Rooted in Relationships: Nebraska Embraces Circle of Security
At Circle of Security International, we’re continually moved by the global stories of connection and growth sparked by this approach. One such story comes from Nebraska, where the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation has embedded Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP) and Circle of Security Classroom™ (COSC) into its early childhood mental health initiative, Rooted in Relationships, since 2011.
Their recently released biennial evaluation report (2023–2024) showcases the far-reaching impact of COS across the state—and the heartfelt reflections of those who participated.
Transforming Classrooms
More than 400 early childhood educators across 50 counties completed the COS Classroom series. Educators reported:
- Lower levels of professional stress
- Increased confidence in responding to children’s needs
- Improved relationships with families
- Enhanced ability to repair relationships with children
- A deeper understanding of child behavior as communication
One educator reflected:
“It was one of the most eye-opening trainings I’ve ever been a part of.”
Another added:
“I love to understand the circle. Now I can clearly identify the circle in almost all activities of the kiddos.”
Supporting Families Statewide
Over 1,000 parents and caregivers also completed the COS Parenting program. After participating, they reported:
- Reduced parenting stress
- Stronger parent-child relationships
- Increased confidence in caregiving
- More ease in repairing relational missteps
- Greater insight into what their child’s behavior is really communicating
Parent Testimonials
“It was such a great class that reminded me of important parenting strategies, reaffirmed what I was doing well, and gave me the tools to strengthen my relationships with my children.”
“I learned that the circle applies to every relationship—not just parent and child. It helped me make sense of my childhood more.”
Building a System of Support
This success didn’t happen in isolation. Nebraska has developed a robust infrastructure to support facilitators, including fidelity coaching and peer reflective consultation.
Facilitator Perspectives
“It was so gratifying and rewarding to lead this group. I could sense the cohesiveness of the participants and their commitment to the class.”
“The group had an ‘ah-ha’ moment when talking about shark music. They began to see not only the parents’ stress but their own. It created a wave of empathy and insight that changed the way they connected.”
Creating Lasting Impact
From homes to classrooms, Nebraska’s commitment to Circle of Security is nurturing stronger relationships and emotionally secure communities. For clinicians, it’s a compelling example of how relational approaches grounded in attachment theory can generate lasting transformation across systems.
For more information, find the full report at: https://rootedinrelationships.org/resources/resources.html
