Getting Started with the Pyramid Model

This video provides an inside look into a preschool learning environment during a typical day. This classroom uses the pyramid model practices for social emotional learning.

This page contains updates, materials, and all things Pyramid Model for providers and programs in Illinois. 

The Illinois Pyramid Model State Leadership Team collaborates with the Pyramid Model Consortium to train Illinois early childhood professionals across the state in professional development systems that work together to strengthen interagency collaboration at the state and local levels.​  

Interested in the exploring Pyramid Model Implementation? The purpose of this free online course is to help learners gain an understanding of the Pyramid Model program-wide implementation process, and to provide the information needed to determine if this is the right time to commit to implementing this framework. These modules can be completed individually or as a leadership team.  

Learn how to enhance social-emotional development in young children, without ever leaving the classroom. Each of the online courses are on-demand so members of the workforce learn at their own pace.   

The Pyramid Model is a positive behavioral intervention and support (PBIS) framework that uses systems-thinking and implementation science to promote evidence-based practices. The Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children was created to help early educators build skills for supporting nurturing and responsive caregiving, create learning environments, provide targeted social-emotional skills, and support children with challenging behavior. The Pyramid Model Consortium provides local, national, and global early childhood programs with comprehensive training, proven methods, and free resources.

This page provides information on the Pyramid Model which builds upon a tiered public health approach to providing universal supports to all children to promote wellness, targeted services to those who need more support, and intensive services to those who need them.

Explore over 200 videos about the Pyramid Model.  

This article by Courtney E. O’Grady and Michaelene M. Ostrosky explains what the Pyramid Model is, describes how the model works to prevent and reduce challenging behavior, and provides an overview of the tiers of this framework in early childhood settings.  

This library houses hundreds of resources for educators and practitioners using the Pyramid Model including webinars, handouts, and guides on a variety of topics.

These modules provide the types and content of training that would be most useful in addressing the social-emotional needs of young children. These modules have been used nationally to provide training on Pyramid Model practices within various settings. Each module package includes a presentation script, slides, videos, activity descriptions, and handouts.

While nearly all childcare professionals will encounter challenging behavior in children at some point, using preventive strategies is best. The Pyramid Model gives educators an organized way to promote social-emotional development and prevent challenging behavior. This online learning module provides readings, videos, and resources to support early childhood educators in learning about the Pyramid Model. This is lesson 2 in the Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors course.