Top of the Pyramid Skills (TOP)

Course Description:

The Top of the Pyramid Skills (TOPS) training is a 16-hour professional  development experience  including 12 hours of training time, and 4 hours of field experience  exercises. This course covers the  best practice use of the Pyramid Model Approach (CSEFEL) to  Positive Behavior Support as an intensive intervention to address challenging behavior in young children.

Course Objectives:
Session 1
1. Participants will learn the Pyramid Model definition of challenging behavior
2. Participants will explore the meaning of form and function as used in Early Childhood Positive Behavior Support
3. Participants will understand why family centeredness is a guiding principle of positive behavior support
 Session 2
1. Participants will learn the definition of Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
2. Participants will understand the role of observation, interviews, and record reviews in FBA
3. Participants will consider how to fully include parents when completing a Functional Behavior Assessment
4. Participants will consider how practices in their programs will need to be adapted to implement Positive Behavior Support.
 Session 3
1. Participants will be able to identify events and interactions that trigger challenging behavior for children.
2. Participants will be able to describe the difference between a “trigger” and a “setting event” in relation to a child’s challenging behavior.
3. Participants will identify strategies that will assist in preventing the identified trigger.
4. Participants will be able to name tips for building on “what works” for children.
 Session 4
1. Participants will learn how to develop a hypothesis statement.
2. Participants will practice writing effective hypothesis statements.
3. Participants will learn how to develop a plan for cultivating new skills for children to develop in place of challenging behaviors.
Session 5
1. Participants will identify behaviors and actions among adults (selves) that enable ongoing challenging behavior in young children.
2. Participants will identify ways to support new skill development in young children exhibiting challenging behaviors.
3. Participants will reflect on the difference between “maintaining consequences” and “developing replacement skills.”
4. Participants will learn how to develop a Behavior Support Plan.
Session 6
1. Participants will learn strategies for establishing and maintaining a collaborative team
2. Participants will identify what to do when positive behavior support plans seem to be working
3. Participants will learn strategies to use when positive behavior support plan does not seem to be working
4. Participants will develop next steps in bringing the positive behavior support plan process to their programs

More Information

EEC Training Hours: 15

CEU: 1.5

Core Competency Alignment: Understanding the Growth and Development of Children and Youth

QRIS Standard Alignment:  Workforce Development and Professional Qualifications

This training is funded in part by the Department of Early Education and Care              

and sponsored by the Southeast Education Professionals Partnership

Lead Agency - Child Development and Education, Inc.