Episcopal Community Services (ECS) Launches Kodály Music Program

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 ##

A Warm Welcome

Head Start gave Alma and Oscar a sense of peace and security when they sent Olivia to preschool. March 2025.

Before Head Start, Olivia, a three-year-old diagnosed with cerebral palsy, was attending physical therapy to help with her upper core mobility. The therapy was going well, but Olivia was very shy and lacked confidence. She was learning at home, but she had no outlet to develop socially and was not talking much, causing her parents — Alma and Oscar — concern. 

Understandably, Alma and Oscar were anxious about their daughter going to school for the first time. “We were very hesitant, scared at the beginning,” Alma shared. Would Olivia be cared for? Would her disability affect her preschool experience? Would she be comfortable in an unfamiliar environment?  

Luckily, Alma’s sister told them about ECS Head Start. When they discovered that a Head Start center was only a few blocks from Alma’s job, they knew they had found a place for Olivia to begin her education, but the program exceeded their expectations, transforming from a school to a family. 

Olivia blossomed with the support of Head Start. *July 2025.

 The growth Alma and Oscar have seen in their daughter is powerful. “As soon as she started coming here for, like, a week, she was just so much more open. Her attitude changed,” Oscar said. The warm and welcoming environment of Head Start helped Olivia to open up to those around her. “I noticed within the week, she started to try to talk and stuff because other kids were talking.”    

As an only child, the chance for Olivia to play and bond with other children has made a huge difference. “I think it brought more of her personality out, because she likes to be around other people and other kids, especially,” Alma said. “That's where we saw a lot of change in her.” Preschool is a crucial time for young learners to develop social skills, and ECS Head Start prioritizes that development. “She's super confident for everything that's going on with her and then it's really helped her to express how she feels, what she wants,” Alma said.   

Head Start embraces and accommodates each child so they can thrive. *July 2025.

The warm ECS embrace that Olivia experienced expands from the teachers and staff to the other children. “It is nice to see that she is accepted here, and everybody loves her. It's nice to feel that,” her mother said. “It's like a big family. I see all the teachers saying, ‘good morning’ and ‘bye’ to Olivia. I don't know all the teachers, but they definitely know her.”  

Head Start has also provided Olivia with a deeply enriching academic experience. “She's learned a lot. She's learned her numbers, her colors, her shapes,” Alma said. “She's a really good listener and she asks a lot of questions, and she always wants to know everything.” 

The teachers meet with parents to set goals for their children, then work hand-in-hand with them to accomplish those goals. The staff is accommodating and considerate toward each child, which was especially impactful for Olivia’s needs. “There's always been somebody holding my daughter or within arm's reach of her, so I know that she's safe,” Oscar said.   

Head Start established a key academic and social-emotional foundation for Olivia. *July 2025.

Olivia has enjoyed ECS Head Start throughout the past three years, but this year she will be off to a new adventure: kindergarten. Her parents are sad to leave the program, but they expressed that it has prepared her for the next step. “I think she's ready. I think she’s been ready,” Alma said. “They prepared her.” The once quiet and reserved Olivia has transformed into a confident young girl ready to take on whatever is next.  

Head Start aims to provide a wholistic education, caring for each student academically, socially, and beyond. “I wouldn’t change this experience for her for any other school,” Oscar said. Oscar and Alma recommend Head Start to any other family looking for quality early childhood education. “The experience has been great, and I don't have anything else to say other than ‘bring your kids.’ It's a great place.” 

To learn more about Head Start and how the quality early childhood education could benefit you and your children visit Head Start & Early Head Start — Episcopal Community Services. 

*Caption dates may not be exact.

Supporting Girl Scouts San Diego

ECS CEO Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg participates in Girl Scouts fundraiser. September 2025.

"Toto, I've got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!"

Earlier this month, ECS CEO Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg joined U.S. Bank and others at the Girl Scouts San Diego Urban Campout, stepping into character as flying monkeys from The Wizard of Oz.

Nearly 400 guests came together at the beautiful Balboa Campus to enjoy local cuisine, bid on fabulous auction items, and celebrate the Girl Scout mission of giving every girl the chance to fly.

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.