Alaska
Pyramid in Alaska
Alaska became a TACSEI (Technical Assistance Center for Social Emotional Intervention) demonstration state in 2008. Pyramid Model demonstration sites (approximately 8) received both program and practitioner coaching plus training support to implement Pyramid Model practices toward fidelity. At the conclusion of the grant supporting this work, Pyramid Model practices continued in several early childhood programs as foundational to their program philosophy. In 2013, Alaska began to build its Quality Recognition and Improvement Standards. Members of various advisory groups from early childhood administrators, funders and other early childhood stakeholders recommended to include Pyramid Model practices in Alaska’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS) – Learn & Grow.
The Alaska Early Childhood Pyramid Model Partnership was re-formed in 2023 and developed a state action plan which includes strategies for scale-up of Pyramid Model practices in Alaska. With consultation from the Pyramid Model Consortium, the Alaska Early Childhood Pyramid Model Partnership develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for statewide implementation of the Pyramid Model. The Alaska EC Pyramid Model Partnership also completed the exploration/planning stage for each of the Pyramid Model key structures (State Leadership Team (SLT), Professional Development Network (PDN), Implementation, and Data and Evaluation systems).
Alaska Early Childhood Pyramid Model Partnership Mission & Vision
Mission Statement:
The Alaska Pyramid Statewide Leadership Team supports early childhood systems in Alaska to design, implement, and sustain the Pyramid Model. This multi-tiered system of relationship-based practices promotes the social and emotional competence of Alaska’s young children through inclusive practices, family partnerships, and workforce development.
Vision Statement:
Through implementation of the Pyramid Model framework, all young children will have the social and emotional competence to communicate, engage in, and learn across environments through culturally responsive and inclusive relationships.
The Alaska Early Childhood Pyramid Model Partnership is a collaborative partnership of members working to advance and sustain Pyramid Model throughout Alaska. The Alaska Early Childhood Pyramid Model Partnership is led by representative from non-profits, state government, funders, and early childhood representatives.
- Alaska Association for Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health (AK-AIMH)
- Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
- Alaska’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System- Learn & Grow
- Head Start Representative
- Licensed Child Care Representative
- thread– Child Care Resource and Referral Agency
- School District Pre-elementary Representative
- State of Alaska- Department of Education Early Development – 619 Preschool Special Education
- State of Alaska- Department of Education Early Development- Head Start
- State of Alaska- Department of Education Early Development- School Safety & Wellness
- State of Alaska- Department of Health- Child Care Program Office
- State of Alaska- Department of Health- Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems
- State of Alaska- Department of Health- Senior and Disabilities Services- Part C
- University of Alaska- College of Education
Strategic Plan: Alaska Early Childhood Pyramid Model Partnership 3-5 Year Goals
State Leadership Team (SLT)
A diverse SLT will have operational procedures in place so that there is guidance and transparency to inform members and the EC workforce, as well as creating buy-in for policy makers and funders. Effective and efficient internal and external controls will be in place to ensure action items and decisions made are data driven. Full Implementation of SLT indicators of the BOQ will be accomplished in 3-5 years.
Implementation
Current implementation sites representative of Head Start, childcare, and pre-elementary are selected and supported to be mentor sites. The Implementation Subcommittee will have a communicated implementation selection plan, identify new sites representative of Head Start, Childcare, Pre-Elementary/619, and Part C and engage them in a multi-level implementation to fidelity plan.
Professional Development Network (PDN)
The PDN will have a comprehensive and coordinated system to support the social emotional competence of young children.
Data/ Evaluation
The Data/Evaluation subcommittee will have a comprehensive data and evaluation system so that early childhood teachers, program leadership teams.
Alaska EC Pyramid Model Partnership State Leadership Team Guidance Documents:
Alaska Pyramid Terms of Reference
Contact Information
Alaska Early Childhood Pyramid Partnership Co-Coordinators:
- Meghan Johnson [email protected]
- Kristen Spencer [email protected]
At present, Pyramid Model Practices are available to licensed child care, pre-elementary and Head Start programs participating in Learn & Grow– Alaska’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System. Contact Meghan Johnson @ [email protected] to learn more about current Pyramid Model Implementation efforts in Alaska.