Strengthening connections between caregivers and children through Circle of Security

This project provides an opportunity for local families and early childhood educators to attend a Circle of Security-Parenting© (COS-P) program. This is an eight-week evidenced-based program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and their children. This project aims to facilitate four COS-P groups in local childcare centres. As we recognise the important contribution of early childhood educators in the social and emotional development of children we are committed to facilitating two of these groups exclusively for these professionals. The program facilitators are accredited COS-P facilitators and both have extensive experience in parent-child mental health in the public system.

The program has been shown to improve attachment security. This is the foundation for good mental health and has been associated with improved academic outcomes, greater empathy, emotion regulation and social connectedness. Increasing numbers of young children and teenagers are presenting at youth mental health services due to difficulties with emotion regulation and behavioural problems. Evidence suggests that children who have secure and positive relationship with their parents are less likely to develop mental health problems. Evidence shows that parents and professional engaging in this program experience greater enjoyment and confidence in all aspects of child care.