Unpacking the Infant–Toddler Pyramid Model

A Practical Guide for Teachers and Providers

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.

Contents

Created by the Pyramid Model developers and experts with extensive training experience, this book gives readers a complete introduction to the framework, plus in-depth guidance, evidence-based practices, and helpful checklists for implementing all levels of the Pyramid Model: universal, targeted, and individualized. Teachers and providers will learn how to:

• 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

Ideal for use in preservice and inservice training, this book will expertly prepare infant–toddler teachers and providers to give the youngest children a strong foundation of social-emotional competence.

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

Reviews

Patricia Snyder, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, University of Florida & Emeritus Faculty Member, Pyramid Model Consortium - November 4, 2024

"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., Consultant, Early Childhood Development and Education - October 16, 2024

"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. Wherever you are in your professional journey, this book will help promote the social-emotional competence of all our smallest children and their families. It's a gem."

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

Foreword Author: Brenda Jones Harden Ph.D.

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