Kentucky Department of Education has provided training to 333 educators over the past four years through Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool reliability workshops offered at no cost to participants, according to Kentucky Teacher. The workshops prepare educators to use the TPOT, an assessment instrument that measures implementation of practices supporting young children's social and emotional development.

The Training Pyramid Observation Tool measures how well early childhood educators implement the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence, a framework of evidence-based practices. Designed for classrooms serving children ages 2 through 5, the TPOT evaluates teachers' implementation of universal, targeted and individualized support practices. Successfully trained educators receive certification that remains valid for three years before recertification is required.

Kentucky joined the Pyramid Model Consortium in summer 2023 as the 41st participating state. Through KDE's Early Learning Unit and Early Childhood Regional Training Centers, the state provides intensive support to school districts implementing the Pyramid Model Framework in state-funded preschool classrooms. This includes training in the model itself, practice-based coaching cycles and fidelity assessments using the TPOT.

The reliability training workshops represent a significant professional development investment in early childhood education. Educators who complete the intensive workshops successfully and meet reliability standards become trained observers able to conduct detailed classroom assessments and serve as reliability partners to other observers. The assessment process includes a two-hour observation of classroom activities followed by a teacher interview.

For more information on Kentucky's early learning initiatives and professional development opportunities, educators can contact KDE's Pyramid Model Framework webpage.