to identify strengths, address gaps, and respond to emerging needs.