Early childhood is a critical period for developing emotional security, communication skills and positive relationships. During these formative years, children learn how to understand emotions, build connections and engage with the world around them.
For early childhood educators, childcare professionals and early school-age teachers, creating a safe and responsive environment is essential. Professional development that strengthens educators’ understanding of children’s emotional needs can have a lasting impact on learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
The Circle of Security Classroom™ (COSC™) approach provides educators with practical, attachment-based strategies to support children’s emotional regulation, strengthen relationships and create environments where children feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
Speech Pathology Tasmania offers Circle of Security Classroom™ professional development training as part of our range of tailored professional development training packages for education, community and workplace teams. Training can be customised to suit the needs of your organisation
At the core of the Circle of Security Classroom™ approach is attachment theory. Originally developed by psychologists John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, attachment theory explains how early relationships with caregivers shape a child’s ability to form secure bonds with others. Children who develop a secure attachment with their caregivers are more likely to regulate their emotions, develop healthy social connections, and grow into confident, well-adjusted adults.
However, many children experience emotional difficulties or challenging behaviours that stem from a lack of secure attachment. This can create barriers to their learning and social development. The COSC™ approach helps educators understand and respond to these emotional needs in a way that supports the development of secure attachments within the classroom setting.
By participating in COSC™ professional development, early educators learn how to observe and interpret children’s behaviours through the lens of attachment theory. This deeper understanding equips them with the tools to foster stronger connections with their students and support children in developing emotional resilience.
Children who feel safe and supported are better able to manage emotions and engage in learning. Circle of Security Classroom™ strategies help educators recognise emotional needs and provide responsive support during moments of stress or uncertainty.
Strong relationships are the foundation of effective early childhood education. This training helps educators develop practical strategies to build trust, connection and security with the children in their care.
Rather than focusing only on behaviour management, Circle of Security Classroom™ helps educators understand what may be driving children’s behaviours and respond with connection-based strategies.
Emotional security supports children’s willingness to communicate, participate and engage with others. When children feel safe and connected, they are more likely to develop language skills that support future literacy learning.
Circle of Security Classroom™ training is suitable for:
The Circle of Security Classroom™ program is facilitated by Rosie Martin, an experienced COSC™ trainer who has worked extensively with early childhood professionals. Rosie brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the program, guiding educators through the process of applying attachment theory to their daily interactions with children.
The COSC™ professional development training can be delivered in two formats:
When you engage with the COSC™ training program, your organisation will receive a range of resources to support the learning process, including:
These materials are designed to enhance the training experience and ensure that participants have the tools they need to apply the COSC™ principles in their daily work.
Circle of Security Classroom™ professional development supports educators to create environments where children feel safe, valued and understood.
By implementing the Circle of Security Classroom™ approach, educators can create more supportive, responsive, and emotionally secure environments for the children they work with. This approach not only benefits the children directly but also has a ripple effect on their families. As children develop stronger emotional regulation and social skills, they are better equipped to navigate relationships with their caregivers, siblings, and peers.
Educators who complete the COSC™ training often report feeling more confident and capable in addressing the emotional needs of their students. They are better able to foster a sense of security and belonging, which in turn supports the overall well-being and development of the children in their care.
Ultimately, the Circle of Security Classroom™ approach empowers early childhood professionals to make a lasting difference in the lives of the children and families they work with. By promoting emotional security, educators help set the stage for lifelong learning, resilience, and success.
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