Music Therapy in the Preschool Classroom (6 credits)

Self-Study – You can watch the recordings on your own time and at your own pace.

Presented by  Jeffrey Friedberg MA, MT-BC

Course Description

This in-depth interactive workshop will present a comprehensive overview to the hows, whats and whys of providing music in the preschool setting. Discussion will cover the following:

• building a developmentally appropriate repertoire to engage the children
• building a positive working relationship with your students
• meeting educational and therapy goals
• structuring sessions to best meet goals
• managing challenging behavior
• integrating the class into a preschool institutional session
• avoiding burnout

You will be given a homework assignment of designing 4 x 30 minute sessions to meet specific goals. After completing the Course Evaluation Form you will be emailed a certificate of completion.

Learning Objectives

• Will state 10 songs/activities to use in the pre-school classroom
• Will recall 4 elements to include when designing structure of classes toengage and build skills
• Will compare 4 techniques to manage behavior and simultaneously buildtherapeutic relationship
• Will summarize 4 strategies on how to successfully integrate music therapy into the educational setting

Schedule

30 minutes –  Introduction and Overview

30 minutes- Therapeutic Preschool Environment: 

Discussion of the realities of being a music therapist in a therapeutic preschool environment. Review of scheduling, staff support, access to information. equipment and treatment planning. 

30 minutes- Needs, Challenges and Strengths: 

What are the needs and challenges as well as strengths of children in therapeutic preschool environment? What are goals and objectives attainable in this environement? 

30 minutes Class Structure: How to structure class to maximize engagement and learning of skills. 

1 hour- Repertoire building: Discussion of traditional, adapted and original songs and how they can be used to meet therapy goals. 

1 hour- Behavior Management and The Therapeutic Relationship: Building a therapeutic relationship is essential in helping children learn and grow. Discussion on how to re-direct challenging behavior in ways that both help build relationship and achieve therapy goals. 

30 minutes Q & A 

1 hour self study assignment

CBMT Domain areas:

music therapy

continuing education

Music Therapy in the Preschool Classroom is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 6 CMTEs-Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. The Spiegel Academy, CBMT Approved Provider #P-106, maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria. 

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