Pyramid Model

Since 2020, Healthy Child Care Colorado has served as the Pyramid Network Hub, supporting Pyramid Model implementation across the state. We collaborate at the local, state, and national levels to enhance awareness and strengthen support for early childhood social and emotional well-being.

What is the Pyramid Model?

​The Pyramid Model is a collaborative professional development system that fosters and sustains evidenced-based practices to support the social-emotional development and inclusion of children. The model is based on a tiered public health approach, promoting social-emotional wellness by offering universal support for all children, targeted prevention for those at risk of social-emotional delays, and intensive interventions for children with ongoing challenges. 

The Pyramid Model is designed for anyone who cares for young children, including:

  • Early childhood professionals
  • Program leaders
  • Family members
  • Advocates

Discover how integrating the Pyramid Model into your practice can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for every child.

Why use the Pyramid Model?

Research shows that when caregivers are trained on and successfully implement the Pyramid Model:   

  • Children show improvements in their ability to manage and control their behavior,  
  • They demonstrate fewer behaviors that adults find challenging, and   
  • They build stronger social skills and demonstrate an increase in positive social interactions.  

Caregivers who participate in Pyramid Model training and coaching report:  

  • Increased ability to recognize, reflect on, and begin to address the impact of bias,  
  • Increased professionalism and worth in the workforce, and  
  • Improved program culture related to social, emotional, and mental health needs and resources. 

Pyramid Network Hub

The Pyramid Network Hub is guided by our Foundations and annual Action Plan. The Foundations include our purpose statement, guiding principles, desired outcomes, and core functions. 

Foundations & Action Plan

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Leadership Structure

Our leadership structure collaborates to provide insight, context, expertise, and guidance to Healthy Child Care Colorado on matters of programming, research, opportunities, funding, and systems alignment. We aim to ensure Pyramid-related efforts maintain relevance, meaning, and utility in local, state, and national contexts.

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State Leadership Team
  • Brenda Maes, Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Workforce Development  
  • Chris Henager, Freemont County Head Start  
  • Jason Marsh, Sewall Child Development Center  
  • Leah Grossman, Colorado Department of Early Childhood, EQIT  
  • Lia Closson, The Family Center / La Familia  
  • Lynna Frymoyer, Bright Futures (Early Childhood Council)  
  • Melissa Caron, Early Connections Learning Centers  
  • Missy Taucher, Colorado Department of Education  
  • Dr. Stacy Howard, The Buell Foundation  
  • Wayla Murrow, Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Early Intervention Colorado 

Pyramid Workgroups

Professional Development Workgroup

This workgroup offers valuable expertise and guidance on Pyramid Model training, technical assistance, and Pyramid Facilitator certification and recertification. By sharing their insights, knowledge, and experience, they help shape Pyramid implementation and promote best practices. 

  • Alisha Emile, Primrose DTC 
  • Donna Salvador, Trainer/Coach/Facilitator 
  • Jennifer Coggin, Ability Connection Colorado 
  • Kelly Esch, Early Childhood Network 
  • Kelly Herndon, Independent Contractor 
  • Lindsey Lyndes, Early Connections Learning Centers 
  • Sena Van Pelt, Widefield School District 3 
Positive Solutions for Families Workgroup

This group focused on creating a Positive Solutions for Families “Trainer Endorsement” that aligns with Colorado’s state systems. The workgroup concluded in January 2025 and included the members listed below.  

  • Anne Conklin, Independent Contractor 
  • Cristina Herman, Colorado Department of Early Childhood 
  • Kate McGuire, Mile High Early Learning 
  • Kayleen Stratton, Independent Contractor 
  • Kelly Herndon, Independent Contractor 
  • Kimberly Theller, Early Childhood Options, Co-Chair 
  • Lia Closson, The Family Center / La Familia 
  • Melissa Caron, Early Connections Learning Centers and PSLT 
  • Nicole Donatto, The Edification Station 
  • Sobia Khan, Colorado Consulting  
Implementation Workgroup

The Implementation Workgroup will work to define the four intensities of Program-wide implementation of the Pyramid Model. This workgroup is anticipated to launch in Summer 2025.