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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Young Children

Introduction to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in Early Education

Despite the increasing availability of quality early education programs in recent years, a sizable portion of young children leave preschool lacking many of the skills needed to engage in and benefit from instruction in quality kindergarten classes. Some children have limited vocabularies, whereas others lack social-emotional skills and have difficulties with self-regulation. Some may not have acquired skills in early literacy, math, or science that pave the way to academic success. The reasons for these challenges are many. Some children have come from homes with limited opportunities to learn these skills and behaviors needed in kindergarten.

Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) offer programs and a framework of evidence-based practices to ensure that children receive the support they need without having to demonstrate failure first. MTSS offers a new paradigm that shifts the ways programs respond to the diverse learning needs of their preschool-aged students.

Core Components of MTSS

  1. Evidence-based instruction and intervention practices: The foundation of MTSS is its use of research-based instructional and intervention practices that have been proven effective in improving outcomes for students.
  2. Universal screening and progress monitoring: This is crucial for ongoing identification of children needing additional instructional supports.
  3. Layered continuum of supports: Tiers of instructional support are outlined, from Tier 1 (universal interventions) to Tier 3 (intensive interventions).
  4. Data-based problem solving and decision making: Instructional teams utilize a structured problem-solving process to determine students' needs and monitor their progress.
  5. Shared leadership: Implementing MTSS necessitates leadership teams at both district and school levels for effective implementation across all settings.

Conclusion

This book illustrates the essential components necessary for MTSS implementation in early education. It highlights tools and practices that educators can utilize to meet diverse learner needs effectively. Readers are encouraged to integrate the structured approaches of MTSS within their teaching frameworks to enhance the learning outcomes for all young children, ensuring that they are prepared for their educational journeys ahead.