FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Ysidro, CA – October 2, 2025 – ECS has launched a new music program for low-income children and their families, the first of its kind in San Diego’s South Bay region. The Kodály program (pronounced code-I) is part of ECS’ effort to expand arts education for Head Start students. This pilot program at the San Ysidro Head Start center includes 14 weekly lessons throughout the semester and will wrap up with an “in-formance” where families and caregivers will be invited to join their students in singing and moving together.
This initiative would not be possible without donor support and the partnership of the San Diego Children’s Choir. The Kodály program was generously funded by an anonymous music lover who seeks to introduce the love of music to the next generation of students.
“Music has the power to unlock creativity, strengthen early learning, and nurture confidence in every child. By bringing this new music program to our Head Start classrooms, we are not just teaching songs — we are giving children the tools to express themselves, build stronger connections, and lay the foundation for lifelong success,” said ECS CEO Elizabeth Wilberg. “This investment ensures that every child has the chance to discover the joy and possibility that music brings.”
The donation funds supplies, materials, and operational expenses. The San Diego Children’s Choir provided the Kodály trained instructor.
The Kodály method uses simple tactics such as singing games, fun and play, and visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements to fuse enjoyment with key learning milestones.
Research shows a direct correlation between artistic learning and early academic and social-emotional success. However, inequalities in accessibility to arts education are still largely prevalent for students living in lower socioeconomic status areas. ECS aims to break these barriers and provide early access to the arts for ECS students. Through initiatives like the Kodály music program, students will receive the resources and experiences required to meet their emotional, social, and psychological needs. This pilot program will impact over 40 children and their families enrolled at ECS San Ysidro Head Start.
To learn more about ECS’ early childhood education programs visit www.ecsheadstart.org.
If you are interested in visiting the classroom and experiencing this new music program firsthand, please contact ECS arrange your visit.
Media Contact: Adrienne Wilkerson | Director, Communications & Advocacy | awilkerson@ecscalifornia.org ##