Transform Classrooms: Empower Educators to Raise Confident, Secure Learners!

Early childhood is a pivotal time in a child’s life, marked by rapid growth and development—physically, cognitively, and emotionally. During these formative years, children begin to develop the emotional regulation, social connections, and sense of security that will carry them into adulthood.

Educators, childcare professionals, and early school-age teachers play a vital role in this process, providing more than just academic lessons; they create environments that help shape a child’s emotional landscape. One tool that has proven transformative in this area is the Circle of Security Classroom™ (COSC™) approach.

The Circle of Security Classroom™ (COSC™) is an evidence-based professional development program designed specifically for preschool and early school-age professionals. This approach is rooted in attachment theory and empowers teachers, teacher assistants, and other early childhood professionals with practical strategies to meet the emotional needs of the children in their care. Through COSC™, educators can strengthen relationships, improve emotional regulation, and ultimately help children feel more secure in their environments—building the foundation for their future success.

Understanding Attachment Theory: The Heart of COSC™

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.

Key Benefits of the Circle of Security Classroom™ Approach

The benefits of incorporating the Circle of Security Classroom™ approach into early childhood education are profound and far-reaching. Some of the key benefits include:

• Improved Emotional Regulation: One of the primary goals of the COSC™ program is to help children manage their emotions effectively. When children feel secure and understood by their teachers, they are better able to regulate their feelings, leading to fewer emotional outbursts and a more harmonious classroom environment. This emotional regulation also supports cognitive development, as children are better able to focus on learning when they are not overwhelmed by their emotions.
• Increased Confidence: A secure attachment within the classroom fosters a sense of confidence in children. When children know that their teachers are responsive to their needs, they feel safe exploring their environment and taking risks—key components of learning. This increased confidence carries over into other areas of their lives, from social interactions to academic performance.
• Stronger Social Connections: By helping children understand and manage their emotions, the COSC™ approach also supports the development of healthy social relationships. Children learn how to communicate their needs, empathize with others, and build strong, positive connections with their peers. This social competence is essential not only for school success but for lifelong emotional well-being.
• Support for Speech and Literacy Development: Emotional security is a foundation for all aspects of development, including speech and literacy skills. When children feel safe and connected, they are more likely to engage in meaningful communication with their teachers and peers. This engagement lays the groundwork for language development, which is closely tied to literacy. COSC™ creates an environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves, which in turn supports their language and communication growth.

How COSC™ Professional Development is Delivered

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:

1. In-Person Training: For early education professionals located in Southern Tasmania, the COSC™ program can be delivered face-to-face at a location of your choosing. This allows for interactive learning and real-time discussions with the facilitator and fellow participants.
2. Online Training: For professionals outside Southern Tasmania, the COSC™ program is offered as an online interactive workshop via Microsoft Teams. This virtual format provides the same high-quality training experience, with the added convenience of remote access. The program is delivered over eight weeks, with each session lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. The scheduling of sessions is flexible and can be arranged to suit the needs of your team.

What’s Included in the COSC™ Training?

When you engage with the COSC™ training program, your organisation will receive a range of resources to support the learning process, including:

• A promotional flyer to distribute to staff or members
• Relevant confidentiality forms to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment
• An electronic workbook and weekly handouts for distribution to participants

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.

The Impact of COSC™ on Children and Families

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.