Title
Request to Enter an Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Arizona to Utilize the Pyramid Model Implementation Data System (Ordinance S-51938) - Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Arizona Department of Education to share classroom observation data on social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of children from birth to five. Further, request an exception to Phoenix City Code Section 42-18 to authorize inclusion of indemnification and assumption of liability provisions in the agreement that would other be prohibited and to allow for mutual indemnification pursuant to Phoenix City Code Section 42-20 for public entities.
Report
The City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Program is a federally funded program for low-income families that promotes school readiness by supporting cognitive, social, and emotional development of children ages three to five. The program uses the Pyramid Model, an evidence-based framework focused on healthy social-emotional growth. In recent years educators have noted an increase in challenging behaviors such as aggression, defiance, and difficulty with transitions. These behaviors disrupt classrooms and impact overall child development.
Multiple factors contribute to this trend, including the social-emotional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased screen time, reduced socialization opportunities, and other broader societal stressors. Educators, already stretched thin with curriculum demands and classroom management, are now being asked to navigate a new level of behavioral intervention with limited resources and training.
Systematic data collection is essential. Data helps identify behavior patterns, triggers, and successful strategies. This guides targeted interventions, resource allocation, and professional development. It also supports advocacy for additional behavioral and mental health resources. The Pyramid Model Implementation Data System (PIDS) supports this effort by tracking social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes for children from birth to age five. Data-driven decision-making also strengthens advocacy efforts for increased funding and policy changes prioritizing early childhood mental health and behavioral support. By documenting the issue scope and evidence-based interventions impact, educators can make a compelling case for more behavioral specialists, mental health consultants, and family engagement initiatives.
Through this IGA, early childhood programs implementing the Pyramid Model can use PIDs to collect meaningful data. The data shared will not include personally identifying information of the children in the system and will be available as both aggregate and individual data collection. The data supports informed decisions about staff development, program strategies, and policy improvements which helps programs move beyond reactive responses and evaluate the efficacy of current practices. In return, this creates nurturing, inclusive learning environments that foster children’s social and emotional growth.
Contract Term
The IGA will be valid for five years from the date of execution, beginning on or about July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030.
Financial Impact
There is no cost or financial impact.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was approved by the Head Start Birth to Five Policy Council on April 14, 2025.
Location
Alhambra Elementary School District, 4510 N. 37th Avenue
Cartwright Elementary School District, 5220 W. Indian School Road
Deer Valley Unified School District, 20402 N. 15th Avenue
Fowler Elementary School District, 1617 S. 67th Avenue
Isaac School District, 3348 W. McDowell Road
Laveen Elementary School District, 5601 W. Dobbins Road
Murphy Elementary School District, 3140 W. Buckeye Road
Pendergast Elementary School District, 3802 N. 91st Avenue
Phoenix Elementary School District, 1817 N. 7th Street
Riverside Elementary School District, 1414 S. 51st Avenue
Roosevelt Elementary School District, 6000 S. 7th Street
Washington Elementary School District, 4650 W. Sweetwater Avenue
Wilson Elementary School District, 3025 E. Fillmore Street
Council Districts: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.