Unpacking the Infant–Toddler Pyramid Model

A Practical Guide for Teachers and Providers

Authors: Amy Hunter, M.S.W., LICSW, Mary Louise Hemmeter, Ph.D., Kathryn M. Bigelow, Ph.D., Neal M. Horen, Ph.D.
Early Childhood

The highly anticipated follow-up to Unpacking the Pyramid Model, this one-of-a-kind book is the first to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of the widely used Pyramid Model Practices for infants and toddlers from birth to three. With this accessible training guide, teachers and providers will use research-based practices to meet the unique needs of infants and toddlers—and boost their social-emotional development in the critical first years of life.

PRACTICAL MATERIALS: Checklists of Effective Practices for each main topic covered; tools for observation, planning, and reflection; vignettes and photos illustrating classroom examples.

Key Learning Objectives

• Address their own well-being to prepare for their important work
• Build positive partnerships with families and colleagues
• Develop predictable and responsive schedules, routines, and transitions
• Promote children’s social skills and emotional competencies
• Support children’s active engagement with their environment and peers
• Create an anti-racist and inclusive early care environment
• Meet the needs of young children who have experienced trauma
• Understand, prevent, and effectively respond to challenging behavior
• Provide individualized support for children with persistent needs related to social-emotional development and behavior
• Use data to monitor Pyramid Model practice implementation and effects

Explore more Pyramid Model resources from Brookes: Pyramid Model Resources.

Reviews

• Patricia Snyder, Ph.D.: "With a focus on sharing effective and equitable practices that enhance the quality of interactions and caregiving and learning environments for infants and toddlers, Unpacking the Infant-Toddler Pyramid Model is a welcome resource for ECE teachers as they partner with families and other primary caregivers to promote positive social-emotional learning and development."

• Marilou Hyson, Ph.D.: "This isn't a book to read once and put down. This one will soon become dog-eared! Teachers, professional development providers, program leaders, and others will repeatedly draw on the book's checklists, practice tips, resource links, and thought-provoking vignettes."

• Robin Levy, M.A.: "It all begins somewhere! Social and emotional competence doesn't develop in isolation. This book equips infant and toddler practitioners with the tools to actively promote these skills."

• Junlei Li, Ph.D.: "With relationship at the heart and foundation of the Pyramid Model, this outstanding team of researcher-practitioners infuse each principle and practice with compassionate care for infants, families, and most importantly, care providers and educators themselves."

• Christen Million, M.S., D.T.: "Unpacking the Infant–Toddler Pyramid Model will serve as an excellent resource for infant and toddler teachers that are new to the Pyramid Model, as well as experienced teachers looking to deepen their knowledge."

Additional Contributors

• Brenda Jones Harden, Ph.D. (Foreword Author)
• Other contributors include: Jun Ai, Lindsey Allard Agnamba, Rosemarie Allen, Kathleen Artman Meeker, Erin E. Barton, Sarah Behrens, Jennifer Caldwell, Judith J. Carta, Gounah Choi, Mallory Eddy, Sarah Feldmiller, Angel Fettig, Lise K. Fox, Jessica K. Hardy, Dwight W. Irvin, Gospel Y. Kim, Tara Lynn, Ashley MacNish, Kelli McDermott, Michaelene M. Ostrosky, Julia Sayles, Alana Griffin Schnitz, Abby L. Taylor, Kristin Tenney-Blackwell, Crystal Williams, Marina Velez, and Tweety Yates.

Read an excerpt: Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview