A music therapy-informed capacity-building model was created to address the increasing educational disadvantages for children in early childhood. Professional expertise in supporting vulnerable children experiencing trauma, developmental challenges, and learning and thinking differences has been translated into a range of professional development opportunities for teachers, educators and families who teach and care for children in early learning programs.

Three evidence-informed programs founded by a Registered Music Therapist were approved by the Department of Education to address the school readiness priorities in (Location). The programs build the capacity of Educators and families to respond to children's learning and development in context.

Approximately 300 early childhood services across Victoria have partnered with Using Music since February 2022 with an estimated direct reach of over 20 000 preschool aged children. The capacity-building programs have built the knowledge, skills and confidence of early childhood teachers and educators to embed music-based experiences and approaches in their programs.

This innovative model expands the reach and impact of music therapy in early childhood education and care. It also responds to access and funding barriers by expanding the reach of Registered Music Therapists through sustainable, partnership-based models. This work reflects a broader shift in our profession, from traditional methods of delivering therapy with individual children in clinic-based settings, to collaborating with communities and modelling music-therapy based approaches in context.

This presentation outlines the innovative model of capacity-building and partnership learning for strengthening the reach of music therapy in supporting educational disadvantage in early childhood communities. Process evaluation outcomes, practice examples, and professional reflections will be shared to highlight the impact of partnership learning and capacity-building practices in music therapy.