Early Adoption
Nebraska was among the first states to embrace Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) training for community-based providers. Since 2011, just one year after COSP training became available nationally, Nebraska has worked to build a comprehensive statewide network for implementing COSP programs.
Rooted in Relationships, an early childhood mental health initiative at Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, spearheads the expansion of COSP across Nebraska. Through their leadership, the initiative has developed a comprehensive statewide website (necosp.org), implemented standardized evaluation tools, and created robust marketing resources. Their ongoing commitment to facilitator training support has earned recognition from the National Center for Children in Poverty, highlighting Nebraska's innovative approach to COSP implementation.
Leadership Structure
The team in Nebraska invested early on in peer reflective consultation sessions to support COSP facilitators. Nebraska’s efforts to support COSP facilitators as they facilitate the COSP program predated the gold-standard Fidelity Coaching process that Circle of Security-International has developed in recent years. It is no surprise, however, that the first Certified COSP Fidelity Coach, Mark Hald, Phd is from Nebraska.
Sami Bradley, Rooted in Relationships, leads the Nebraska State COSP Leadership Team. This team has worked diligently to build relationships and connections in order to build support for COSP in the state. For example Sami and the COSI Leadership Team worked to collaborate with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to streamline a system to reimburse facilitators for court‐ordered parents to be able to participate in the program. The process is currently being managed by the Nebraska Association of Education of Young Children (NE AEYC) and the Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Special Education has also been a supporter of Nebraska’s COSP effort.
Measuring Success
In Nebraska a COSP specific report is completed biannually. This was originally done annually, but due to consistent solid responses they elected to start every other year. The National Center for Children in Poverty has a summary of the statewide effort to deliver COSP in communities. One of the noteworthy aspects of the statewide website is the capacity to collect post-group evaluations, which is then used to compile the annual reports.
The 2021-2022 evaluation report reveals remarkable outcomes across Nebraska communities. More than 1,700 parents from 25 counties participated in the program, with reported stress levels showing a dramatic decrease from 55% to 17%. The program's effectiveness has proven consistent across both online and in-person formats, demonstrating its adaptability to various delivery methods.
Interestingly, the findings were similar for childcare providers, about 300 of whom completed a COSP for Classroom providers group over the year across 15 counties either in person or in online groups. Those completing the pre- and post-surveys who reported their level of stress was high decreased from 57% at the beginning of their COS-Classroom group to 20% at the end of their group.
Partnerships and Support Programs
The program's success stems from strong collaborative relationships across multiple state organizations. Key partnerships include the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Nebraska Association of Education of Young Children (NE AEYC), and the Nebraska Department of Education's Office of Special Education. These partnerships have enabled the development of a streamlined reimbursement system for court-ordered participants, ensuring broader program accessibility.
Getting Involved
Individuals interested in participating in COSP can access comprehensive information through www.necosp.org. The website offers detailed resources, evaluation reports, and connections to local COSP facilitators.
For Classroom Providers
Educational professionals can access specialized COSP support designed specifically for classroom settings, called the COS Classroom Approach. Educators receive comprehensive implementation support for incorporating COSP principles into their educational environments, along with ongoing professional development opportunities.
Nebraska's structured approach to Circle of Security Parenting has established the state as a national model, demonstrating measurable positive outcomes for families, childcare providers, and educators across the state. Through continued innovation and dedication to excellence, the program continues to strengthen parent-child relationships throughout Nebraska's communities.
