Early Childhood Development Association of PEI
A Pyramid to RetentionSupporting educators to enhance social and emotional competencies in infants and young children.
A Mentoring Culture for PEI
A Pyramid to Retention is an innovative project that will support the social and emotional well-being of children, birth through five within the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) sector on PEI. The Pyramid Model builds on the specialized bank of knowledge that all certified Early Childhood Educators have, building in an extra layer of Social-Emotional Development knowledge through mentorship and training.
Through the implementation of the Pyramid Model, Early Childhood Educators will receive support to scaffold on their skills and confidence as they develop training in prevention and intervention strategies to support the social and emotional development of young children, including challenging behaviours.
Testimonials
Sara Bowkowy
I have worked with the Pyramid Model of Social and Emotional Development for over 10 years. There aren’t words to fully express the gratitude I have for this model. Since joining the program and implementing the ideas, strategies and tools, my work with children and families has simply become better. Pyramid practices are an adult capacity building model, which has given me the tools that I need to ensure the children in my care are successful.Marilyn Armstrong
Our data shows that Pyramid Model Consortium professional learning opportunities along with ongoing coaching, have resulted in educators’ increased use of these practices to support children’s social and emotional well-being and sense of belonging. More importantly, educators shared that the Pyramid Model has increased their skills and confidence and contributed to families’ view of them as competent and capable professionals.Anne Wimmer, M. Ed.
The Pyramid Model has long-withstanding evidence to be a producer of increased teacher skill and professional development. Many early childhood professionals, both nationally and internationally, have experienced the benefits that the Pyramid Model has offered through our training, technical assistance, and on-line learning Modules. We are proud to see that our work is making a difference in the lives of educators, children, and families.Mission
How the Pyramid Model Works
The Pyramid Model provides a framework of evidence-based practices that enhances young children’s healthy social and emotional development. Educators, in partnership with their mentors, will create action plans and establish working goals to achieve the outcomes of the Pyramid Model. Some of those outcomes include:
- ZStrengthen relationships with children and families.
- ZImproving children’s social-emotional development.
- ZIncrease educators knowledge to support children overall well-being.
- ZIncrease educators feelings of competency.
- ZImproving overall quality of program instruction.
- ZReduce children's challenging behaviours.
About Our Process
Much like anything we do, to have success you have to invest in the workforce! Evidence shows that you cannot have quality without investing in the people. Investing in the workforce is one of the key components of the Pyramid Model. Through specialized training and mentoring, educators will establish partnerships with co-educators, families, and mentors to identify goals and set action plans to support the needs of children in their programs.
Pyramid Tiers
Intensive Intervention
Tertiary Intervention (For few children): Evidence-based interventions that provide individualized behaviour support plans.
Targeted Social Emotional Support
Secondary Prevention (For some children): Prevention for children who are at risk of challenging behaviours through planning and targeted social and emotional support.
High Quality Supportive Environments & Nurturing and Responsive Relationships
Universal Promotion (For all children): Provides support to all children through responsive relationships in supportive environments. This includes things such as predictable routines, schedules, transitions, and environments.
Effective Workforce
The solid foundation of the Pyramid Model is the workforce! This foundation is solidified with ongoing specialized professional development and supportive implementation practices.
Benefits of the Pyramid Model
Benefits for children:
- ZDevelop and maintain relationships.
- ZIdentify and manage emotions.
- ZUse problem-solving skills.
- ZFollow directions, share, & take turns.
- ZUnderstand routines and transitions.
- ZDevelop self-control and coping strategies.
Benefits for educators:
- ZCreates positive, supportive relationships with children.
- ZCoaching and support for learning and implementing new strategies .
- ZProvides training to support families.
- ZProvides them with resources to share with families.
Benefits for families:
- ZCreates positive, supportive relationships with children.
- ZProvides resources and tips to promote social and emotional skills at home.
- ZHelps build partnerships between families and educators to support capacity and preventing and addressing challenging behaviors.