Pyramid Model & Consultation

The Pyramid Model (PM), formerly known as the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (SEFEL) Pyramid Model, is an evidence-informed framework for child care providers, educators, and other early childhood professionals—as well as parents and families.

• PM promotes the healthy social emotional development of all young children by emphasizing nurturing caregiving and creating supportive learning environments.
• PM framework helps early childhood educators and caregivers learn best practices in working with young children.
• PM is a framework to effectively understand, address, predict, and respond to challenging behaviors in multiple settings.

Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) is an evidence-informed model that focuses on supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of young children (birth to five). Currently IECMHC is funded within 10 programs that provide free services in all 24 Maryland jurisdictions.

• IECMHC supports early care and education providers to gain comfort and competence in addressing challenging behaviors.
• IECMHC helps to build strong connections between caregivers and children.
• IECMHC aims to reduce inappropriate discipline practices, promote family engagement, and foster inclusion in early childhood settings.