FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 9, 2024

CONTACT: 

Amber Peters, Executive Director

847-452-2457

amberpeters@elginpartnership.org

EduDream Research Consulting Firm Selects EPEL as First Community to Co-Create Collaboration Data Strategy

Forging Futures: Trailblazing Collaboration Chosen to Measure Impact in Collective Efforts Driving Positive Change in School Readiness

Elgin, IL-Elgin Partnership for Early Learning (EPEL) has been selected as the inaugural community to co-create a data strategy in collaboration with EduDream Research Consulting Firm. The primary objective is to gauge the impact of collaboration and assess how these joint efforts contribute to building community capacity and fostering readiness in young children and families.

EduDream partnered with Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) to provide funding for capacity building among local communities across Illinois for the next 5 years. The first community EduDream is working with is the Elgin Partnership for Early Learning (EPEL). “We will be co-creating a data strategy to help EPEL gain clarity on the collaborative’s intended outcomes and facilitate impact measurement over time, with a focus on equity,” says Monica Martinez, EduDream Co-Founder.

“EPEL is honored to be chosen as the first community to work with EduDream. This is an exciting opportunity for the collaboration and community. Our community is at the forefront of facilitating collaborative action, and we take pride in being selected for such an exciting opportunity to work collectively for best outcomes for young families," said Amber Peters, EPEL Executive Director.

Early childhood collaborations are relatively new in communities and aim to bring together diverse stakeholders from various sectors to promote equitable outcomes for children and families. Collaborations involve stakeholders in identifying root causes, strategizing solutions, and addressing community needs based on local family voices. Peters continues, "We should be proud to live in a community that supports opportunities to work collaboratively which is pivotal in building strong early childhood systems. These tools will help inform our work and pave a path for the community in collaborative efforts." The tools created with EduDream will guide collective efforts toward creating equitable system changes that positively impact the lives of the community's young families.

About EduDream: Founded in 2016, EduDream is a Latina-founded, women-owned, research consulting firm inspiring transformation within education by bringing community voice and rigorous research together. EduDream partners with foundations, nonprofits, and educational institutions to provide community-centered research, evaluation, and strategy. Our team of experts provides rigorous and evidence-based inquiry and a strong focus on community collaboration. Through our work, we're redefining the potential of research while shifting the education system toward an equitable and just future. www.edudream.org

About EPEL: EPEL is committed to enhancing the impact of local initiatives that foster the readiness of children for school and life in the Greater Elgin communities in School District U-46 footprint. This commitment is realized through integrating expertise and resources from over 120 partners. The aim is to build a connected community that supports positive, lasting early childhood system changes.

The mission of EPEL revolves around the vision for every child to be happy, healthy, and ready for school and life. EPEL works towards achieving this vision by raising awareness about the importance of early learning. EPEL meets families where they are, ensuring increased access to resources and early learning opportunities in the community. EPEL employs traditional and non-traditional avenues to accomplish this mission, including initiatives such as Language in the Laundromats, Learning On The Go summer outreach, free community playgroups, collaborations with medical centers, engagement with food pantries, and partnerships with organizations serving young families. Through this multifaceted approach, EPEL aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children and families in the community. 

www.elginpartnership.org