Auburn College of Education opens registration to Early Childhood Summer Enrichment Program as it doubles capacity and expands age eligibility

Registration is now open for the Early Childhood Summer Enrichment Program in Auburn University’s College of Education. And this year, the program will double its capacity and expand eligibility to include children ages 4 through 8.

“Doubling our capacity means more families can access a program that truly values children’s creativity and curiosity,” said College of Education Associate Professor SeanDurham, the Early Childhood Education program director. “We’re committed to providing a summer environment where play drives learning and children feel empowered to explore.”

Located in the Doepke Family Early Learning Laboratory of Auburn’s new College of Education Building at 345 W. Samford Avenue, the program offers families a six-week, play-based summer learning experience grounded in Auburn’s long-standing commitment to developmentally appropriate early childhood education.

The program meets Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon on the following dates: June 8–11, June 15–18, June 29–July 2, July 6–9, July 13–16, and July 20–23. Tuition for the full program is $600, with a $300 deposit available at registration for families who prefer not to pay in full. All tuition balances are due by the first day of the program.

 

For more than 25 years, the Early Childhood Summer Enrichment Program has served as a signature outreach initiative of the Early Childhood Teacher Education Program in Auburn’s College of Education. The program is staffed by lead teachers, graduate assistants and undergraduate teacher candidates who design and guide child-centered learning experiences.

The program’s curriculum emphasizes active, inquiry-based learning. Children engage in a balance of play, project work and exploration across science, the arts, early literacy and mathematical reasoning. Daily activities invite children to choose from thoughtfully prepared learning centers, interact with hands-on materials and pursue projects that emerge from their own interests. Teacher candidates observe and document children’s learning, using those observations to extend and deepen engagement.

At a time when opportunities for child-directed play are declining in many settings, Auburn’s Summer Enrichment Program remains committed to supporting play as a central driver of healthy development. The program fosters academic growth, social-emotional learning and positive peer relationships while also serving as a training ground for future educators.

With expanded capacity and a new state-of-the-art learning environment, the 2026 program is positioned to serve more families than ever.

Registration is now open, and spaces are expected to fill quickly. Families can learn more and register through the Early Childhood Summer Enrichment Program website.