The Center for Early Relationship Support engages with organizations in the early childhood field to provide training programs that promote learning, understanding, and the implementation of best practices in early relational health.

Our training and professional development are designed and facilitated by professionals with extensive expertise in infant and early childhood mental health, serving as consultants, clinicians, supervisors, and program directors.

Our offerings are grounded in evidence-based methods and are shaped by nearly four decades of experience supporting young children and the adults who care for them. 

We tailor our training and professional development to meet the unique needs and goals of your organization and team, with the overarching aim of strengthening the workforce that supports infants and young children within their families and communities, in the environments where they learn and grow.

Below are examples of the training programs we offer.

Trainings

Circle of Security Parenting: Classroom

Professional Learning Series

For: Early Education and Care Professionals
Time: 90-minute weekly sessions
Duration: 9-12 consecutive weeks

Circle of Security Parenting (COSP): Classroom Professional Learning Series equips early care professionals with learning opportunities, provides a clear model of children’s attachment needs, and highlights the importance of the teacher in responding to these needs. In other words, it makes the theory of attachment accessible. 

With a COSP Classroom facilitator, early care professionals complete the 8-chapter video-based series which provides a clear model of children’s attachment needs. The learning series also supports educators to look beyond behavioral approaches to seeing the ways attachment needs are communicated by behavior (and often misbehavior). The importance of the teacher as an attachment figure in responding to these needs is highlighted by reflection questions and handouts created specifically for early care professionals.

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Reflective Supervision 

Training and Ongoing Implementation Support

Reflective supervision is a cornerstone of high-quality programs serving young children and families, recognized as the gold standard in early relational health. As a proven framework, it fosters professional growth, enhances decision-making, and improves the quality of care.  

This two-tiered approach ensures participants not only learn the principles of reflective supervision but also receive ongoing support to implement and sustain it effectively in their professional settings.

Tier 1: Reflective Supervision Training

For: Supervisors of professionals caring for young children and families
Time: 2-hour weekly sessions
Duration: 8 consecutive weeks

This foundational training equips participants with the skills and knowledge to implement reflective supervision in their work. 

Participants will learn how to create supportive, collaborative environments where staff can explore their experiences, strengthen their reflective capacity, and address challenges with intention and insight.

Tier 2: Reflective Practice Groups

Time: 90-minute monthly sessions
Duration: Minimum of 10 sessions

Following the training, participants can join facilitated implementation support groups to deepen their reflective practice. These groups provide a collaborative space for professionals to engage in joint reflection on their work as reflective supervisors, with goals of fostering personal growth, equity, and innovation. 

During group sessions, participants take turns sharing examples of their work for collective exploration. Facilitated discussions and focused observations unlock ideas and inner resources to help participants address challenges and create meaningful change. 

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Building Reflective Capacity in the Practice of Family Support

For: Family support staff and home visitors who are supporting families with children 0-5
Time: 2-hour weekly sessions
Duration: 6 consecutive weeks

This training focuses on building understanding and awareness of the perinatal period, including postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and building skills such as active listening, cultural sensitivity, boundaries, self-reflection and mindfulness for family support and home visiting staff. 

The training supports staff in understanding their own judgments and biases and ways to use mindful self-regulation to bring compassionate and effective services to families at a vulnerable time of life. 

Where appropriate, this training includes principles of reflective supervision, a key component of infant and early childhood work, and a proven model to increase self-awareness for staff who are engaged in relationship-based practice. This capacity building practice has been proven to decrease burnout, increase staff retention, and improve services to families and children.

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Families Impacted by Addiction: Theory, Context, and Treatment

Substance use, misuse, and dependence have a significant impact on the perinatal and early parenting period. Rising rates of substance use disorders among individuals of childbearing age highlight the need for attuned, responsive practices. 

This course explores the latest research linking attachment theory, neurobiology, and addiction, offering strategies to support mothers, fathers, infants, and alternative caregivers. 

Participants will engage in discussions on complex policies, ethical dilemmas, and best practices, creating opportunities for professional growth and enhanced care for families affected by addiction.

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Observing Infants in Relationship

Infant observation is a transformative tool for understanding and supporting infants, young children, and their caregivers. By slowing down and reflecting, we gain deeper insight into the experiences of the families we serve. 

The Observing Infants in Relationship curriculum combines video analysis, in-person observations, and selected readings to explore the foundations of early relationships, including the infant's developmental journey within the family and broader cultural contexts. 

Participants will sharpen observation skills, reflect on the role of personal perspectives, and engage in meaningful discussions with colleagues—all to enhance their professional practice.

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Supporting Parents with Mental Health Challenges

This training explores the mental health concerns parents may face during the perinatal period, with a focus on cultural influences. Participants will learn practical strategies to support families dealing with disturbances in thought, emotion, or behavior, as well as techniques for engaging in reflective conversations.

The workshop also includes guided practice in mindful self-regulation skills, empowering home visitors to navigate challenging interactions. Participants will leave with tools to support families effectively and seek additional resources when needed.

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For more information, contact us at cers@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-5652.