American Music Therapy Association

The presenters of this workshop embarked on over a yearlong partnership to implement early childhood music therapy groups and individual services, and concurrently conducted a research study. Attendees can expect to learn 1) How to set up relationships with early childhood staff and administrators, 2) How to setup various methods of research to demonstrate effectiveness, 3) Outstanding research and resources for early childhood music therapists, and 4) Session planning and Clinical Decision-Making steps in early childhood music therapy. 

Presenter(s): Andrew Knight, PhD, MT-BC; Helen Dolas, MS, MT-BC; Christina Ritchie, MT-BC; Jessica Dawson, MT-BC 

3 CMTE-credit course

This course is eligible for LCAT CE Contact Hours (the same number of CMTE credit hours specified above) for continuing education for Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCATs) in New York State. AMTA is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0055

Learning Objectives

Apply interprofessional principles to communicate music therapy services and outcomes to early childhood staff.
(Domain II. A.2. Educate staff, treatment team, or other professionals regarding appropriate referral for music therapy services.)

Select technology, instruments, and movement props to aid in clinical decision-making skills for early childhood groups. (Domain II.D.12. Select non-materials consistent with music therapy goals and clients’ learning styles (e.g., technology and interactive media, adaptive devices, visual aids).

Design therapeutic experiences toward an emphasis on social-emotional goal areas.  (Domain II.D.12. Select non-materials consistent with music therapy goals and clients’ learning styles (e.g., technology and interactive media, adaptive devices, visual aids).

Create parent/caregiver education documents and moments that are informational, jargon-free, and culturally sensitive. (III.A.2.s. Provide individualized music therapy experiences to address client’s family dynamics.

III.A.5.gg. To achieve therapeutic goals: Use relaxation techniques

Schedule

Hour 1

• 0:00-15:00 Introductions of the presenters and attendees
• 15:00-35:00 Relationship-building in the EC environment
• 35:00-50:00 What research demonstrates MT effectiveness in EC
• 50:00-60:00 Break

Hour 2

• 0:00-15:00 Session planning and clinical decision-making in EC MT
• 15:00-35:00 Session interventions - group
• 35:00-50:00 Session interventions - individual
• 50:00-60:00 Break

Hour 3

• 0:00-35:00 Group work and presentations
• 35:00-45:00 Final Q&A
• 45:00-55:00 Final evals
• 55:00-60:00 Wrap up