Early Start Australia delivers the evidence-based Circle of Security Parenting (CoSP) program to strengthen children’s social and emotional development by supporting the adults who care for them. CoSP helps caregivers and educators understand children’s emotional and relational needs and respond in ways that promote secure attachment, emotional regulation and engagement in learning.

Delivered over eight facilitated sessions, the program uses video reflection, guided discussion and practical strategies to help adults recognise emotional cues, understand behaviour and apply attachment-informed responses. Sessions are delivered by trained, registered CoSP facilitators, including qualified allied health professionals with early childhood and education experience. ESA offers in-person, online or hybrid delivery, working with services to embed learning into everyday routines, transitions and interactions.

Key benefits include improved adult understanding of children’s needs and behaviour, increased caregiver and educator confidence, stronger support for children to feel safe and regulated, and reduced developmental vulnerability through more consistent, relational everyday environments.

Expected outcomes for this program are:

• Strengthen positive relationships between children, parents, carers and educators.
• Build children’s social confidence, emotional maturity, empathy and resilience.
• Improve shared communication strategies across home and early childhood settings.
• Increase understanding of early brain development to support wellbeing and learning.

The program is delivered over a series of facilitated group sessions, rather than as a one-off workshop. The standard delivery model includes:

• 8 structured sessions typically delivered weekly.
• Sessions run for approximately 90 minutes each.
• Sessions are delivered onsite at the ECEC service, online or a combination of onsite/online, depending on service needs.
• Groups may include parents, carers and/or educators, depending on the Preschool Boost plan and cohort priorities.

This sequenced format allows participants time to reflect, practise strategies between sessions, and build shared understanding over time.

The program costs $2340 per group, excluding GST. Travel, if required, is charged at $195 per hour. Each group accommodates up to eight families.