Coast Music Therapy is a Non-Public agency that provides individual/group services, consultation, and staff development in school districts throughout San Diego County. All services have an emphasis on utilizing music as an initial cue to teach the foundations of a skill, followed by systematic fading of music prompts to achieve functional outcomes.

A sample of techniques utilized within the educational setting include music mnemonics, presentation of social or communication scripts through music cuing, music as a motivator or reinforcer, music to assist in task sequencing, presentation of language concepts through song format, and support of cause & effect goals through the use of musical instruments.

In addition to these music-based techniques, Coast Music Therapy supports the integration of other evidence-based strategies such as the use of visual supports, scripts, modeling, repetition, and prompt-fading procedures.

A focus is placed on collaborative approaches that can be implemented throughout the week by a variety of providers.

Currently, music therapy is recognized in Attachment 1 to Part B of IDEA 1999 regulations. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education submitted a letter to the American Music Therapy Association in June 2000, stating:

“ We continue to support our prior position that for some children, art, music, or dance therapy is to be identified in their IEPs as a related service if the IEP team, which includes the child's parents, determines that the particular therapy would be necessary for the child to benefit from special education and to receive FAPE ( free and appropriate public education ).”