Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool for Preschool Classrooms (TPOT™) Manual

If your program is among the thousands using the evidence-based Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children, this is the one tool you need to support teachers to effectively use the practices. Developed by highly respected creators of the Pyramid Model for classrooms enrolling children 2–5 years of age, the TPOT™ is an in-depth tool that provides information on how well teachers are implementing practices related to universal, targeted, and individualized supports. A trained administrator conducts a classroom observation and teacher interview, uncovering detailed information about the quality of 14 key teaching practices, noting red flags that indicate areas for immediate support, and observing how teachers respond to challenging behaviors. TPOT™ results show which practices are being implemented successfully—and what teachers need to focus on to ensure positive social-emotional outcomes for young children.

TPOT™ helps programs:

• Support effective implementation of the proven PBIS-based Pyramid model
• Promote social-emotional competence in young children
• Implement strategies to prevent and address challenging behavior
• Compare implementation across classrooms, teachers, and programs
• Identify where teachers need extra professional development and support
• Guide coaching efforts