The influence of music and storytelling on child development: a randomized controlled trial protocol

This study outlines a randomized controlled trial protocol to evaluate an enrichment program integrating music and storytelling in Brazilian public daycare centers. The intervention targets children aged 12 to 36 months over four months, with three groups: (1) music and storytelling with parental guidance, (2) music and storytelling without parental involvement, and (3) routine care control. The program includes daily storytelling and twice-weekly music sessions led by trained educators. Developmental outcomes will be assessed using the Bayley-III, focusing on language, socio-emotional, and adaptive behaviors at baseline and after four months. Evaluators blind to group assignments will conduct assessments. Ethical considerations follow the EECERA Code of Ethics and recent early childhood research guidelines, emphasizing inclusion, informed consent, child well-being, and protection of non-participants. Children with severe neurological diagnoses are excluded to ensure sample homogeneity and appropriate implementation. This protocol aims to address the shortage of structured, cost-effective, evidence-based interventions in early education, especially in underserved communities. By positioning educators as key agents, the study contributes to professional development in early childhood education. The findings are expected to inform scalable, culturally responsive pedagogical strategies that promote children’s rights and educational equity, with potential impact on practice and policy in early years settings. Trial Registration : This trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT06831851