Project Headstart is a collaborative venture between the Ithaca College Music Education Department and the Tompkins Community Action Headstart Program. The project is designed to provide music experiences both for children with special needs, such as students with disabilites and those who are English language learners, and for children from low income and high needs backgrounds. During weekly visits to Ithaca College's campus, students from area Headstart programs participate in lessons designed to provide valuable musical opportunities. Under the advisement and supervision of music education professors, Ithaca College music education majors, enrolled in Music Education for Children, assist a lead teacher during the classroom experiences. In addition, the project provides observation opportunities for students in the Freshman- and Sophomore-level Music Field Experience.
This unique and valued undertaking is coordinated by Dr. Verna Brummett (Associate Professor of Music Education) of the Ithaca College Music Education Department, and Jeanette McCord (Program Director) and Joe Fatcheric (Child Development Manager) of the Tompkins Community Action Headstart.
