Sing, Play, Grow: Music for Early Learners

This is a fully online, self-paced, asynchronous course.

Continuing Education hours: 1.5 hours
Featured Expert: Missy Reed

Module Learning Outcomes: At the completion of this module, Learners will be able to:

• 1.1 Identify ways that music enriches and enhances the development of young children.
• 1.2 Reflect on their own musical training and level of comfort in engaging in music with young children.
• 1.3 Identify five strategies that will be helpful when planning and facilitating music making with young children.

Sing, Play, Grow: Music for Early Learners is a foundational module designed for early childhood providers who regularly use music in their work but often lack formal training in how to do so effectively. Research shows that most early childhood providers value music and are far more likely to use it confidently when they receive guidance and develop their own sense of musicianship.

In this module, participants will explore the essential role music plays in early childhood development and examine the many ways young children naturally engage with music—through singing, playing, moving, listening, and even early forms of composing or improvising. The module emphasizes intentionality: choosing and facilitating musical experiences that meaningfully support children’s growth across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains.

Learners will reflect on their own comfort with music-making, practice simple and accessible strategies for leading musical activities, and gain practical resources they can immediately apply in their work with young children. By the end of this module, participants will feel more confident, creative, and purposeful in using music as a powerful tool for learning and connection.

This professional development is available at no charge for child-serving professionals in the Finger Lakes/Western New York regions. Learn more: Continuing Education for Child-Serving Professionals .