Preparing for the Pyramid: Classroom Essentials

Teacher: Coach: Date completed:

This list identifies six classroom components essential for successful Pyramid implementation. These materials and

environmental considerations are pivotal for child success in a Pyramid Model classroom. This form is intended to be a

coaching tool used following training to help the team be ready for coaching on the Pyramid to begin. The teacher and

coach can review together and discuss if any modifications need to be made before the first coaching cycle begins.

1. Visual schedule *ALL must be present

 Includes photographs or clip art for each activity

 Each daily activity represented

 Posted at children’s eye level

 Accommodates when changes occur (e.g., rainy weather, special events)

 Indicates the passing of time (i.e., pieces can be flipped over, removed, or marker denotes current activity)

 Remains visible the entire day

Notes:

2. Behavior expectations

 Positively stated (e.g., “We are safe,” “We are kind”)

 No more than 5

 Displayed expectations include an image or symbol

 Posted and visible to children in the classroom

Notes:

3. Rules

 Positively stated

 No more than 5

 Visual representation for each

 Posted at children’s eye level in the activity or setting where applicable

Notes:

4. Families are visually represented (e.g. photos posted, class book)

 Every child is represented

 Easily seen or accessible

 Families are represented in a positive way

Notes:

5. Physical environment designed to promote engagement

 Enough centers to accommodate the number of children

 Centers have clear boundaries

 Materials are developmentally appropriate and adequate in number and variety

 No wide-open spaces for children to run

 Group area is clearly defined with enough space to accommodate the number of children

Notes:

6. If present, behavior management systems are positive *Note: this is not a required classroom essential

 Does not include punitive measures (e.g., moving clip to a red light, smiley/frown face daily ratings, time out chair)

 Any acknowledgement earned is not lost

 Any parental communication about the system focuses on what has gone well, rather than challenges

 All children are eligible to earn acknowledgement throughout the day

Notes:

National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations | ChallengingBehavior.org

The reproduction of this document is encouraged. Permission to copy is not required. If modified or used in another format, please cite original

source. This is a product of the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations and was made possible by Cooperative Agreement #H326B170003

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.

Pub: 04/28/21