Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Young Children

Driving Change in Early Education

edited by Judith J. Carta, Ph.D. & Robin Miller Young, Ed.D.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in Early Education

Despite the increasing availability of quality early education programs in recent years, a sizable portion of young children leave preschool lacking many of the skills needed to engage in and benefit from instruction in quality kindergarten classes. Some children have limited vocabularies, whereas others lack social-emotional skills and have difficulties with self-regulation (Child Trends Databank, 2015). Some may not have acquired skills in early literacy, math, or science that pave the way to academic success. The reasons for these challenges are many. Some children have come from homes with limited opportunities to learn these skills and behaviors that will be needed in kindergarten (Blair, 2010). Many may not have received the necessary support for language and social-emotional development from their teachers, caregivers, or family members. In addition, some may not have had opportunities to attend high-quality preschool and been able to learn school readiness skills.

Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) offer programs and a framework of evidence-based practices to ensure that children receive the support they need without having to demonstrate failure first. MTSS offers a new paradigm that shifts the ways programs respond to the individual needs of students. In this way, programs employing MTSS have a quicker way of identifying students showing the first signs of delay and addressing these delays with individualized supports, therefore preventing problems and improving the likelihood that students will be ready to succeed in kindergarten.

Core Components of MTSS

1. Evidence-based instruction and intervention practices: The foundation of MTSS is its use of research-based instructional and intervention practices that have been proven effective in improving outcomes for students.

2. Universal screening and progress monitoring: Features ongoing universal screening and progress monitoring on multiple occasions throughout the school year, used to identify students who may need additional instructional supports.

3. Layered continuum of supports: A common feature is the provision of multiple levels or tiers of instructional support to meet the needs of all students. Tier 1 encompasses effective core curriculum provided to all students, while Tier 2 typically provides targeted instruction, often in small groups. Tier 3 is more intensive and is typically individually designed.

4. Data-based problem solving and decision making: Instructional teams utilize a problem-solving process to determine student’s needs, involving problem identification, analysis, intervention planning, and evaluation of response to intervention.

5. Shared leadership: Leadership teams are necessary at both the district and school levels to ensure effective implementation across the multiple levels of the system.

6. Focus on prevention: MTSS emphasizes prevention and provides timely support to all students rather than waiting for them to fail before providing assistance.

What is MTSS?

MTSS is defined as a "whole-school, data-driven, prevention-based framework for improving learning outcomes for every student through a layered continuum of evidence-based practices and systems" (Colorado Department of Education, 2015). The goal is to organize the resources available in a system or program to meet the needs of all students, focusing on both academic and behavioral goals.

Current Challenges to Implementation of MTSS in Early Education

1. Lack of a Trained Workforce: Training and expertise within early education settings significantly affect successful implementation.

2. State and Federal Influences: Variability in how MTSS is implemented across states and the necessity of state support.

3. Administrative Support and Resources: Successful leaders must possess the necessary skills, vision, and resources to implement MTSS effectively.

About the Book

This book serves as an introduction to critical components necessary for MTSS implementation at the child and classroom levels while illustrating how these components work together within a larger framework. It includes practical tools, checklists, and resources for educators looking to adopt MTSS.