8 years, 4 children and a lasting connection to Auburn University

What began as a first-time visit to determine where to enroll their son for preschool ultimately led to three more of their children attending the Auburn University Early Learning Center (AUELC) in the College of Human Sciences, the establishment of an endowed fund, and a lasting impact on the Schmidt family’s lives.

Looking back now, Aaron and Jennifer Schmidt have nothing but gratitude for the center and program they entrusted to help prepare their children for what lies ahead in life.

The Schmidts' children stand atop a famous barrel at the AUELC playground.

The Schmidts' children pictured here with AUELC Assistant Director Margaret Vollenweider.

“Our son first attended the 3-year-old class taught under Emily Cumbie in 2014, and because our kids are all two years apart, our family was part of the AUELC community for eight consecutive years,” said Jennifer Schmidt. “The research-based teaching approach is what we love about the AUELC. All the teachers have a special place in my heart. They not only helped our kids grow and develop with patience and the skills they learned in the classroom, but they also helped us as parents better understand how to communicate with our kids at those ages on a level they could understand.  We knew after that first year that all of our kids would be going through this program.” 

Now the Schmidts’ children, one boy and three girls, are currently in grades 10, 8, 6 and 4 with varying interests and activities that include band, sewing, horseback riding, gymnastics and mountain biking.

As they prepare for their futures that could include college and fulfilling careers, there is no doubt the AUELC’s program and teaching philosophies played a major role in their growth and development during a crucial point in their young lives.

On day one, Jennifer Schmidt recalls talking to AUELC Director Sharon Wilbanks about the importance of the student-to-teacher ratio, how they allow children to explore and be creative in their own ways and its emphasis on hands-on learning.

“I loved all the things she explained to us about how the children would engage in so much hands-on learning through experiences,” said Jennifer Schmidt. “The AUELC teaching staff uses strategies that allow the children to learn by doing, and at the same time they are also professors teaching college students these same strategies. In turn, some of the students also spend time in the classrooms throughout the semester applying what they have just learned.”