How to Get Music Therapy on an IEP: A Child’s Legal Right (Part 1)
For more specific information to begin the process of requesting a music therapy assessment, visit the second part of this series.
Music is a powerful motivator, helping children to stay focused, complete tasks, develop their social/emotional awareness, and learn new information. In a school context, music therapy can support a child’s educational objectives by working with their existing musical strengths and love of music. Music therapists tailor music experiences for each child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) to build upon social, emotional, executive functioning, motor, and/or communication goals.
Students with IEPs are entitled to a music therapy assessment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Wondering if a child you love might qualify? Read on for a general overview or visit our second article for specific steps to get started.
Who Qualifies for Music Therapy?
The first and foremost reason to refer a child for an assessment is that they love and respond to music! Music incorporates all parts of us, inspiring us to move, communicate, interact, express, learn, and engage. No musical talent is required to benefit from music therapy. If the child in mind loves music, it is likely that music can support their educational goals.
They are likely a good candidate for music therapy if they show any the following:
Attentiveness to music
Interest and enjoyment of music
Higher social engagement when music is involved
Expressing one’s emotions and self through music
Calming to music when distressed
Increased motivation to complete activities when music is involved
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, guarantees a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities. This includes any supportive services needed for the student to achieve their IEP or ISFP goals. Children with IEPs are entitled to a music therapy assessment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. As a parent, guardian, or teacher, you don’t need to prove that music therapy is necessary for them to meet their goals. You only need to request and advocate for their legal right to an assessment.
What Happens Next?
Any member of the IEP team (which includes parents and guardians) can request a music therapy assessment at any point. The assessment must be conducted by a board certified music therapist, and can be selected by any member of the IEP team. School districts are often under a lot of pressure and may try to deny this request because of funding issues or the child attending music class. Despite schools’ limitations, the law is clear that children with IEPs are entitled to a music therapy assessment from a board-certified music therapist.
The music therapy assessment is a thorough process and involves a board-certified music therapist reviewing the child’s IEP, observing them work towards IEP goals in classroom settings, implementing a music therapy session to work towards those same goals, and comparing the results. Based on the findings, the IEP team will decide whether music therapy is indicated for the child’s IEP. Do note that not all children need music therapy in order to meet their educational goals, though they can still benefit from music therapy
For more detailed information on how to request a music therapy assessment through an IEP, or information about the IDEA law, check out our second post in this series.