Would you like to speak someone about your child?

Our family partners are available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s social-emotional development or challenging behaviors. Visit the link below or scan the QR Code to complete our general referral form.

What is the Pyramid Model?

The Pyramid Model is a framework for supporting young children’s social and emotional development to prevent challenging behaviors. This model was developed by researchers and experts in the field of early childhood development, social emotional development and challenging behavior. The Pyramid Model provides educators and families with a variety of strategies to:

• create high-quality learning environments for all children;
• teach appropriate social skills;
• help children recognize and deal with emotions;
• and to individualize support for children who need a little more help.

What exactly is social and emotional development?

Social and emotional development includes things like following rules and directions, recognizing, labeling and expressing emotions appropriately, waiting for something, sharing, taking turns, playing with others, playing appropriately by him or her self, dealing with emotions like anger and frustration appropriately, helping others, giving complements, being able to solve problems, and showing empathy to others.

Why is social and emotional development important?

When children don’t know how to appropriately deal with their emotions and things that happen around them, they often engage in challenging behaviors like biting, hitting, kicking, screaming, throwing things, tantrums, etc. By supporting children’s social and emotional development, we can teach children better ways to handle their emotions so they don’t have to use those challenging behaviors to express themselves. It leads to a better quality of life for the child, for you,  and for everyone else that is around the child. Social-emotional skills are needed for children to be successful in school.

What do you mean by “young children”?

When we say “young children,” we are talking about ALL children from birth through 5 years old. And by ALL children, we mean children with developmental delays and/or disabilities as well as children who are typically developing. The Pyramid Model can be used in a variety of home and community settings, including children who stay at home with a parent or other family member, go to child care, preschool, Early Head Start, Head Start, or anywhere else that young children may be on any given day.

How can I support a young child’s social and emotional development?

There are many FREE resources and materials for parents, caregivers and service providers that have been developed. These are available to look at, download and use at no cost. Some resources were developed specifically for families and caregivers, and include topics such as making bedtime and naptime easier, teaching your child about feelings, and teaching your child to cooperate with requests. Click here to find these and other great resources!

How is Nevada involved?

The Nevada Pyramid Model Partnership is a collaborative statewide initiative for improving the social and emotional development of ALL young children located throughout the state. Our State Leadership Team is comprised of members from a variety of agencies, programs and services who are committed to improving the social and emotional development of ALL children. Master Cadre members are located throughout the state and are experienced Pyramid Model trainers and technical assistance providers. We also have several Model Demonstration Sites located throughout the state. Model Demonstration Sites are programs that have committed to implementing the Pyramid Model throughout their entire program with the children, families, staff and administrators. These sites welcome visitors so others can see the Pyramid Model “in action.” Find out more about these programs!

How can I find out more information?

Contact us if you have questions or want to learn more!