Pyramid Model Champion
2024 Pyramid Model Champion
Since 2007, the Early Childhood Council of the San Luis Valley (ECC SLV) has been making a big difference in early childhood education in their region by using the Pyramid Model to improve outcomes for children, teachers, and families.
ECC SLV’s innovative and intentional implementation of the Pyramid Model has had a profound impact on the San Luis Valley community. Through their latest research project, Supporting Trauma Awareness and Nurturing Children’s Environments (STANCE), the ECC SLV leveraged existing resources to further understand the impact that the Pyramid Model and Positive Solutions for Families was having in their region. Over a 5-year period, they delivered intensive Pyramid Model training and coaching to 329 early childhood teachers, reaching 1,751 children in classrooms across the region. Additionally, they provided family workshops to teach positive and effective parenting behaviors that promote children’s social-emotional development at home. The outcomes of this project were remarkable; not only were children increasing their social emotional skills, but teachers and families reported implementing more strategies with increased confidence in the classroom and at home.
ECC SLV has truly been a leader in promoting inclusion, expanding their reach, and sharing their knowledge with their community, making them a true Pyramid Model Champion.
Join us at the 2024 Pyramid Summit on October 15, 2024, where we will present ECC SLV with the Pyramid Champion Award! You will also have the opportunity to hear more about their incredible work during their session at the Summit, where they will share their experiences and lessons learned from their STANCE project.
Past Award Recipients
Early Connections Learning Centers, 2023
In 2012, Early Connections Learning Centers (ECLC) embraced the Pyramid Model, enlisting a consultant to train teachers. Impressed by its impact, they secured funding for a full-time trainer/coach. In 2017, ECLC reinforced Pyramid’s influence with two additional Behavioral Health Specialists. Four staff members have earned Pyramid Facilitator certification through Healthy Child Care Colorado. The Behavioral Health Team at Early Connections collaborates closely with teachers and families. They have introduced the Pyramid Model to parents via Positive Solutions for Families. Overall, they have witnessed improved teachers’ confidence and child social and emotional skills while preventing challenging behaviors. Early Connections promotes a Pyramid commitment and culture, including leadership, teachers, and families uniting to enhance outcomes for all.
Patricia Matus-Amat, 2022
Pyramid Facilitator
Early Childhood Faculty, Denver Community College
Patricia is a tremendous champion of early childhood and Pyramid, understanding and prioritizing the need for accessibility to Pyramid content and resources for all. She currently offers training to Spanish first language speakers and she provides training to refugee and immigrant populations, utilizing interpretation services to reach beyond English and Spanish. There is strong evidence of her passion and commitment to the early childhood field and Pyramid Model implementation, as well as systems change related to language justice and equity in Colorado.