Pyramid Model
What is the Wisconsin Pyramid Model?
The Wisconsin Pyramid Model is an evidence-based framework supporting the social and emotional well-being of infants, toddlers, young children, and the adults who care for them. At the Child Development Lab (CDL), it guides:
- Relationships
- Predictable learning environments
- Positive behavior growth
- Support when children need it
Wisconsin Pyramid Model
What does the Pyramid Model look like at the CDL?
At the Child Development Lab, we use the Wisconsin Pyramid Model to guide how we support children’s social and emotional development every day. This research-based approach shapes how teachers build relationships, create welcoming learning environments, and help children feel safe, confident, and curious.
For families, that means your child is cared for with intention, consistency, and compassion — while learning important life skills like understanding emotions, building friendships, and solving problems.
Our shared expectations are simple:
Be safe. Be kind. Be curious.
Strong relationships with children and families
Relationships are central to everything we do. Teachers build trust by getting to know each child and family through consistent care, thoughtful communication, and daily connection.
Families are active partners, included through regular updates, feedback, and community events so they feel informed, welcomed, and confident in their child’s experience with us.
Learning environments designed for children
Children learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and inspired. Our classrooms are designed to support play, exploration, and social connection. Teachers observe children closely and build learning around their interests, leading to art, imaginative play, outdoor discovery, and shared experiences that deepen learning and collaboration.
Supporting social and emotional growth
Children learn to understand emotions, express themselves, and navigate relationships. Teachers use positive, age-appropriate guidance to support self-regulation and problem-solving. Ongoing professional learning strengthens culturally responsive practices and consistent expectations, ensuring children receive patient, respectful, developmentally appropriate support when challenges arise.
Individualized support and collaboration
If concerns arise, teachers partner closely with families to understand a child’s needs and identify support. We collaborate with early childhood specialists, mental health professionals, and community partners when needed. Families are included in decisions, and supports are individualized to reflect each child’s strengths, needs, and developmental goals.
Supporting social and emotional program-wide expectations
To create consistency across classrooms and age groups, we use shared expectations for children and adults:
Be safe. Be kind. Stay curious.
These expectations help children understand boundaries while encouraging empathy, exploration, and confidence.
Ongoing learning and community partnership
The Child Development Lab is a community-wide Wisconsin Pyramid Model implementation site, working in partnership with local schools and early childhood leaders. Through ongoing professional development, reflection, and collaboration, our staff continues to learn and grow, ensuring families benefit from current research and best practices in early childhood education.
Where your child can thrive
Join a welcoming community where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow — guided by UW–Madison expertise.