Multitiered System of Supports (MTSS): Understanding the Basics

In early childhood settings, a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) is a framework for supporting the whole child in an inclusive learning environment. Think of the tiers in an MTSS framework as portions of an upright triangle, with Tier 1 at the bottom, Tier 2 in the middle, and Tier 3 at the top.

Tier 1 – Universal Supports

Tier 1, also called universal supports, is represented by the largest, bottom area of the triangle, because all students receive universal supports.
Universal supports are high-quality instruction and classroom practices in all areas, including academics, motor skills, health and nutrition, and social emotional skills.
Tier 1 is proactive, as it helps children grow in all areas of development. It can prevent problems with behavior and academics.

Tier 2 – Targeted Supports

Tier 2, also called targeted supports, is represented by a smaller, middle area of the triangle, because some students receive targeted supports.
Educators use assessment tools in a variety of domains to determine which students require targeted supports.
Targeted supports are focused on a specific benchmark and are often provided through small group instruction. For example, if five children in a classroom need additional work on letter recognition, the teacher may form a small group to work on this skill.

Tier 3 – Individualized Supports

Tier 3, also called individualized supports, is represented by the smallest, top area of the triangle, because only a few students may be in need of receiving individualized supports.
Educators measure students’ progress towards the benchmarks they are learning in Tier 2 to determine who needs additional, individualized instruction.
Individualized supports are designed for a specific student. For example, if a child needs individualized support with one-to-one counting, their teacher may embed additional opportunities for them to count (friends, snacks, blocks) throughout the day.

Important Points About MTSS

All children benefit from MTSS. This includes children with disabilities, children who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, children who come from a variety of socio and economic backgrounds, and children who speak a language other than English.
Tiers build upon each other. Children who receive targeted supports continue to receive universal supports. Children who receive individualized supports continue to receive targeted and universal supports.
Supports, not children, are organized into tiers. A child receives Tier 2 supports. A child is not described as a “Tier 2 child”. A child may receive Tier 2 or Tier 3 supports at some times but not need them at other times. When a child seems to no longer need a higher level of support, they are gradually leased from that tier.
MTSS does not delay special education services. A request for a referral to determine whether a child is eligible to receive special education services can happen at any time in the MTSS process.