Sharing the Impact of Head Start in D.C.

ECS Head Start staff meets with policymakers to advocate for the program. September 2025.

Last week, ECS Head Start staff joined leaders from across the country at the National Head Start Association’s 2025 Fall Leadership Institute in Washington D.C.

As Congress makes tough funding decisions, it’s vital that policymakers hear how Head Start transforms lives. The Institute offered opportunities to meet with members of Congress, engage in advocacy trainings, and share how programs are leading in their communities.

We’re proud to stand with the Head Start community to ensure every child and family has the chance to thrive.

LEAD Visionary Awards

Last night at LEAD San Diego’s Visionary Awards, ECS CEO Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg joined Enterprise Bank & Trust and other leaders to celebrate collaboration and leadership driving meaningful change in our region.

We’re proud to see community, business, and nonprofit leaders come together to honor those making a lasting impact across San Diego and beyond.

ECS CEO Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg with other community leaders at the LEAD Visionary Awards. September 2025.

The Gift of Music: Kodály Music Program

The Kodály Music Program gives students an early introduction to the arts. September 2025.

As part of an effort to expand arts education for our littlest learners, ECS launched a Kodály (pronounced code-I) music pilot program at ECS San Ysidro Head Start. Kodály music lessons began last month and will include 14 weekly lessons throughout the semester, wrapping the year with an “in-formance” where families and caregivers will be invited to join their students in singing and moving together. ECS is one of only a few programs in San Diego to offer these specialized music lessons and it is the only program of its kind in the South Bay region.  

A Kodály-qualified instructor engages students in listening and singing along to songs. August 2025.

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. Their gift provides supplies, materials, and operational expenses to launch this first-of-its-kind program and open up a world of musical expression for our students. The San Diego Children’s Choir provided the Kodály trained instructor.

The Kodály music education method originated in Hungary in the mid-twentieth century. It approaches music education in accordance with a child’s current developmental stage. The first introduction to music is through listening, singing, and movement. Teaching points include rhythm syllables, rhythm sequence and notation, and melodic sequence among other topics designed to build a fundamental understanding of music. 

Although these lessons sound complex, 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.  

Students learn the foundations of musical creation and rhythm through movement. August 2025.

The arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education. 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. A child’s education and development should not be limited by their zip code. ECS aims to break these barriers and provide early access to the arts to 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 program will impact over 40 children and their families enrolled at ECS San Ysidro Head Start.  

By ensuring that ECS students are engaging in the arts, ECS is setting them up for success as they transition to kindergarten and beyond, building a stronger and happier new generation of San Diegans. 

To learn more about ECS’ early childhood education programs visit www.ecsheadstart.org. 

Support from Partner Rummage Sales

ECS’ Director of Development Tim Whipple on the St. Dunstan’s runway shows off rummage items. September 2025.

Thank you to St. Dunstan's - San Diego's Rummage Sale and St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla's White Elephant Sale for supporting ECS programs like Uptown Safe Haven. Their grants help us provide essentials like linens and towels, making our residents feel at home. This year, our Director of Development, Tim, even hit the runway at St. Dunstan’s fashion show such a fun way to celebrate community and generosity.