Preventing the use of preschool suspension and expulsion: implementing the pyramid model

This paper describes the approach used by two demonstration sites to implement Pyramid Model Practices at fidelity and address behavioral issues without the use of suspension and expulsion. The article describes the critical features of implementation used by public school preschool centers to improve the implementation of evidence-based social and emotional teaching practices by classroom personnel and the leadership strategies used to examine implementation fidelity and outcomes. Evaluation data are provided to demonstrate the positive outcomes achieved in the programs and to illustrate the potential of this approach for addressing issues related to inappropriate discipline practices.