/ Training / Technical Assistance / Implementation of the Pyramid Model within Part C Programs
Technical Assistance

Implementation of the Pyramid Model within Part C Programs

Application for Intensive Technical Assistance
(January 2024 – December 2025)

Important Dates

Application Deadline: Extended to December 8, 2023

TA Begins: January 2024

Who should apply?

Pyramid Model State Leadership Teams looking to expand their statewide implementation of the Pyramid Model to the implementation within the Part C service program or establish Pyramid Model efforts through implementation within the Part C services.

Info Session Webinar

November 3 | 4:00 EST

Purpose of this RFA

States are invited to participate in an implementation and scale-up training and technical assistance (T/TA) opportunity designed to promote the social, emotional and behavioral outcomes of children ages birth through 3 participating in Part C services. The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) has been funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) of the US Department of Education to provide T/TA to build the capacity of state systems to implement and sustain the Pyramid Model for Promoting the Social Emotional Competence of Infants, Toddlers, and Young Children (Pyramid Model). We are inviting applications from State Part C systems to participate in an Intensive TA opportunity that will result in the sustainable implementation of the Pyramid Model within local implementation programs.
This intensive TA opportunity is designed for State Pyramid Model Teams to expand their statewide implementation of the Pyramid Model to the implementation within the Part C service program or establish Pyramid Model efforts through implementation within the Part C services.

Goal and Outcomes of the Partnership

The goal of the State/NCPMI Partnership is:

To build the state’s capacity to plan, implement, and sustain a state leadership team in developing a professional development system to ensure capacity building for local programs and early intervention professionals to use the Pyramid Model in the coaching of families to meet the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of infants and toddlers with or at risk for disabilities in natural environments.

This intensive TA opportunity is focused on supporting the state system in achieving the following five outcomes:

  1. Enhancing state capacity to implement and sustain the Pyramid Model through the work of a collaborative cross-sector or lead agency state leadership team.
  2. Establishing a professional development network of professionals who will provide ongoing training and coaching to local Pyramid Model implementation sites.
  3. Establishing a cohort of local implementation programs (e.g., local agency or program, districts, or other organizational unit that provides services through Part C).
  4. Establishing an evaluation system that includes data on implementation fidelity and outcomes.
  5. The development of a sustainability and scale-up plan.

The NCPMI model of building state capacity reflects lessons learned from multiple successful statewide implementation efforts related to the Pyramid Model and DEC Recommended Practices as well as the literature on implementation science. The components for capacity building are described in the Statewide Implementation Guide and include the following:

  • State Leadership Team – convening a collaborative cross-sector or within agency state leadership team (this may be an already existing group) to align Pyramid Model implementation within current service delivery context, develop policies, procedures, and other mechanisms to plan, implement, evaluate, and sustain the Pyramid Model and practices. The work of the State Leadership Team will be guided by the State Benchmarks of Quality (BoQ).
  • Professional Development Network – establishing a cadre of Pyramid trainers and program implementation coaches (i.e., coaches that work with implementation program leadership teams) to build the capacity of the workforce and support local implementation of the model and early intervention practices for the support of families and children.
  • Establish Implementation Programs – providing training and coaching to the local leadership teams of at least 3 local programs (e.g., local agency or program, districts, or other organizational unit that provides services through Part C) to serve as demonstrations for the state and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and practices in those sites. Implementation programs will identify practitioner coaches (i.e., coaches that work with early intervention providers) who will be guided by program implementation coaches in practice-based coaching to support early interventionists in reaching fidelity on PM practices.
  • Use of Data for Decision-Making – using data tools at the state and local implementation level to strengthen implementation fidelity and ensure the promotion of child and family outcomes (Roadmap Guide: Data Decision-Making and Program-Wide Implementation of the Pyramid Model).

Intensive T/TA to be Provided by NCPMI across Two Calendar Years:

* TA provided will be a combination of virtual and on-site meetings/trainings as guidance for travel and large gatherings permit.

  • Monthly virtual TA meetings with the state PM coordinator(s) or the early intervention coordinator who will guide the state Pyramid Model expansion to Part C services.
  • A minimum of 4 on-site/virtual TA trips per year to meet with and help facilitate the State Leadership Team or implementation team guiding state expansion to Part C.
  • Approximately 8 on-site/virtual days per year for training and TA to the state professional development network of program implementation coaches and participants from implementation sites.
  • Regularly scheduled or as needed distance support to the State Leadership Team, State Professional Development Network of program implementation coaches, and implementation sites including conference calls and webinars.
  • Assistance with developing data and accountability systems for documenting outcomes and ensuring fidelity and continuous improvement.
  • Provision of training materials and data decision-making tools.
  • Assistance with creating a plan for sustainability and scale up.

State Readiness, Resources and Responsibilities:

The process of state leadership team collaboration and system enhancement is intensive, requiring a significant commitment of staff, time, and fiscal resources. However, intensive engagement that leads to high fidelity implementation of the Pyramid Model will result in a more competent and confident workforce and better outcomes for children and their families.

The first step toward achieving this goal and these outcomes is the selection of states that are ready to plan, implement, and sustain these components. Therefore, NCPMI will select only those states that demonstrate evidence that they are able to:

  • Dedicate at least 1.0 FTE solely to this effort of appropriately trained and experienced staff to coordinate and evaluate the effort including the supervision of the professional development network of program implementation coaches, recruitment and support of implementation sites, and serving as the liaison to the Center staff (This may be shared 1.0 FTE across 2-3 people across agencies).
  • Allocate a minimum of $20,000 per year (above the allocation of funding to staffing the coordinator) to the Pyramid Model implementation work including ensuring that the professional development network of program implementation coaches is supported, implementation sites are trained and coached, and expenses are allocated for meetings and professional development events.
  • Commit to the use of a family coaching model for the delivery of Part C services.
  • Fulfill the responsibilities and commitments in Table 1.
  • Space and technology capacity for virtual meetings with the State Leadership Team, program implementation coaches and practitioner coaches.
  • Demonstrate commitment to the State Leadership Team, State Professional Development Network of program implementation coaches, implementation sites, and evaluation components.
  • Plan for scaling-up and sustaining the effort.

NCPMI will provide technical assistance across two phases over a period of two years. Phase I involves multiple on-site training and TA visits to the state team, trainers, coaches and implementation sites along with a regular schedule of distance TA. Phase II involves fewer on-site visits and more distance TA with a focus on state independence, sustainability and scale up of the Pyramid Model. Table 1 provides information about the in-kind resources NCPMI will bring to your state and the expectations for your state.

States must describe how they will meet the following requirements.

I. Convene a State Leadership Team

The five outcomes listed above will be achieved through the partnership of NCPMI and a state collaborative team. The IDEA Part C Coordinator will convene the state team of decision makers or their representatives with a birth–3 or birth-5 focus. Participants must include a team member from your OSEP-funded state Parent Training and Information Center or Community Parent Resource Center. We strongly encourage the involvement of your State 619 coordinator and other personnel involved in the natural settings such as Head Start, Child Care, public school preschool, and other inclusive programs and settings where children with disabilities or at risk for disabilities and their families receive their early intervention and related services. Other agencies we recommend as germane to the initiative include: statewide T/TA initiatives, State Department of Education Early Childhood, Special Education and PBS Initiatives, Mental Health, Maternal and Child Health, Child Welfare, MIECHV, family organizations, and higher education (community college, 4-year institutions, etc.).

For states with an existing state cross-sector Pyramid Model team, the state leadership team might create a workgroup from the larger team to guide the expansion of Pyramid Model to early intervention services. This group should be convened by the IDEA Part C coordinator and might include additional members who will contribute to that effort (e.g., agency leaders, service coordinators, data manager).

Applications must include a letter of commitment from the Part C Coordinator. Additionally, list on the NCPMI Application Form the names, agencies and contact information of the conveners, as well as the team members. Letters of commitment must be attached that indicate the commitment of the team members to a multi-year collaborative effort for implementing and scale up the Pyramid Model.

II. Designate a Coordinator

Applications must describe how the State Team or workgroup of the State Team will staff the partnership including: 1) providing the name and contact information of a coordinator(s) as well as, 2) their qualifications related to the knowledge, skills and experiences described below if known at the time of submission. If not known, describe plans to meet these requirements.

Description of the staffing considerations include:

  • 4 major functions:
    • facilitating the State Leadership Team or State Workgroup on expanding the Pyramid Model to Part C early intervention services
    • supporting professional development network of program implementation coaches and implementation sites
    • collecting and analyzing evaluation data
    • serving as liaison with NCPMI
  • Staffing should total at least 1.0 FTE (can be shared between a maximum of three people whose roles reflect the major functions)
  • Knowledge, skills, and experiences related to the functions (the necessary knowledge and skills reflects a senior level position(s) with experience in early intervention, systems and policies, professional development, collaborative team work and project coordination)

III. Description of State Vision, System, Strengths, Challenges

A. Vision: What is the vision for your state in the next 2 to 3 years in professional development related to the social, emotional, and behavioral development of infants and toddlers with or at risk for disabilities and their families? Describe how the vision relates to services in inclusive and natural environments. Describe how partnering with NCPMI would help to realize that vision.

B. Strengths and Challenges: Provide a description of your state context and the major professional development, system improvement, and partnership efforts in your state that are related to the implementation of evidence-based practices to address young children’s social emotional outcomes. In the description, provide information on the following and include reflections on your strengths and challenges:

  1. Describe the Part C delivery system and current status in the use of practices to promote social emotional outcomes.
  2. Describe efforts to support Part C personnel in their delivery of early intervention to high needs families (e.g., children and families involved in the child welfare system, families experiencing homelessness, migrant families, families or children who experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect).
  3. Describe other state activities related to promoting social emotional outcomes (e.g., professional development, policy, equity, infant and early childhood mental health, collaborative strategic initiatives/activities/goals).
  4. Describe current mechanisms for ongoing training and technical assistance to Part C providers as it pertains to promoting social emotional outcomes.
  5. Describe other TA activities that Part C is currently engaged in and how those efforts might align to your participation in Intensive TA for implementing the Pyramid Model.

IV. Resource Allocation

Describe how your team will meet the requirements listed in Table 1 including the resources (fiscal, organizational, and human) your state would dedicate to collaborating with NCPMI to enhance the professional development efforts in your state. For example, what resources are you able to dedicate to training events (space, food, AV equipment), to supporting the supervision of the professional development network of program implementation coaches, establishing evaluation systems, and to the delivery of ongoing training to local programs?

Checklist of Required Application Components and Order

  1. Commitment/cover letter with original signature of the state Part C Coordinator. If the state has a strong collaboration with state 619 coordinator who will collaborate with Part C to support the development of a system of birth-to-five implementation, please include an additional letter stating the intent to work together towards that outcome. The letter should document support for and intent to collaborate with NCPMI if selected. Combine PDF letters into one file for upload.
  2. State Leadership Team Roster and commitment letters from all team members with original signatures indicating commitment to serve on the team which requires at least monthly meetings of approximately 2 hours. If possible, letters should indicate resources that will be devoted to the initiative (time, staff, fiscal, in-kind, etc.). PDF all items into one file with cover letter for upload.
  3. Application Narrative that explicitly addresses Application Requirements II – IV and requirements of Table 1. Please limit this to 15 pages double spaced.
  4. Other state documents that are related to the initiative.
  5. Documents developed in partnership with other TA efforts (e.g., ECPC CSPD assessment or planning documents, ECTA systems framework assessment).

Supports for Your Application

Application Transmission Process

Please upload your application on or before December 1, 2023. If you experience any issues with the uploading of your application, email Sarah Payton at sipayton@usf.edu.

Application Review

Applications will be assessed on responses to the application requirements. Geographic distribution of selected applicants will also be considered.

NCPMI Responsibilities & Resources

State Responsibilities & Resources

Planning/Policy/ Sustainability

Planning/Policy/Sustainability
A NCPMI State Planning TA professional(s) will be assigned to your state to provide TA to the state leadership team that will lead the Pyramid Model initiative. Establish (identify) a state leadership team or workgroup with a focus on early intervention services or include the focus on expansion to early intervention in your existing state leadership team. Participants must include a team member from your OSEP-funded state Parent Training and Information Center or Community Parent Resource Center. We strongly encourage the involvement of your State 619 coordinator and other personnel involved in the natural settings such as Head Start, Child Care, public school preschool, and other inclusive programs and settings where children with disabilities or at risk for disabilities and their families receive their early intervention, early childhood special education and related services. Other agencies we recommend as germane to the initiative include: statewide T/TA initiatives, state department of education early childhood, special education and PBS initiatives, mental health, Maternal and Child Health, child welfare, family organizations, and higher education (community college, 4-year institutions, etc.).

We recommend no more than 15 members (may be a steering committee of a larger group). Letters of commitment acknowledge agreement to multi-year participation for implementation and scale-up.

The state leadership team will work with NCPMI to: 1) establish support and supervision of the state professional development network of program implementation coaches; 2) recruit and select the professional development network of program coaches; 3) organize and attend Pyramid Model training events; 4) develop system for the recruitment of Pyramid Model implementation sites; 5) establish policies and procedures for data collection from local programs; 6) to evaluate the effort; and 7) develop policies and procedures and a sustainability plan to ensure the continuation and growth of the Pyramid Model and practices in the state.
Provide ongoing support to the Coordinator of the State Leadership Team or early intervention expansion workgroup. Help with agenda setting and team process, and provide documents, materials, telephone TA, etc. Review minutes from meetings. Provide information on the Pyramid model and meet with the state team. Attend initial meetings to help support the planning process. Attend 4 meetings of the state leadership team in the first year to help develop and refine the model and approach. Identify and appoint a state coordinator(s) who will coordinate the work of the state leadership team and act as liaison to NCPMI. Convene at least monthly meetings to develop and monitor progress of the model.
Provide guidance to the state on the resources and supports that are needed for implementation and sustainability. Allocate a minimum of $20,000 per year to cover costs related to state meetings, professional development costs, support to implementation sites, and support to professional development network of program coaches. These funds might come from current budgets, collaborative agencies, grants, or other sources.
Assist the State Leadership Team in using the State Benchmarks of Quality to assess current status and next steps and develop an implementation and sustainability plan to guide the work and evaluation activities. Develop a strategic implementation and sustainability plan.
Provide plans, strategies, and materials for informing other states. Provide information to other states about their implementation.

Professional Development Network of Program Implementation Coaches

Professional Development Network of Program Implementation Coaches
A NCPMI professional development team will be assigned to your state. The professional development team will assist in the identification of the professional development network of program coaches. The professional development network of program implementation coaches will provide both training and coaching to implementation sites. Identify a state cadre of accomplished T/TA professionals who will serve as the professional development network of program coaches and provide ongoing training and external coaching to local programs for their implementation of Pyramid Model practices.
The professional development team will collaborate with the state team in the design of professional development training events. Develop a training plan for implementation of train-the-trainer events and follow up coaching/TA.
The professional development team will provide sample agendas, training modules, and materials to be distributed to the trainers; evaluation documents; and follow-up TA. Select a Training Coordinator (could be the State Coordinator as described above) who will invite trainees, be responsible for training logistics, and coordinate evaluation activities related to training and implementation programs. The Coordinator will be a member of the State Leadership Team or expansion workgroup and will report on the professional development network and implementation sites to the state leadership team, attend all the trainings, and serve as point of contact for trainers and NCPMI.
NCPMI professional development team will provide training events and guide the professional development network of program implementation coaches in their use of training materials. Program implementation coaches attend all training events. Program implementation coaches are mentored to continue implementation of training events with new cohorts of teams. (See Program Implementation Coach scope of work.)
NCPMI will assist in identifying practitioner coaches from local implementation programs, train practitioner coaches in the use of practice-based coaching and provide online TA to the first cohort of practitioner coaches. Program implementation coaches will participate in the training and support of practitioner coaches from implementation sites and provide support and training to new cohorts of practitioner coaches.
Program implementation coaches will:

  • Provide a minimum of one coaching visit/contact per month to the program leadership team to guide implementation and support the delivery of coaching and use of data tools.
  • Monitor the implementation progress and fidelity of implementation.
  • Coordinate collection of implementation site data on implementation outcomes.
  • Report regularly to state leadership team and Training Coordinator.
NCPMI will mentor the professional development network of program implementation coaches in the training and implementation content and processes so that program implementation coaches have the capacity to train and provide implementation coaching to a second cohort of programs in year 2. Program implementation coaches will:

  • Participate in the recruitment and selection of implementation sites to be trained in the second year in the state’s expansion for scale up.
  • Program implementation coaches will provide training events to a second cohort of implementation sites in year 2.

Implementation Programs

Implementation Programs
The NCPMI training team will assist in the identification of implementation programs. This process includes providing exploration materials and assessing readiness.
The training team will provide ongoing TA to implementation sites and to the program coaches working with those sites.
The team will provide evaluation and observation protocols.		 Select 3 programs (e.g., local agency or program, districts, or other organizational unit that provides services through Part C) across the state that are high quality programs serving infants and/or young children with or at risk for disabilities with IFSP’s/IEPs in natural and inclusive settings.

The State Leadership Team must identify strategies and resources that implementation programs can use for coaching practitioners to use Pyramid Model practices. Implementation sites will need guidance and resources in identifying and supporting practitioner coaches (i.e., coaches who support early interventionists to use Pyramid Model practices with fidelity).

Programs must identify a leadership team (program director, practitioner coach, program professionals, and other members) to attend 2 days of implementation training, 3 days of practice training, and participate in monthly distance education events.

Programs must be of high quality; have strong leadership, stable funding, adequate resources, and stable staff; and be committed to the Pyramid model.
Programs must identify practitioners that will attend 3 days of practitioner training events and commit to post-training implementation.

Sites must identify a person(s) who will serve in the role of practitioner coach and attend an initial 2-day training on the use of practice-based coaching.

Programs must be willing to work collaboratively with the Program Coach and NCPMI team to ensure implementation of practices and fidelity of implementation and to collect observational and other data on family, child, and program outcomes.
Programs must be willing to serve as a state demonstration and provide presentations and information to other programs interested in implementation and outcomes related to Pyramid Model implementation.

Evaluation

Evaluation
NCPMI will support the state in evaluation activities including instruments and procedures for data collection and analyses. The Coordinator(s) will work with NCPMI staff and the state leadership team to design and conduct an evaluation of all major activities. Evaluation will include:

State Planning:

  • State Leadership Team Benchmarks of Quality or similar tool that guides action planning.
  • Action Plan and progress toward implementation of plan
  • Meeting minutes and meeting evaluations
  • Sustainability Plan (policies, resources, etc.)
  • Institutionalizing the Pyramid Model and practices into professional development (e.g., integrating practices into certification competencies, higher education programs, etc.)

State Training & Program Implementation Coaching Cadre:

  • Program coaching implementation
  • Evaluations of training events
  • Follow-up electronic survey of trainers and their trainings/coaching, including barriers and supports to providing training and coaching

Implementation Sites:

  • Program fidelity of implementation
  • Practitioner fidelity of implementation
  • Practitioner coaching implementation

 

Application is no longer available.

This website was made possible by Cooperative Agreement #H326B220002 which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. This website is maintained by the University of South Florida. Contact webmaster.