The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) hosted its annual National Training Institute (NTI) on Effective Practices: Addressing Challenging Behavior from April 7–10 in Tampa.
Lise Fox, chair of the Department of Child and Family Studies and principal investigator of NCMPI, welcomes attendees and introduces keynote speaker Jordyn Zimmerman.
The sold-out conference drew more than 1,000 attendees from all 50 states and two countries: Canada and Ecuador. More than half of participants (54%) were first-time attendees.
NTI focused on the Pyramid Model, an evidence-based framework that supports young children’s social and emotional development. The model is used by early childhood educators, interventionists, and families within existing curricula. Attendees participated in presentations and workshops designed to build skills and share strategies. Keynote speaker Jordyn Zimmerman delivered a session titled “Inclusion is possible, are you ready?”
Organizers presented two awards recognizing leadership in implementing the Pyramid Model. The Pyramid Model Champion Award honors sustained, impactful use of the framework in schools, homes and communities. The Matt Timm Award recognizes individuals advancing family advocacy and partnerships to support children’s development.
During breaks between presentations and workshops, attendees visit exhibitor tables to purchase books, items, or ask questions about services or resources offered.
Representatives from national partner organizations met during the conference for a collaborative meeting, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Division for Early Childhood and National Association for Family Child Care.
National partner organizations strongly support the need for evidence-based practices to promote young children's social-emotional development and address challenging behavior.
Faculty and staff from USF were among the presenters, including: Lise Fox, PhD; Shelley Clarke, MA, BCBA; Anna Winneker, PhD; Denise Perez Binder, MA; Myrna Veguilla Figueroa, MSMS, MPH; Meghan von der Embse, EdS, NCSP; Amanda Tamagni, EdD; Jennifer Smagacz, Dana Peña, MA; Erin Sizemore, MA; Paola Ramirez, MS; Jennifer Kelly, Jennifer Nolan, MS; and Andrea Harris, MA.
The annual institute continues to grow, reflecting increasing national and international interest in the Pyramid Model and its impact on early childhood social and emotional development.