In this episode, we explore how the Pyramid Model framework supports social-emotional development in early intervention. Our guests, Naomi Grinney and Cori Hill, share practical ways to apply the tiers of the Pyramid Model with infants and toddlers, examples of writing meaningful social-emotional outcomes, and tips for partnering with families to promote positive relationships and emotional growth from the start.

Resources:

Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center: https://veipd.vcu.edu/

Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia: https://itcva.online/pyramid-model-framework/

National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations: https://challengingbehavior.org/resources/

Outcome Examples:

Outcome that focus on relationships: “Jin will call for his mom when he wakes up at night using her name consistently each time every night for one week.”

Outcome around emotional regulation: “Bertie will use calming strategies modeled by her foster mom when she is waiting for food to be placed on her tray (e.g. blowing bubbles) twice per day for one week.”

Outcome supporting social interactions: “Aiden will give his dad a high five when he comes home from work 5x a week over 2 weeks.”

Family outcome: "Asako will identify 5+ strategies that she can use to redirect Jin when he is climbing to give him an opportunity to expend his energy inside and outside the house 10+ times a week for two weeks."