Change the world, one person at a time.

Hand in Hand’s mission is to meet adults’ and children’s core need for connection with unique caregiving tools and community support.

We see this as vital work not only for you and your family but also in your community and in the wider world. We are thrilled that you are considering joining us!

Hand in Hand’s Training Intensive and Leadership Practicum are two distinct segments of a year-long program that together are a pathway toward Hand in Hand Instructor Certification. 

The 9-month Training Intensive can be taken as a stand-alone program and is right for you if and when:

• You are committed to building and strengthening warm, close, connected relationships and would like to deepen your understanding of Hand in Hand theory and practice to help guide your parenting and/or professional journey.
• You’d like to explore what’s possible when you have ongoing, solid support for the emotional work you’re doing internally and with others.
• You are motivated to use the information and support Hand in Hand offers to make lasting changes in your own life as well as the lives of families and children.
• You have experience using the Hand in Hand approach and have completed any one of our three instructor- led Foundations Classes. Participation in a Foundations Class is a  prerequisite for the Training Intensive.
  
  Register Now for the prerequisite:  6-week Hand in Hand Foundations Course for Parents and Caregivers, or 8-week Foundations Course for Professionals, or Foundations Course for Educators.

The 3-month Leadership Practicum is right for you if and when:

• You have completed the Hand in Hand Training Intensive
• You are inspired to further develop your leadership skills and work with Hand in Hand to provide parents and professionals with the understanding, tools, and support they need to build and strengthen warm, close, connected relationships.
• You have the time and energy to participate fully in the program and are motivated to become a Certified Hand in Hand Instructor

For more details about the Program please download our 2025-2026 Training Intensive and Leadership Practicum  Program Information.
*Please note the application deadline for 2025 is May 15th.

At the link above you’ll find detailed information about both the Training Intensive and Leadership Practicum including a description of each Program and topics covered, logistics, prerequisites, schedule, time commitment, cost, requirements for Hand in Hand Instructor Certification, and policies.

More about Instructor Certification With Hand in Hand Parenting

Logistics

The Training Intensive begins in September and ends in late May. You will attend monthly Zoom classes, a weekly mentoring and support group (3-5 people in each group), and have access to an online classroom and a moderated discussion group.

Space in the program is limited so that personal attention can be devoted to each participant.  Hand in Hand is generally only able to accept half of the applicants who apply. Each year, 30-40 people participate.

The Leadership Practicum is a three month Program offered twice a year to qualified applicants who apply after completing  the Training Intensive. You’ll attend two Zoom classes, participate in a weekly mentoring group (3-5 people in each group), receive 1:1 consultations and have access to an online classroom and a moderated discussion group through our Training Hub. 

The Training Intensive followed by the Leadership Practicum is the pathway to Hand in Hand Instructor Certification.

Costs

The cost of the Training Intensive is $4,250. Scholarships are available.

We accept scholarship applications after you have been accepted to the Program. Awards range from 10-75% of the total cost. We look at finances, where you live, communities you plan to work with, and experience with Hand in Hand when making awards.

Want to know more about how you can make a difference in how the next generation is raised?  Watch this Certification “Ask Me Anything” with Michelle Kokel, Hand in Hand Training Director.

If you are interested in learning more about Hand in Hand, but are not interested in committing to our Training Intensive or beginning a path toward Hand in Hand Instructor Certification at this time, the Parent Club Community or a Hand in Hand Foundations Course for Parents and Caregivers or Foundations Courses for Professionals or Educators may be right for you.

Gain Support, As You Give Support

Here’s what one participant told us about their experience:

“I did not realize how life-changing the Program would be. I took the Foundations Class for Professionals last year and found it wonderful as well, but this full year of being steeped in the Hand in Hand Parenting approach exceeded all of my expectations and hopes.

I have a support system now through Hand in Hand and my individual listening partnerships that I know will carry me throughout my life. I feel that a new inner strength was forged in me during this year—not a rigid strength but a flexible, open, feeling-full strength that impacts every aspect of my parenting, my partnership, my work with parents, and my relationship with friends and my community.

This program has been a tremendous gift to me, and I am deeply grateful for all you are doing to transform parenting for each of us and for all those we touch. Thank you.”

– Caroline Griswold

And another:

“After I found out my mom was unwell I almost backed out of the  training. I thought it might be too much to take on something new. I am so glad I decided to stay. It has turned out to be a beautiful support for all of us.

“The tools have taught us to be playful and build connection in a time where we dearly needed it. If it were not for Hand in Hand, I don’t think I would be able to be helpful to anyone right now.

“Growing up, I wasn’t taught how to have boundaries… quite the opposite. I felt that it was my job to conform to everyone else’s needs and never voice my needs. I didn’t learn how healing it can be to cry or laugh to release tension in the face of fear and grief. I am grateful that my son is having a very different experience.

“Because of the skills we are learning, my family is able to cry and laugh when we need, to find support in each other, our friends, and within the Hand in Hand community.

“The tools have enabled my family to navigate this tremendously stressful time with a growing foundation of connection. Learning how to release what we need to has provided us with energy and resources so we can support each other better.

“I am thankful from the bottom of my heart to Patty, all the dedicated teachers, and devoted parents. I want you to know that your effort and energy has meant the world to my family.”

– Marike Harrison

For further questions, please contact our Training Director, Michelle Kokel

How to Apply

Make sure to complete your Foundations Class before you apply to the Training Intensive.

 Applications for the 2025-2026 program will open on April 1st, 2025 and close on May 15th 2025.

If you have already completed a Foundations Class and would like to continue working with Hand in Hand while waiting for the next round of the Training Intensive,  consider joining the Parent Club Community or working your way through our self-guided courses. 

Would you like to join a mailing list to receive information about the Training Intensive, the path toward Instructor Certification, and reminders about the application process? Please complete the form below.