The Pyramid Model for Promoting Social and Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children was developed to build the capacity of programs and professionals to use evidence-based practices in promoting social competence, preventing social-emotional skill delays and problem behavior, and providing effective interventions for children with severe or persistent challenging behavior (Fox, Dunlap, Hemmeter, Joseph, & Strain, 2003). The Pyramid Model is also designed to promote the inclusion of children with disabilities within community programs. In states where there is a focus on increasing the use of high-quality inclusion practices, the implementation of the Pyramid Model offers an effective approach. This white paper provides information on the importance of inclusion and how the Pyramid Model might be used in statewide initiatives to increase the use of inclusive practices. (author abstract)