New York State
Pyramid Model

The NYS Council on Children and Families leads 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 an 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.

Positive Solutions for Families Training Series

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. 

Register below to attend one of our free training series. 

October 2026 thru December 2026
New Release
December 2026 thru January 2027
New Release

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 that teach social and emotional skills, 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 Roadmap Sessions to learn about becoming an Implementing Program.

NYS Pyramid Model Modules

The NYS Pyramid Model Training Series Modules are available for 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.

Members of the Professional Development Network provide in person and virtual training sessions, and there are also online asynchronous, self-paced ePyramid Model module training options that can also be accessed through the Aspire Registry. 

 

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 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.

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. 

The newest training series is out now, so register today! 

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

Be Their Biggest Champion.

Watching a child grow brings exciting moments—and lots of questions. MilestonesMatter.ny.gov makes it easier for families to find trusted, easy-to-understand information about four areas of child development:

Families can explore developmental milestones and find simple, everyday activities that support their child’s learning and healthy development.

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

The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations training modules are utilized for Pyramid Model trainings.

Search “Pyramid Model” under course title on the Aspire Registry to find training events. You can also click on each module below to view upcoming opportunities.

Infant/Toddler
Preschool
Family Child Care
ePyramid Modules
Professional Development
Roadmap Sessions

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. 

2024-2025 Pyramid Model Annual Reports
2023 Pyramid Model Annual Report
2022 Pyramid Model Annual Report

NYS Pyramid Model
Contact

Tracy Lyman, NYS Pyramid Model Policy Coordinator