Music in Early Childhood Programs 2026

Music is a powerful tool for early childhood development. Quality childcare programs integrate music throughout the day, supporting cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.

Music in childcare

Why Music Matters

Brain Development

Music supports:

Neural pathway formation
Language processing areas
Auditory discrimination
Memory development
Executive function

Academic Benefits

Music builds:

Pre-literacy skills
Mathematical concepts
Attention and focus
Pattern recognition
Memory

Social-Emotional

Music promotes:

Emotional expression
Group connection
Self-regulation
Joy and engagement
Cultural appreciation

Physical Development

Music enhances:

Movement and coordination
Rhythm and timing
Fine motor (instruments)
Gross motor (dancing)
Body awareness

Music in Quality Programs

Throughout the Day

Music should happen:

Circle time
Transitions
Throughout activities
Spontaneously
Daily and regularly

Types of Music Experiences

Should include:

Singing
Movement to music
Instrument play
Listening
Creating music

Music Activities

Singing

Opportunities:

Group songs
Fingerplays
Call and response
Familiar favorites
New songs

Movement

Activities:

Dancing
Action songs
Creative movement
Rhythm activities
Musical games

Instruments

Access to:

Rhythm instruments
Drums and shakers
Bells and triangles
Exploration time
Group music-making

Listening

Experiences:

Various genres
Classical exposure
Cultural music
Background music (appropriate)
Focused listening

What Quality Looks Like

Environment

Should include:

Instruments accessible
Music corner or area
Variety of genres played
Song visuals available
Space for movement

Teacher Practices

Adults should:

Sing throughout day
Model enjoyment
Play various music
Lead musical activities
Follow children's interest

Frequency

Music should happen:

Multiple times daily
Integrated naturally
Spontaneously
Planned activities also
Not just circle time

Age-Appropriate Music

Infants

Music experiences:

Lullabies and soft music
Simple songs
Rhythmic movement
Sound exploration
Musical bonding

Toddlers

Expanding to:

Action songs
Simple instruments
Movement to music
Repetitive songs
Musical games

Preschoolers

Including:

More complex songs
Instrument skills
Musical concepts
Creative movement
Music appreciation

Questions to Ask

About Music Programming

Ask:

How do you incorporate music?
What instruments are available?
How often is music part of the day?
Do you have a music specialist?
What types of music do you play?

About Philosophy

Understand:

Is music valued?
How is it integrated?
What exposure to genres?
Cultural music included?
Teacher enthusiasm?

Music Specialists

Value of Specialists

Benefits:

Trained in music education
More comprehensive program
Specific skills taught
Additional enrichment
Enhanced programming

When Not Available

Still quality if:

Teachers sing regularly
Music integrated throughout
Instruments available
Movement and dance included
Music valued

Cultural Music

Diversity in Music

Quality programs:

Include various cultures
Explore world music
Honor family traditions
Expand exposure
Avoid stereotypes

Connection to Families

Programs should:

Learn family music traditions
Include home music
Celebrate diversity
Build connections

Benefits by Domain

Language and Literacy

Music builds:

Phonemic awareness
Vocabulary
Rhyming skills
Story understanding
Memory for words

Math Connections

Music teaches:

Patterns
Counting
Rhythm (fractions)
Spatial reasoning
Sequences

Social Skills

Music supports:

Group participation
Turn-taking
Cooperation
Listening to others
Shared joy

Supporting at Home

Extending Learning

At home:

Sing together
Play various music
Dance and move
Simple instruments
Car singing

Connecting to Daycare

Ask about:

Songs being sung
Sing them at home
Share family music
Build connections

Key Takeaways

Music is essential:

Supports all development
Should be daily
Integrated throughout
Various types included