The Pyramid Approach to Deepening Children's Learning comes to the USA

Washington, DC – November 16, 2009

Cito USA, a subsidiary of Cito-The Netherlands, one of the world’s largest and most respected testing and measurement companies, has brought the Pyramid Approach to the United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cito USA is in its second year of providing ongoing training and coaching to pilot sites in Atlanta, and Birmingham, Alabama. ‘We are excited about the work with our U.S. partners to expand the adoption of Pyramid's professional development strategies that support effective teaching and deepens thinking and learning in the early childhood years’ says Marten Roorda CEO Cito.

Developed by Dutch psychologist Dr. Jef J. van Kuyk, the Pyramid Approach was created to respond to a need by the Dutch government for a research based method to address the needs of an increasing number of children in early childhood programs.

At the annual National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference in Washington DC, a reception will be given on Thursday evening in conjunction with the Dutch Embassy to highlight the 400th anniversary of the Dutch US connection. At the reception Dr. Jef J. van Kuyk, the founder of Pyramid, will be presented with a recognition award.

‘The Pyramid Approach provides an intriguing, intentional approach and methodology to help adults broaden and deepen children's thinking and learning. It has the potential to take teaching and learning to a new level’ says Sue Bredekamp PhD, a national leader and Co-editor of Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs.