P Terms

Words in red should not be used. Alternatives are provided.

The terms below are preferred in material Cultivate Learning produces, except when a specific project or funder calls for different terms.

parent–teacher conference

Use an en dash (mid-length dash) to show the relationship.

participant

Preferable to audience or, in adult courses, student.

PDF

Acceptable in all references to the portable document format file extension.

part-time

PB&J

Acceptable in all references to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

peer coaching

percentages

Use % in text and tables when you precede it with a number. Spell out in general uses, such as a larger percentage of children.

pick up

Use two words in the verb form, hyphenate as an adjective. For exapmple:

• I am waiting to pick up my child from school.
• I am waiting in the pick-up line outside the school.

playtime

One word, but circle time and story time are two words.

playdough

Instead of Play-doh, which is a trademarked name for one brand.

positive behavior support

Avoid positive behavioral support. Capitalize as the name of a course or training material: Positive Behavior Support (PBS). Lowercase in general use as a concept. PBS is acceptable on second references.

Post-it

Use sticky note instead; Post-it is a trademarked name.

PowerPoint presentation

Avoid using only PowerPoint as a noun to refer to the presentation. In general, only use the software brand when the users need a specific software to view the presentation. Otherwise, presentation, without a reference to the specific brand, may be preferred.

practice-based

Practice-Based Coaching

Hyphenate. Capitalize this term. PBC Cycle is acceptable on subsequent references. This cycle comprises three parts. Capitalize these steps when referring specifically to the PBC Cycle.

Shared Goal and Action Plan, but shared goal and action planning

Focused Observation

Reflection and Feedback

pre-k, pre-K, pre-kindergarten

Unless a specific project requires this language, preschool is preferred.

preschool

Preferred term for programs educating children ages 3 to 5.

preventive

Not preventative.

program

professional development

Spell out on first reference. PD is acceptable subsequently, but be cautious about overusing initialisms.

prosocial

One word. However, this term is becoming outdated. Consider a more plain-language description, such as caring behavior.

Pyramid Model

Capitalize in reference to the five-level model that promotes social and emotional health in early education. This is sometimes called the Teaching Pyramid, but Pyramid Model is preferred. The five tiers (each lowercase) include:

• effective workforce
• nurturing and responsive relationships
• high-quality supportive environments
• targeted social emotional learning supports
• intensive intervention