Response to Intervention (RtI) for Early Childhood Programs

Application of the RtI model to preschool-aged children & programs that serve them is a relatively new concept. The evidence-base for an effective approach with this population is still an emerging field. Promising early guidance is available:

• Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together: Planning For, and Implementing, a Multi-tiered System of Supports in Pre-K Settings (ppt) - Describes the many facets that form the foundation of a high quality, preschool learning environment. Also includes information on Universal Design for Learning, collaboration & classroom structures & practices.
• Myths & Misconceptions Regarding RtI in EC (pdf) - 5 myths are described in this section of the DEC/NAEYC/OHS article, “Frameworks for RtI in Early Childhood”
  
  
• The WI Model for RtI: Applications in Early Childhood Settings (pdf) 3rd Edition, 2017 - WDPI downloadable publication
  
  
• WI RtI Center: Response to Intervention and Early Childhood (website) - Provides information so that school systems can successfully implement Equitable Multi-level Systems of Support (EMLSS) so that all students, including the youngest learners, achieve to their highest potential.

• Recognition & Response (website) - A preschool RtI model, developed at the UNC-Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, managed by the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
  
  
• RTI Action Resource (webpage) - From the National Center for Learning Disabilities, this site provides resources supporting RtI in the preschool environment.
  
  
• RTI Approaches for PreK: Implementation rubric (pdf) -Is your program ready to implement RtI?
  
  
• Response to Intervention and Early Childhood  (webpage) - Used to assist school RtI implementation teams to bridge the language & practices found in the School-wide Implementation Review (SIR) with early childhood language & practices.
• Science has established a compelling link between social/emotional development & school success.  Evidence-based practices for supporting social-emotional development and addressing challenging behavior in young children & aligned with the PBIS model are provided through Wisconsin’s Pyramid Model Training.
  
  
• Handbook of Response to Intervention (webpage) - Brookes Publishing
• Archived Webinars on RtI in Early Childhood Topics (webpage) - Brookes Publishing

For a Working Definition of Evidence-based Practice in Early Childhood...

“...a decision-making process that integrates the best available research evidence with family and professional wisdom and values.” ERIC.ed.gov

Additional resources to individualize instruction:

• Differentiated Instruction in Early Childhood Settings? (ppt)
• Creating Adaptations for Routines and Activities (CARA’s) Kit (webpage)
• CONNECT: Tiered Interventions (webpage)

For Children who Exceed Expectations:

• Age focus 3—6: Challenging Exceptionally Bright Children in Early Childhood Classrooms by Ann Gadzikowski, (webpage) Red Leaf Press, 2013 

Updated 9/6/2019