2026 Northwest Early Learning and Pyramid Summit

The Northwest Early Learning and Pyramid Summit brings together early childhood administrators, coaches, behavior specialists, educators, and state teams to strengthen foundational practices that support young children's healthy development.

This Summit reflects the Northwest’s strong tradition of regional collaboration and practical learning. Participants engage in two days of professional development focused on evidence-based strategies for supporting positive behavior, building effective learning environments, and enhancing early learning outcomes. Optional Pre-Summit sessions provide hands-on training in approaches aligned with the Pyramid Model framework, aimed at building skills that support all children’s growth and success.

Summit Details

Regular registration rate: $425

Early bird registration rate: $375, available through September 30, 2026

• Registration includes breakfast and lunch
• Continuing education hours are available. Each Summit attendee will receive a certificate of participation. Additional information will be provided about state-specific continuing education credits.

Keynote Speaker

Land-education in Early Childhood Education: More Than "Fresh Air”

Koogak’aax (Angela Lunda) is a life-long Alaskan of the Tlingít tribe, Ch’aak (Eagle) moiety, Kaagwaantaan (Wolf) clan, and the Sitka Déix X’awool’ja Hít (Two-Door House) with more than three decades as a teacher and administrator. She is passionate about equity in education and ensuring that all students receive a quality education in a culturally safe and nurturing environment. In her new role as Dean of the UAS School of Education, Lunda is excited to find innovative ways to support new teachers and administrators in their development as culturally responsive educators.

Breakout Sessions

Dive into sessions focused on aspects of the Pyramid Model, like:

• Infant and early childhood mental health
• Family engagement
• Provider practices
• Leadership, systems, and policy

Camino Español / Spanish Track

Hay un “Camino Español” por la conferencia, lo que es una selección de sesiones totalmente en español. Fuera del Camino Español, habrá interpretación para las otras sesiones, pero la conferencia no garantiza que los materiales de las sesiones fuera del Camino Español serían disponibles en otras idiomas.

There is a “Spanish Track” for the conference, which is a selection of sessions that will be delivered entirely in Spanish. There will be interpretation available outside of the Spanish Track, but the conference cannot guarantee that materials would be available in other languages for those sessions. 

Pre-Conference Events

NW Pyramid Model Champion Award

The Northwest Early Learning & Pyramid Summit Planning Committee is excited to announce a call for the annual NW Pyramid Model Champion Award. Through this award, the planning committee aims to recognize individuals or teams in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, or Alaska who embrace and demonstrate the Pyramid Model in action through their sustained and impactful implementation of the Pyramid Model in homes, schools, communities and research settings to support children, birth to 5 years and their families.

We want to highlight exemplary individuals or teams who have:

• a demonstrated record of implementing with fidelity, the Pyramid Model at the program or local, state, or regional level.
• made an impact on the policy, advocacy or research pertaining to Pyramid Model
• demonstrated actions advancing equity and inclusion of historically and currently marginalized and minoritized populations.

Helpful Links

Countdown to the Summit