New York State
Pyramid Model

The NYS Council on Children and Families spearheaded the statewide implementation and expansion of the Pyramid Model.  With guidance from the Pyramid Model Statewide Leadership team, composed of experts in the field, the model provides evidence-based framework proven to be an effective approach to building social emotional skills. 

Overview

Social and emotional well-being sets the foundation for the development and learning of infants, toddlers and young children. Created for use at home and early care and learning settings, the Pyramid Model is evidence-based and emphasizes creating nurturing, inclusive environments, building strong relationships and using targeted strategies to promote positive behaviors. Explore the site to learn more about this powerful model.

NYS Pyramid Model in Early Learning Settings

Learn more about the model and how to become a NYS Pyramid Model participating program by reviewing the tabs below.

The Pyramid Model uses a graduated approach to support social and emotional development.  It focuses on an effective workforce, universal practices for all children, targeted supports for those at risk, and individualized interventions for those with persistent challenges. This model is implemented across early childhood settings and fosters positive social-emotional skills and prevents challenging behaviors.

Explore the next tab to learn about becoming an Implementing Program.

Interested in learning how to become a Pyramid Model Program?  Attend the Roadmap to Implementation Series.  

For a full description of each session click here.  Contact your Regional Coordinator to sign up. 

Session 1

An introduction to the Pyramid Model Framework and all it's components. After this session you can register to become an Exploring Program.

Session 2

An overview of the benefits of Program Wide Implementation of the Pyramid Model Framework for your program, the children, and the families you support.

Session 3

A step-by-step overview of the pre-application planning tool - this document assists with implementation readiness.

Session 4

A process led by your assigned Program Implementation Coach to help you take your first steps toward implementation to fidelity.

NYS Pyramid Model Modules

The NYS Pyramid Model Training Series Modules are available for Birth to Age 8, Infant Toddler, Preschool, and Family Child Care.

These modules outline the Pyramid Model practices within various settings and are aligned to other NYS early childhood tools and resources. 

You can explore the catalog of modules here

NYS Pyramid Model Book Nooks

The NYS Pyramid Model team created Book Nooks to provide teachers, caregivers, and families ideas for using culturally relevant books to bring social emotional learning to life.  Book Nook cards provide feeling words, group and family activities, and more to promote social emotional development.  Visit the NYS Pyramid Model Book Nook Library.

Pyramid Model Implementation Across NYS

The following programs are in various phases of Pyramid Model implementation across NYS.

NYS Pyramid Model Programs and Sites

NYS Pyramid Model at Home

Find some great resources for families from the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations below. 

Positive Solutions for Families

Positive Solutions for Families is a fun, interactive series of seven sessions designed just for families with young children. Through hands-on activities, discussions and real-life examples, families can build confidence and learn practical skills to support their child’s behavior and overall development in positive ways, while connecting with other families. 

Sessions are led by a facilitator from the NYS Pyramid Model Professional Development Network or a community-based family engagement specialist.  If you are interested in joining a Positive Solutions for Families session, please complete the interest form here.

NYS Pyramid Model Book Nooks

The NYS Pyramid Model team created Book Nooks to provide teachers, caregivers, and families ideas for using culturally relevant books to bring social emotional learning to life.  Book Nook cards provide feeling words, group and family activities, and more to promote social emotional development.  

Visit the NYS Pyramid Model Book Nook Library.

Making Life Easier

The Making Life Easier tip sheets give simple advice for everyday parenting challenges—like diapering, going on errands, and handling tough moments.

Keeping Connected with School

The Backpack Connection was created to help teachers work with parents and caregivers to help young children develop social emotional skills and reduce challenging behavior. It includes handouts that help parents stay in the loop with what their child is learning at school. Topics include:

> Behavior

> Emotions

> Routines & Schedules

> Social Skills

Parenting and Family Articles

These articles offer more information about how to help children with:

> Talking about feelings

> Building routines

> Handling daily ups and downs

Professional Development Network (PDN)

To support this work, New York has a Professional Development Network (PDN) of trainers, coaches, and observers. We grow and strengthen this network by recruiting, training, and supporting early childhood professionals across the state.

Pyramid Model Implementation Data System (PIDS)

The Pyramid Model Implementation Data System (PIDS) collects data from early childhood programs implementing the Pyramid Model. PIDS provides with  data to make decisions about professional development for providers and teams.  Go to CCF’s Resource Library to explore PIDS resources.

NYS Pyramid Model Training

Register for Pyramid Model Training by clicking on the Training Calendar below. All completed trainings are documented in the Aspire Registry and will be added to your Aspire profile.

To access on-site Pyramid Model Training, Coaching, Observations, or Program-Wide Implementation Supports, contact your Regional Coordinator.

MISSION

Across all regions and modalities, early childhood programs throughout NY have equitable access to Pyramid Model supports in the form of training, coaching, observations, and data collection which leads to the elimination of exclusionary discipline practices and increases access to programs using the Pyramid Model Framework for children and families.

VISION

All New York State infants, toddlers, young children, and their families will be supported in their social-emotional development to promote their success in school and life.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Council on Children and Families leads the statewide implementation of the Pyramid Model, with guidance from the Pyramid Model Statewide Leadership Team, composed of cross-sector experts in the early childhood field.

WORKGROUPS

The State Leadership Team has work groups focused on topics that improve access to and the quality of supports provided throughout the state.

GOALS

1.

Develop and strengthen a high quality Pyramid Model Professional Development and Implementation Network. This includes a statewide implementation system and a workforce of trainers, coaches, and observers who are regionally located.

2.

Demonstrate through the support of data collection and reporting, the connection between implementation fidelity and the reduction/elimination of suspension and expulsion.

3.

Through access to dedicated funding, support the implementation and sustainability of the Pyramid Model Framework in all early childhood settings.

4.

Engage in continuous quality improvement and ongoing evaluation of Pyramid Model implementation throughout the State.

Pyramid Model Annual Reports

The Council on Children and Family releases Pyramid Model Annual Reports that show the growth of implementation over the past several years.  Review our latest reports below. 

2023 Pyramid Model Annual Report
2022 Pyramid Model Annual Report
2021 Pyramid Model Annual Report

NYS Pyramid Model
Contact

Tracy Lyman, NYS Pyramid Model Policy Coordinator