Become a Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
What is COSP Facilitator Training?
COSP Facilitator Training prepares professionals to facilitate the flagship Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) program with parents and caregivers. This comprehensive training distills 60 years of research from attachment, neuroscience, psychodynamic theory, and child development into a structured framework that helps families understand their children's needs and strengthen relationships.
Upon completion, participants become Registered COSP Facilitators with access to exclusive resources and the ability to deliver this engagement program in group or one-on-one settings.
What Training Formats Are Available?
Three flexible formats accommodate different learning preferences and schedules, all providing the same comprehensive 24-hour training experience and registration as a COSP Facilitator.
| Training Format | Duration | Structure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person | 4 consecutive days | 9am–4:30pm daily | Hands-on learners who prefer face-to-face interaction |
| Online 1-Week | 5 virtual sessions over 1 week | 25–35 total hours | Learners who can clear their schedule |
| Online 2-Week | 5 virtual sessions over 2 weeks | 25–35 total hours | Learners who need more scheduling flexibility |
Ready to transform how you support families?
Browse upcoming COSP Facilitator Training events to find dates and formats that work for your schedule.
What Do COSP Facilitator Training Participants Say?
Caroline M. (★★★★★): "This training was amazing! I'm so excited to go through the materials with clients. Not only do I think this training will help me in my professional life, but I believe it will better equip me--and anyone else who takes it--for their parenting journey!"
Z. Turner (★★★★★): "Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator course was an intense week of powerful reflections and meaningful discussions and connections with other professionals from around the world. I really enjoyed the work that was done in the course and the growth that took place in myself as a professional to be able to facilitate this course with parents in my community."
Dionne (★★★★★): "I love teaching COSP because it gives families a safe space to reflect, grow, and learn practical skills to nurture their children’s emotional well-being. If you’re considering taking Circle of Security Parenting, do it—you won’t regret it. This training has the power to change not just your parenting, but your relationships and your life. I’m honored to share this journey with so many families, and I can’t wait to see even more caregivers discover the joy of connection through COSP!"
Who Can Enroll in COSP Facilitator Training?
The training welcomes professionals from multiple disciplines who work with families and caregivers in various capacities:
- Mental Health Providers (Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapists)
- Family Support Workers (Parenting Education, Outreach Workers, Foster Care Support)
- Healthcare Providers (Pediatricians, Nurses, Doulas, OTs, PTs, SLTs)
- Early Care Professionals (Teachers, Childcare Providers, Early Intervention)
No previous Circle of Security experience is required—this training serves as your foundation for all Circle of Security work.
Requirements and Inclusions
What Are the Requirements for COSP Facilitator Registration?
Full attendance at all training sessions is required to become a Registered COSP Facilitator. Additionally, participants must complete and execute the COSP licensing agreement to access facilitator resources and begin facilitating groups.
What's Included in Your COSP Facilitator Training?
- 24 hours of seated learning time with certified COSP Trainer
-
COSP Facilitator Manual in your language of choice
Manual Languages:
English
Norwegian
Spanish
Swedish
Danish
Dutch
Japanese
Chinese (simplified)
Chinese (traditional)
Italian
Czech
Romanian
French -
DVD copy (optional) of the COSP video series in your language of choice
DVD Languages:
English
Italian
Danish
Spanish
Romanian
Japanese
Cantonese
French
Czech
Norwegian
Swedish
Mandarin - Registration as a COSP Facilitator upon completion
- Ongoing access to exclusive COSP Facilitator resources
Program Delivery After Training
COSP is a video-based, manualized program delivered in group settings (up to 10 caregivers) or one-on-one. The program provides caregivers with the Circle of Security as a coherent map to understand children's behavior, emotions, and relationship needs through structured reflective processes.
The program follows the Circle of Security Model of Change, using videos, activities, and reflection to help caregivers access new understanding and apply attachment concepts to their own relationships with children.
What Will You Learn in COSP Facilitator Training?
Core knowledge and theory from multiple disciplines:
- Attachment theory, social learning, and family systems theory
- Psychodynamic theory, infant mental health, and early childhood development
- The fundamentals and key concepts of the Circle of Security
Practical facilitation skills:
- Circle of Security language using graphics to increase observational skills
- How to identify relationship vulnerabilities that impact security
- Co-regulation skills to "Be With" caregivers in distress
- Self-reflection building techniques for caregivers and yourself
Program delivery expertise:
- Facilitating the manualized COSP program using video examples
- Using the COSP Facilitator Manual and handouts effectively
- Responding to common relationship struggles using the COS framework
Training Schedules and Time Commitments
Each format provides the same comprehensive learning while accommodating different professional and personal schedules.
In-Person Format Schedule
- Daily schedule: 9:00am - 4:30pm each day
- Duration: 4 consecutive days
- Total learning hours: 24 hours
- Note: Arrive early on first day for check-in; full attendance required
Online Format Schedules
| Online 1-Week Format |
| Total time commitment: 25-35 hours |
| Structure: 5 live sessions over one week plus self-directed learning |
| Recommendation: Clear work schedule for the primary training week. |
| Online 2-Week Format |
| Total time commitment: 25-35 hours |
| Structure: Live sessions spread over two weeks plus self-directed learning |
| Recommendation: Recommendation: Clear half work schedule for both training weeks. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I facilitate COSP immediately after training?
Yes, upon successful completion and execution of the licensing agreement, you receive registration as a COSP Facilitator and can begin facilitating immediately.
What if I miss part of the training?
Full attendance is required for registration as a COSP Facilitator. If you miss any portion, you'll need to retake the complete training.
Do I get continuing education credits (CEUs)?
Circle of Security International is accredited by IACET (International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training) and awards 2.4 IACET CEUs (24 hours) for completion of the COSP Facilitator Training. Contact your licensing board to confirm credit acceptance for your specific profession.
What ongoing support do I receive as a Registered COSP Facilitator?
Registered COSP Facilitators receive ongoing access to exclusive resources, updates to materials, and opportunities for continued learning through Circle of Security International.
Are there restrictions on how I can use the COSP program?
The licensing agreement outlines appropriate use of COSP materials and ensures fidelity to the model. This protects both facilitators and the families they serve.
Transform your work with families today.
Browse upcoming COSP Facilitator Training events to take the first step toward becoming a Registered COSP Facilitator.
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