Innovation Cohort on Implementation and Scale-Up of Practice-Based Coaching

Application for Intensive Technical Assistance
February 2026 – May 2026

The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) is offering technical assistance to states, territories, or tribes that wish to enhance, expand, or strengthen their implementation of the Pyramid Model, with a focus on establishing state systems for training and supporting the use of practice-based coaching within local programs.

Practice-based coaching (PBC) is an evidence-based approach that supports practitioners to use effective teaching and learning practices. PBC involves a cyclical process that can be used for guiding practitioners’ use of Pyramid Model practices to promote positive child outcomes. PBC can be implemented in different settings, including center-based programs (e.g., Head Start, public pre-k, child care), early intervention services, and family child care homes. In state implementation of the Pyramid Model, it is imperative that programs use PBC to strengthen and support the implementation of Pyramid Model practices that will promote children’s social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes. This has implications for state teams in their systems work related to professional development, program implementation coaching, and the use of data for decision-making.

This intensive technical assistance opportunity will provide a cohort of 5-8 states, territories, or tribes with resources, information, systems implementation strategies, and support to develop and initiate a strategic plan for building the capacity of local programs to use practice-based coaching. Participants will identify considerations and strategies for the work of the leadership team, the professional development network of program implementation coaches, implementation sites, and the use of data in this effort. In addition, NCPMI facilitators will schedule an individual consultation with participating teams in February or March to discuss the state’s or entities’ strategic priorities.

Entities applying for participation in the cohort TA should identify two members of their Pyramid Model leadership team or workgroup to participate in all calls and to work with their larger team on implementation planning for practice-based coaching.