The DIR® Institute of ICDL provides educational programs to professionals of all disciplines, parents and Floortime practitioners to utilize the DIR® model. A distinguished interdisciplinary faculty promotes the development of clinical and educational competencies through courses, workshops, and intensive programs leading to a DIR® Certificate.The DIR® Institute programs are offered across the nation and internationally including Central and South America, Europe, Israel, Australia and Hong Kong.

In 1999 we started the DIR® Institute Certificate Program beginning with “Training the trainers”, who are now our distinguished interdisciplinary faculty teaching DIR® across the country and around the world, reaching thousands of parents and professionals, creating innovative clinical and school programs, and teaching at Universities. Several hundred clinicians and educators, and up to 50 faculty now participate in this program annually.

The DIR®/Floortime™ Institute

is Pleased to Announce

Five Programs for 2008

 July 7- 11, 2008

 National Conference Center, Lansdowne, VA

• DIR® B – Beginning Training Program
• DIR® B Advancing to DIR® C (for those who have attended the DIR® B Program)
• DIR® C – Certificate Program

• FTP™ – Floortime™ Player Program
• DIR® A – Administrators Program

At the Ninth Annual DIR® Institute you will:

• Be immersed in DIR® theory and practice to develop the skills needed to provide DIR® services in your workplace.
• Interact with a faculty of nationally known DIR® experts across disciplines as you discuss your work.
• Attend model case presentations, panel programs and specific courses tailored to each program.  Also learn to use the ICDL Diagnostic Manual for Infants and Young Children (ICDL-DMIC) classification model.
• Get in-depth small group training to learn and master the principles and practice of DIR® assessment and intervention and/or Floortime™.

• Meet colleagues from across the country and your community including educators and special educators, occupational, physical and speech and language therapists, creative art therapists, various mental health practitioners, including social workers psychologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians.
• Be invited to the DIR® Trainer Program after you complete the Certificate: includes DIR® Institute Facilitator, Faculty-in-Training, DIR® Educator and Consultant.

• Special Program for Program Directors and Administrators  A 2 day program to discuss the implementation of model early intervention, pre-school and school based education and special education programs. Discuss how to integrate DIR® program components, in-service training, staff evaluation, IEP development, program materials, parent participation, etc.

Please review the detailed descriptions of each program and eligibility below to be sure to select the program most appropriate for you.  The application process and  fee information follows.

To view a table that compares the programs click here

To read a full description of each program and obtain an application, click on the appropriate program link below.

* This application is for those returning to DIRC as an advanced candidate
** Coming Soon

Note: Advancement in the program and requirements are at the sole discretion of the DIR®/Floortime™ Institute and can be modified at any time.

If you have attended a prior DIR® Institute program, it is not necessary to complete a new application.  Please select the DIRB to DIRC application or the DIRC Returnee application.  If your e-mail address has changed, please be sure to notify us by writing to swieder@icdl.com.  Please review fee information at the end of the program descriptions below.

You are welcome to write to us with any questions regarding which program is most appropriate for you or to be considered for advanced placement. Please review the applications to guide you and complete the one you consider best. We are happy to review your experience in order to answer any further questions. Returning candidates will be sent separate applications via e-mail. Please note that spaces are very limited so please apply as soon as possible.

We look forward to receiving your applications and hope you will be able to join us for another intensive and exciting DIR® Institute.

Please understand that the DIR® Institute is a developing program responsive to the training needs of its candidates and services needed. ICDL does reserve the right, at its sole discretion, to alter, amend, expand or otherwise modify the requirements for the Program, at any time, without notice. The determination as to a candidate's successful completion of the Program requirements will be solely that of ICDL and the DIR® Institute.

Application Process

Download appropriate application from the links above, complete and submit as directed as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted as long as spaces within your discipline and program choice are available.  Spaces are limited.

2008 DIR® INSTITUTE FEES*

After April 14 applications will be accepted until all spaces are filled in each category. 
Please send in your applications as soon as possible.

*     Fees include Institute participation, all educational experiences during the Institute, and workshop materials. New DIR®B and DIR®C participants will receive pre-Institute consultations by phone or e-mail upon request.

Payment Due Dates

HOUSING

National Conference Center Housing Costs:

Each participant is responsible for his or her own housing registration at the National Conference Center.  This can be done by phone or online.  The Conference Center contact information will be sent to all accepted candidates. 

Since the program begins each morning at 7:45am and ends at  9:30 or 10:00 pm, it is important to stay on site.  Only individual rooms are available.  If you reside in the area and plan to commute, you must still register for the Day Rate to be admitted onto the grounds.  The Institute will begin at noon on Monday, July 7.  For those coming from far away, rooms are available for Sunday night, July 6.

The Lansdowne Conference Center is located about 12 miles from Dulles Airport in Virginia. It has excellent recreation facilities including swimming, tennis, hiking trails and work out rooms. The schedule includes afternoon breaks to permit use of the facilities.  For further descriptions of the Center:  www.conferencecenter.com.

NEXT STEPS

• Review new and update applications - Contact us if you have any questions (swieder@icdl.com).  Questions can be best answered after you send in your application so relevant information can be quickly reviewed.  There is no application fee.
• Complete Application - New applicants need to include copies of curriculum vita, license, letters of recommendation and photo.
• Applications (e-mail and hard copy) are accepted as long as space is available.  Only complete applications will be considered.  Please apply as soon as possible as spaces are limited.
• Each application will be carefully reviewed by the DIR® Faculty Committee which will have final determination.
• Once accepted, your place will be held for two weeks to allow time for payment.  You will be given instructions for payment with your notification.
• Once accepted, you will be given the information to register for housing at the Conference Center. 
• After April 14 applications will be accepted until all spaces are filled in each category.  Please send in your applications as soon as possible.
• Please indicate which course you will be attending on your application and confirm your registration as soon as possible.
• Pre-Institute Phone Consultations during April, May, and June for registered participants
• July 7, 2008 - Join us for an exciting Institute

Limited stipends are available by arrangement. Please submit detailed letter indicating need to swieder@icdl.com.

We look forward to receiving your applications and welcoming you this summer.