There are two factors to consider when looking at the time required for a program: the time requirements to participate each week, and how long the entire program will last.

Be diligent and honest with yourself when you look at the weekly time requirements for any program. You may need to practice extra self-responsibility, scheduling time to access online content, and you’ll need to follow through on requirements for live meetings or calls. 

As you consider how the weekly workload fits into your schedule, ask questions and get clarification on flexibility so that you know exactly when, where, and how you need to participate to get the most out of the program.

You may find a training program that is entirely self-guided, which means you could complete it as quickly as you choose, even in a matter of days or weeks. That could sound enticing, to jump in and go, but there are definite drawbacks to the quick training. 

Without outside support or accountability you may not finish it at all, and even if you finish you may not have a sense of mastery of any of the skills. It may be too good to be true.

Other programs may last a full year. Yes, these courses are in-depth and include many different phases of learning and training. For some people a full year commitment is no big deal, and possibly relieves some pressure of rushing through a course. However, these days it can be hard to plan out the next month, much less the next year, so it could feel quite daunting to consider signing up for a program that requires a twelve-month commitment. Certain programs give access to their content for only one year, which could be a real limitation as you move forward with developing your own practice as a coach.

The Jai Institute for Parenting coaching program lasts six months, plus one month of business preparation. 

The two phases of training and practicing each last three months, so you have good momentum without the stress of tight deadlines. The blend of self-paced online modules and live sessions provides the ideal balance of flexibility within a clear structure. 

Jai trainers believe in supporting students into success, so if time ever becomes a challenge they work with you to reach a solution. Also, Jai offers lifetime access to all the training modules; again: no pressure to capture it all the first time around.

How much does the program cost?

Of course you need to consider the level of financial investment required: the full cost and any payment plans available. Remember that as an investment in your own personal growth, a potentially life-changing transformation, and the starting point of a new career this choice should not be taken lightly. 

This can be an opportunity to slow down and look at where you spend your money right now, and if those purchases and expenses reflect who you want to be and how you want your life to look. You might be surprised at what you can eliminate, creating more space in your budget for a truly worthwhile investment.

The price tag of a program is a good indicator of what you’ll get. A lower price will often reflect the fewer resources and support available to you. However, a high price does not automatically signal the best resources or the highest level of support. 

Sometimes the steep price reflects a high-profile name. Be discerning as you evaluate the financial requirement against all the other program components. If you do your own research you’ll probably find that the investment to enroll in Jai’s Parent Coach Certification Program is commensurate with the scope of learning, depth of training, and comprehensive support.

What is included in the program?

The content of any training program is the core of what is offered. Without meaningful, engaging, and reliable content there’s not much hope for real learning to take place. Some programs are very simple and provide written materials that are essentially training guides to work through on your own. 

Other programs are so complex and encompass such broad topics that you may feel like you are back in college, preparing for a doctoral thesis. Too little content means you won’t have confidence in your new skills. Too much content floods your brain, leaving you lost and confused, unable to apply the learning in real-world situations. Again, balance is key.

The design of Jai’s Parent Coach Certification Program is intentionally comprehensive and accessible. It captures all learning styles through videos (with transcripts), workbooks, and powerful reflective prompts. 

Each module includes additional resources to enhance understanding of key concepts, especially in areas of scientific research. The content is methodically organized to address overarching themes so students can easily return to previous modules anytime they want to go deeper or get a refresher.

How much support is available during the program and after completion?

When we evaluate new opportunities we can find ourselves feeling surprised by what we didn’t know that we didn’t know. 

If you are considering participating in a parent coaching program, it’s most likely new to you and you won’t know exactly what kind of support you’ll need or what challenges may come up for you. Getting specific on what type of support is available to you as a student, both during the program and after completion, is probably the most important factor to consider. Even if you can make the time, pay the fee, and access the content, none of that matters if you don’t have the guidance to keep going.

Certain programs are very “hands off” and might simply have customer support or technical support, but no live instructor interaction. If you feel fully confident that you can go it alone, this could suit you. Other programs offer monthly check-in calls, buddy practice sessions, or even weekly gatherings. 

Be discerning when you look at the minimum level of support offered and the availability of additional or customized support. Decide if you are comfortable in large groups with minimal interaction with the leader, or if you prefer closer contact and easier dialogue to ask questions and receive feedback. The intimacy and accessibility of personal interaction could have a significant influence on your personal success during the program.

Once you complete the program you get to decide how you will incorporate your knowledge and skills into your life and the world. This is the point where ongoing community support is invaluable. Whether you have new questions about the core concepts, difficulties implementing the skills, or you just need motivation to continue your journey, a group that has gone through the same process can provide the encouragement you need.

The Jai Institute for Parenting offers a unique blend of varying levels of support. At the heart of the entire organization is a deep desire to serve, from the leadership working behind the scenes to the coach trainer interactions, and especially in the welcoming graduate community. 

During the program students engage weekly with their entire cohort and trainer in a live session, as well as in small group sessions to further explore the content. Upon completion our coaches have lifetime access to the entire training program and they become members of the graduate community, where they celebrate, explore, and thrive in pursuit of their personal goals. 

Jai also offers numerous opportunities for continuing collaboration and support through semi annual conferences, mentorship programs, and mastermind groups. Becoming a Jai parenting coach is not about earning a certificate, but becoming part of a growing collective of people who are changing the world.

In addition to the basic components of time, cost, content, and support, the Jai Parent Coach Certification Program stands out from other parent coaching models in a distinct way: its revolutionary approach to developing coaches from the inside out. 

When you join this program you don’t start right away with coaching skills and practical strategies. First, you receive the transformational experience that you will eventually offer to other parents. You get to be in the space of radical reflection, deep exploration, and massive shifts in perspective from the very beginning. You get to witness growth in others in a safe and sacred space. You get to be seen, heard, and understood in a truly authentic way. You are held in a place of unconditional acceptance. 

This is how your journey with the Jai Institute for Parenting begins, and you get to continue this path of personal transformation for the remainder of the program… and the rest of your life. 

Learn more about enrolling in the Parent Coach Certification Program. We are excited to have you!