Services
Music therapy nurtures development, connection, and communication—to help kids thrive.
In Pennsylvania's Early Intervention (EI) program for infants and toddlers, families are central partners in helping young children with developmental needs thrive. Two key services within EI are Special Instruction (SI) and Developmental Music Therapy (DMT), both of which work together under the Family Guided Routines Based Intervention (FGRBI) model to support holistic child development.
Special Instruction
Special Instructors are professionals with backgrounds in child development, psychology, and education. They work in natural settings such as homes and childcare environments to:
- Strengthen cognitive, social-emotional, communication, and self-help skills.
- Address behavioral concerns through coaching and routine-based strategies.
- Equip families with tools and knowledge to integrate learning into daily activities.
Their goal is not only to support the child but also to build the caregiver's capacity to foster development throughout the day.
Developmental Music Therapy
Board-certified music therapists use music as a developmentally rich medium to address non-musical goals. Through singing, rhythm, instrument play, and movement, they support:
- Language and communication skills
- Motor development
- Emotional expression and regulation
- Sensory integration
- Social interaction
Sessions are individualized, play-based, and designed to be engaging for young children. Music therapists also equip caregivers to use
musical routines that support learning and connection.
Shared Goals and Synergy
SI and DMT both target key developmental areas including communication, social-emotional growth, motor skills, and cognition. They emphasize:
- Family-centered practices
- Coaching within natural routines
- Strategies that are easy to implement at home
Music therapy can complement and enhance SI goals by increasing engagement and offering additional tools for communication and regulation. For example, a song might be used to support transitions, expand vocabulary, or encourage turn-taking.
Family Guided Routines Based Intervention (FGRBI)
FGRBI is the approach used in Pennsylvania's EI system. It empowers families by:
- Centering intervention around daily routines
- Using real-life moments for skill-building
- Promoting consistent, meaningful interactions with their child
Both SI and DMT operate within this model. Providers act as coaches, helping families embed strategies into their routines such as mealtime, playtime, or bedtime.
Why It Matters
This integrated model ensures children receive support in ways that are natural, sustainable, and aligned with family life. Children are more likely to practice and retain skills when they are woven into familiar routines. Families gain confidence and tools to help their child grow, not just during therapy sessions, but every day.
| Together, Special Instruction and Developmental Music Therapy offer a collaborative, empowering approach to early childhood intervention—one that meets families where they are and helps children reach their fullest potential. |
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