Iowa

2026 Midwest Pyramid Model Summit

November 18-19, 2026 | Coralville, IA

Learn more and Sign up for Updates on the Event Website

Iowa EC-PBIS: Your Pathway to the Pyramid Model

The Pyramid Model is a set of resources and strategies that help early childhood professionals and caregivers effectively respond to children’s behaviors, while supporting their mental health. Iowa Early Childhood-Positive Behavior Intervention Supports, also known as Iowa EC-PBIS, supports the use of Pyramid Model practices in different settings through training and coaching for caregivers and programs.

To learn more about the Pyramid Model practices select the Pyramid Model tab at the top of this page.
To learn more about how programs can participate in coaching select the Program-Wide tab at the top of this page.

Vision

Every child beginning at birth will have access to evidence based practices to support their social, emotional, mental and behavioral health.

Mission

Iowa EC-PBIS is committed to developing and sustaining a state infrastructure so all early care, health, and education providers successfully implement the Pyramid Model of positive behavior interventions and support with fidelity.

Email us at: [email protected]

Behavior and Mental Health Collaborative Partners

Iowa EC-PBIS is supported by early childhood public and private sector state and local community partners in Iowa, some include:

The Iowa Early Childhood-Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (EC-PBIS) State Leadership is a collaborative partnership of members who collectively advance and sustain the implementation of the Pyramid Model. The Iowa EC-PBIS SLT is led by representatives from the public and private sectors in Iowa including the Department of Education, Health and Human Services, Area Education Agencies, Child Care Resource and Referral and HeadStart.

Structure of Iowa EC-PBIS State Leadership

Iowa EC-PBIS State Leadership is composed of 3 tiers of leadership which includes the Administrative Team (Admin Team), the Executive Team and the Advisory Team.

Strategic Plan, Priority Areas and Goals

The Iowa EC-PBIS State Leadership has three overarching priority areas of work:

Use data effectively to guide decisions making; Data and Visibility Purpose Document
Improving system capacity to address social, emotional, behavioral and mental health; Implementation and Sustainability Purpose Document
Connect EC-PBIS to other initiatives, innovations, agencies and work; Professional Development Network Purpose Document

Iowa EC-PBIS State Leadership operated from a 5-yr Strategic Plan. Annually, State Leadership reviews and updates the strategic plan and goals as needed. Each goal and objective is aligned with the State Benchmarks of Quality (BoQ).

The Pyramid Model is a framework of evidence-based practices for promoting young children’s healthy social and emotional development. The Pyramid Model was developed by two national, federally-funded research and training centers. These centers’ faculty represent nationally recognized researchers and program developers in the areas of social skills and challenging behavior.

Are you curious what a classroom implementing EC-PBIS looks like? See it in action in a Model Classroom.

Related Resources

EC-PBIS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Classroom Implementation

Program Wide Early Childhood-PBIS (PW-PBIS) refers specifically to a systematic effort within a program to implement the Pyramid Model, a framework of evidence based practices, throughout the program. Although staff may have been trained, or will be trained, in EC-PBIS modules, PW-PBIS adoption is the next step to ensure Pyramid Model practices are implemented with fidelity and sustained over time despite changes in leadership or staff turnover. Dozens of programs in Iowa (preschool, Head Start, and child care) have successfully adopted PBIS and testify that it has improved the quality of their program. Data show a clear and positive benefit for children and families who attend a program that implements PW-PBIS.

Click on the map to see what sites have completed program-wide training near you.

Learn more about all the work of our 2025-26 cohort of Program-Wide programs!

Learn More about Program-Wide EC-PBIS HERE.

Related Resources

All offerings will be held virtually unless noted otherwise.

Iowa EC-PBIS Modules

Early Childhood Positive Behavior Intervention and (EC-PBIS) Self-Study Modules are now available for Child Care Center Providers & Preschool Teachers at no cost! Enrollment requests from other early childhood community partners may also be approved for the series.

Registration Process

An i-PoWeR account is required to sign up. i-PoWeR Training Registry

Step 1: Start the process by clicking the link of the series below and request to enroll in i-PoWeR.

Step 2: Watch for an email from i-PoWeR confirming enrollment upon approval within 24 hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00-4:30 only. Any registrations requested outside of that time will be approved on the following business day.

Step 3: Watch for an email confirmation from CCR&R for access to the course material within 24 hours of the confirmation email from i-PoWeR.

Five Preventative Classroom Practices for Early Childhood Self-Study Class

This training focuses on how to incorporate classroom practices to reduce challenging behavior in early childhood classrooms. It will introduce strategies for classroom staff to develop sound, universal practices for engagement and trauma-informed prevention, instruction, and reinforcement based on Prevent, Teach, Reinforce for Young Children (second edition) by Dunlap, Wilson, Strain, and Lee.

Topics will include: Behavior Basics, 5:1 Ratio of Positive Attention, Using Predictable Schedules, Establishing Routines Within Routines, Directly Teach Behavioral Expectations, and Directly Teach Peer Related Social Skills.

Registration Process

An i-PoWeR account is required to sign up. i-PoWeR Training Registry

Step 1: Start the process by clicking this link to search and enroll in i-PoWeR

Step 3: Watch for an email confirmation from CCR&R for access to the course material within 24 hours of the confirmation email from i-PoWeR.

EC-PBIS Infant Toddler Modules intended for classrooms with children ages 0-3

Module 1-6
Mod ule 7-8 (must take Mod 1-6 prior)

EC-PBIS Preschool Series Modules intended for classrooms with children ages 3-5

Modules 1-3
Modules 4-6 (must take Mod 1-3 prior)

For other virtual or face-to-face EC-PBIS module training opportunities, register on I-PoWeR or contact your local training and technical assistance provider.

For additional, online, self-study module training opportunities for a cost, go to the Pyramid Model Consortium.

Note: EC-PBIS Practitioner Coaches are required to attend the Overview of Practice-Based Coaching and either the Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT) for preschool classrooms or the Teaching Pyramid Infant Toddler Observation Scale (TPITOS).

Overview of Practice-Based Coaching

(required for EC-PBIS Coaches)

This series introduces the participant to Practice-Based Coaching (PBC). PBC is an evidence-based coaching approach that supports the implementation of effective practices. Participants will gain knowledge of the key components of PBC as well as coaching strategies and tools to be used when coaching early childhood professionals. This training is intended for those in roles that support adult caregivers/teachers of young children.

NOTE: Registration is closed for all 2025-26 offerings of this training. Additional dates will be announced soon.

TPOT – Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool for Preschool Classrooms

The Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT) for Preschool Classrooms is an instrument designed to measure practitioners’ implementation of teaching and behavior support practices associated with the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children. This training will prepare coaches to use the TPOT tool with fidelity while observing teachers. Participants are required to pass a reliability test before receiving their certificate.

NOTE: Registration is closed for all 2025-26 offerings of this training. Additional dates will be announced soon.

TPITOS – Teaching Pyramid Infant/Toddler Observation Scale

The Teaching Pyramid Infant-Toddler Observation Scale (TPITOS) for Infant-Toddler Classrooms is an assessment instrument designed to measure the fidelity of implementation of practices associated with the Pyramid Model in center-based infant and toddler care settings. This training will prepare coaches to use the TPITOS tool with fidelity while observing teachers. Participants are required to pass a reliability test before receiving their certificate.

NOTE: Participants must meet the following pre-requisites in order to attend this training

Participants must have attended the Infant/Toddler EC-PBIS Module Series
Participants Must be working with or for a program that is implementing program-wide EC-PBIS (please contact your PD organization if you have questions)

Dates:

June 9-11, 2026; 9am-1pm

(Registration closes 5/14/2026)

Practice-Based Coaching Community of Practice

(highly recommended for EC-PBIS Coaches in their second year)

Description: Participants will work with a national expert and collaborate with other Iowa coaches to learn and refine Practice-Based Coaching components and strategies. Participants will receive a copy of The Essentials of Practice-Based Coaching if they do not already have one.
Intended Audience: Practitioner/Internal Coaches (Highly recommended for coaches in their second year)
Dates: 9/3/25, 10/8/25, 11/12/25, 12/10/25, 1/14/26, 2/11/26, 3/11/26, 4/1/26, 5/12/26
Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6jf5qH5T1_Z9oZwbTXU6qMuN0q1cvL5Pa2ta2btMuX6ZTIw/viewform?usp=header

Practice-Based Coaching Community of Practice

Please note that a minimum number of participants will be required for each opportunity. Participants are encouraged but not required to attend all sessions.

Description: Participants will work with a national expert and collaborate with other Iowa coaches to learn and refine Practice-Based Coaching components and strategies. Participants will receive a copy of The Essentials of Practice-Based Coaching if they do not already have one.

Intended Audience: Practitioner/Internal Coaches (Highly recommended for coaches in their second year)

Dates:

9/3/25
10/8/25
11/12/25
12/10/25
1/14/26
2/11/26
3/11/26
4/1/26
5/12/26

Time: 12:00-1:30pm

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6jf5qH5T1_Z9oZwbTXU6qMuN0q1cvL5Pa2ta2btMuX6ZTIw/viewform?usp=header

Participants are encouraged but not required to attend all sessions.

Peer Mediated Strategies Community of Practice

Please note that a minimum number of participants will be required for each opportunity. Participants are encouraged but not required to attend all sessions.

Description: National expert, Ted Bovey, will present information, lead activities and facilitate discussion around the use of peer mediated strategies such as training peer buddies or partnering in the classroom.

Intended Audience: Leadership Team Members, Practitioner/Internal Coaches, Program/External Coaches, Practitioners, Administrators

Dates:

10/17/25
11/14/25
12/5/25
1/16/26
2/20/26
3/13/26
4/17/26

Time: 12:00-1:30pm

Systems Thinking Community of Practice

Description: Participants will learn about and practice applying the habits of a systems thinker. Each session will focus on a different systems thinking tool or topic.

Intended Audience: Program/External Coaches, Leadership Team Members, Administrators

Dates:

Identifying High Leverage Actions Using the Iceberg Tool
October 14, 2025 12-1:30pm
Using Systems Thinking Tools to Enhance your Coaching
January 13, 2026 12-1:30pm
Systems Thinking for Administrators March 10, 2026 12-1:30pm

Register for 1, 2 or all sessions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOYhtmoM27CMfFky6N7Dj6y8Q06gDEQhfAkgVxU-5icHERuA/viewform?usp=header

Related Resources

2025-26 Iowa EC-PBIS Professional Learning Calendar-at-a-Glance

20 25-26 Ongoing Learning Opportunities

Steps	What/Content	Date
1.	Learn about Program-Wide EC-PBIS Please complete at least one of the following: > Connect with your training and technical assistance consultant > Watch Video: What is PW-PBIS? > Complete Module 2 of Implementation Exploration and Readiness Modules > Attend a Program-Wide EC-PBIS Info Session — January 6th 1-2:30pm — February 9th 10-11:30am — Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86729458598?pwd=LahMrG4L29pVSZgVcJzPv3RAEdw30Z.1 > Read the NCPMI Program->Wide Implementation Fact Sheet > Visit the NCPMI Program-Wide page	Before application is completed
2.	Complete the PW-PBIS 2026-27 Cohort Application	Application Released: December 15, 2025 Application Closed: March 6, 2026
3.	Meet with a representative of the EC-PBIS State Leadership. Someone from the team will reach out to schedule a meeting	March 23, 2026 – April 17, 2026
	Notifications to Programs of acceptance into Cohort will be made by May 4, 2026
4.	Submit the Program-Wide EC-PBIS Acceptance Survey to confirm participation	June 12, 2026
5.	Save the Dates for 2026-27 cohort training *All programs accepted into the 2026-27 cohort must send their leadership team to all training dates	8/12/26; 10am-3pm in person – Waterloo Public Library 9/16/26; 9am-1pm virtual 11/4/26; 9am-1pm virtual 1/13/27; 9am-1pm virtual 3/3/27; 9am-1pm virtual 5/5/27; 9am-1pm virtual

Iowa EC-PBIS: Your Pathway to the Pyramid Model

Structure of Iowa EC-PBIS State Leadership

What is an Iowa EC-PBIS Model Classroom?

The What and Why of Challenging Behavior

Related Resources