Below are some specific models of tiered instruction for social emotional development. These models contain some of the practices that are described in this module.

• The Pyramid Model: This model was developed by the Center on Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) and the Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention (TACSEI). The Pyramid Model is a framework that includes four levels of practice to address the social-emotional needs of all children, including those with challenging behaviors. Both CSEFEL and TACSEI work to provide information, training, and technical assistance resources and products to practitioners and programs to help them implement the Pyramid Model.

• First Step to Success is an evidence-based early intervention program for young children who are at risk for developing behavior problems. The program offers teachers intervention strategies to help children be more successful in meeting the everyday behavioral demands of preschool classrooms, both by preventing and managing challenging behaviors.

Below are two examples of research-based curricula for social emotional development for young children:

• The Incredible Years is a series which includes training programs and manuals for teachers, therapists and group leaders to use to promote young children’s social competence, problem solving skills, and emotional regulation. 

• The Dinosaur Social Skills and Problem Solving curriculum is one of the Incredible Years training series, which can be used in small groups by therapists for children with challenging behaviors, or used by teachers as a prevention program for the whole class. The curriculum strengthens children’s social, emotional, and academic competencies, such as understanding emotions, and using effective problem solving strategies.