This presentation explores the role of registered music therapists in supporting preschool readiness within the context of state-based early childhood funding initiatives, including South Australia's new Preschool Boost Program, Queensland’s Kindy Uplift and Victoria's School Readiness Funding model. These programs aim to address developmental vulnerability by enabling early childhood services to access allied health and specialist supports aligned with the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) domains.

Drawing on practice-based evidence and interdisciplinary collaboration, this presentation will examine how music therapists contribute to the developmental domains of communication, social competence, physical health and welling, cognitive skills and emotional regulation within this space. It will highlight how music therapists can work alongside educators and families to increase their capacity to be responsive to the needs of children aged 3–5 years, while also directly supporting children in their development.

The session will also consider implications for the profession, including opportunities for advocacy and integration within early childhood systems. By aligning music therapy practice with existing policy frameworks and funding mechanisms, music therapists are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to school readiness outcomes and to articulate the value of music therapy within multidisciplinary early childhood teams.