Engaging in STEAM Learning

Early learning years set the foundation for a lifetime of learning – inside and outside of the classroom. STEAM learning is designed to help children build key skills that will guide them in academics and the challenges of everyday life. 

STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts, and math – uses hands-on learning to engage students in critical thinking, exploration, and problem solving. Every week, a “problem” is presented to the classroom. Throughout the week, students work in small groups or independently to solve the problem using the engineering design process: 

STEAM learning promotes curiosity through hands-on, play-based activities. November 2025.

1. Think through a problem 

2. Plan possible solutions 

3. Design and create the best solution 

4. Test the design 

5. Share the results 

STEAM learning happens all the time. Anytime a child explores new things, they are investigating the world around them and learning to find creative solutions. ECS Head Start embraces this form of learning and brings it into the classroom to help students develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and resilience. 

“Play-based STEM/STEAM activities help toddlers and preschoolers to become explorers, problem-solvers, creative inventors, and critical thinkers,” said child development specialist Jennifer Anthony. “Children build early skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.”  

Problem solving is an essential skill that Head Start students develop through STEAM. November 2025.

Research shows that early introduction to STEAM learning not only encourages development in science and math, but it also strengthens language and literacy skills. 

Head Start Senior Manager Joan Borgonia explained, “Curiosity, problem-solving, creativity, and the ability to make sense of the world is being developed every day in our Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms. Through play-based experiences, teachers create meaningful opportunities for children to explore and learn.” 

A STEAM curriculum is especially important for programs like Head Start which support systemically underprivileged children who may not have exposure to STEAM learning outside of the classroom. Early engagement in STEAM at Head Start helps uplift students to meet their fullest potential as they move to kindergarten and beyond. 

To learn more about ECS’ Head Start STEAM Learning, visit STEAM Learning — Episcopal Community Services. 

If you’d like to support this program, please contact Adrienne Wilkerson, VP of Strategic Engagement. 

Evening on the Bay: Faith in Action

ECS was deeply moved by the generosity shown at the annual fundraiser, Evening on the Bay. Last month, nearly 400 donors, community partners, and supporters gathered to champion vital health and human services for some of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors.

Together, this incredible show of support raised nearly $400,000, funding that will positively impact more than 10,500 clients, families, and community members each year.

The evening stood as a powerful example of faith in action. Through this shared commitment, we continue moving closer to a San Diego region where all children, families, and individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We appreciate all who made this meaningful evening possible.

Volunteers from The Bishop's School Graduate

Through the TBS@ECS Head Start Program, students from The Bishop's School have spent the past several years inspiring, mentoring, and learning alongside our Head Start children.

As the program's founding members graduate, we celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they've made in our classrooms.

Congratulations graduates!

Read more about the friendships, learning, and impact this partnership has created.

The founding members of TBS@ECS celebrate their years-long dedication to Head Start students. June 2026.

The Bishop’s School students cultivate a fun learning environment at ECS Head Start. February 2026.

How CERRC Turned Kim's Life Around

Kim had lost everything: her home, her vehicle, her job. Due to her 20-year struggle with substance use disorder, her family disowned her, and she turned to crime. “I was clearly on my way to jail if I did not turn myself around,” she said.

Tired of a life ruined by substance use, Kim found her way to ECS Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC). CERRC provided support she didn’t even know she needed.

Now, over a year later, Kim’s life has changed for the better. CERRC’s specialized services connected her with the resources she needed to pull herself out of unemployment and homelessness. Kim secured her own apartment, restarted her accounting career, and purchased a car. Most importantly, she is on great terms with her family, including her granddaughter who encouraged her recovery.

“I’ve had family members say, ‘Kim, you’re a different person,’ and I am.”

She was so inspired by CERRC that she started an LLC—All of Me Recovery ("olive me,”) support for sober living, in honor of her granddaughter Olive and late mother Meme.

Her journey is proof that compassion, accessible resources, and specialized services can change your path completely.

ECS CERRC provides outpatient treatment services to adults with substance use disorders. To learn more, visit CERRC — Episcopal Community Services.

Kim changed her life with support from CERRC’s specialized services. October 2025.