CDF Freedom Schools
Einstein's Playground proudly partners with the Children's Defense Fund to operate CDF Freedom Schools, a free six-week summer literacy enrichment program that helps children fall in love with reading and prevents summer learning loss.
Program Overview
A comprehensive summer literacy program that addresses learning loss and builds a lifelong love of reading
6-Week Program
Summer sessions designed to prevent learning loss
8:30am - 3pm
Full-day programming Monday through Friday
10:1 Ratio
Small class sizes for individual attention
100% Free
No cost to families, including meals
What's Included
Everything your child needs for a successful summer of learning
High-Quality Literacy Enrichment
Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC) designed by the Children's Defense Fund to build reading skills and comprehension
2 Meals & Snacks Daily
Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided every day at no cost to families
Weekly Field Trips
Educational excursions to museums, libraries, and community sites that bring learning to life
Daily Guest Readers
Community leaders and role models visit to read with students and share their stories
Parent & Family Involvement
Weekly Tribe Workshops engage families in their children's learning and build community connections
Civic Engagement & Social Action
Programming that empowers students to become active, engaged citizens in their communities
Proven Results
Our CDF Freedom Schools program delivers measurable reading improvement year after year
Program Components
HARMABEE Every Morning
A Swahili word meaning "pulling together," HARMABEE is our daily gathering that builds community and sets a positive tone for the day
College Student Staff
Primarily staffed by college students who are trained by national professionals, providing positive role models and increasing the pipeline of future teachers
Intergenerational Learning
Students learn from and alongside community members of all ages, building connections across generations
Community Partnerships
Collaboration with Birmingham City Schools, Jefferson County Schools, and community organizations to serve students across the region
Enroll Your Child Today
Give your child the gift of reading this summer—completely free. Contact us to learn more about enrollment for our next CDF Freedom Schools session.