Goal: To immerse professionals in DIR® theory and practice in order to facilitate the application of DIR® in their workplace. The DIR®B also prepares candidates for the Certificate program (DIR®C) following acquisition of further DIR® experience.  The DIR® Beginning program is a one time program which enhances the candidates foundation for further practice in preparation for the DIR® Certificate program.

Who Can Apply: Professionals from the following disciplines are invited, including: education, special education, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy and physical therapy, developmental optometry (visuo-cognitive therapy), art, drama, and music therapy, clinical social work, marriage and family therapists, nursing, pediatrics, developmental pediatrics, child psychiatry, infant mental health, clinical social work, developmental and clinical psychology. Specialization in developmental and learning disorders and infant mental health is welcome.

Eligibility: This five day program is designed for licensed and credentialed multidisciplinary professionals and educators who are beginning DIR® and Floortime™ practice. Applicants who have completed the required course of academic study in their discipline and are working on post-graduate hours for licensing or credentialing purposes under supervision, are invited to apply with the understanding they will require their professional license before going on for the DIR® Certificate (e.g., a psychologist who has his/her Ph.D. or Psy.D. but has not yet completed post-doctoral hours for licensing).

Pre-Requisites: Attendance at a DIR® Introductory level course and beginning DIR® practice.  See our listing of DIR® Local Events for current conferences and on-line course offerings. Study groups or independent study for international applicants will be considered.

Preparation: Participants are asked to prepare a short video clip of themselves in a Floortime session with a child (and coaching parents if possible). Parent consent must be obtained.  This is presented in a small discussion group with colleagues. Further guidelines will be provided to accepted candidates.

Difference between the DIRB and DIRC: The main difference is the extent and range of experience and tutoring you have actually had using the DIR® model and your readiness to demonstrate competencies across a range of children and families. The (DIR®B) program provides more intensive preparation for DIR® practice focusing on assessment, Floortime, treatment and coaching skills for those who have already taken introductory DIR® courses, and have begun to apply the model. The DIRC program is for the more experienced DIR® clinician or educator who is ready to present a range of cases and has begun the tutoring process. 

Joint activities for both DIRB and DIRC programs include model case presentations, panel discussions, conversation hours and special presentations. 

Participating in DIRB will also give you the opportunity to get to know the faculty and facilitators and identify a tutor you would like to work with.

DIRB Features:

• Faculty includes nationally known DIR® experts across disciplines including education, speech and occupational therapies, social work, psychology, psychiatry and pediatrics.
• Floortime Focus – Daily sessions focus on the practice of Floortime at different developmental levels and integrating Floortime™ into specific therapies and educational practice. The principles and challenges of Floortime, as well as parent coaching and training of Floortime players  is addressed.
• Case based discussion groups - Each candidate will participate in two different groups (each for two and one-half day sessions) led by interdisciplinary faculty, who support and facilitate each participant presentation and discussion. Participants will prepare one brief Floortime video clip which will be used for discussion of assessment and intervention approaches.  All identifying information should be removed or disguised.  Guidelines will be provided. (*But get your video camera out now!) All videos should be prepared on DVDs which  work on both computers or DVD players.  Projectors will be available. 
• Feedback is provided at the Institute. Participants also receive letters with recommendations of tutors and further study.   
• Tutoring - Upon completing DIR®B, graduates are asked to complete a minimum of 6-8  tutoring hours with a DIR® tutor before proceeding to  DIRC.
• Program -  Includes daily model case presentations, Floortime training, conversation hours with Faculty, panel discussions and special lectures. Videotaped case illustrations are used extensively.  The program varies from year to year and may include such topics as:
  • DIR® models of assessment and intervention
  • Integrating developmental models of language, visual spatial, sensory motor and sensory integration
  • Enhancing observation and assessment using the FEAS - Functional Emotional Assessment Scales
  • Neurodevelopmental Classification - subtypes of Regulatory and Autistic Spectrum Disorders from the Diagnostic Classification Manual- implications for intervention
  • Attachment and Autism
  • Applications in Educational Settings
  • Working with Families in your sessions
  • Current DIR® Research
  • Dual Pathways: DIR® Practice and Neuroscience
  • Anxiety, mood and regulatory disorders
  • DIR® Advocacy
  • Climbing the symbolic and ladder
  • Regulation and mood disorders
• Continuing Education:  The DIR® Institute offers OT continuing education and has applied for APA and other mental health approval.  A certificate of attendance describing the Institute program can be used for maintainance by SLPs and educators.  Since not all participants seek CE units, it has not been built into the tuition to keep this cost as low as possible, and a small separate fee is applied.
• Networking Opportunities – Several hundred participants attend the Institute each summer and you will get to know many in your small case discussion groups.  We also organize opportunities to meet with a wider group of colleagues from your region or your discipline,  during mealtimes and breaks.  International participants are offered meeting times to discuss
• Evaluation of the DIR® Institute Program:  We are interested in your feedback and ask all participants to tell us about your experience and suggestions.  You will be asked to complete some evaluation forms while you are at the Institute as well as a follow up online survey.
• Hours:  The Institute opens on Weds., July 7 at 1 PM following morning registration and check in.  The morning programs begin at 8 AM and evening programs end between 9-10 PM.  Afternoon breaks are provided to enjoy the facilities, take a walk or swim, or go shopping.  The Institute ends on Sunday at 12:30 PM.   Further information will be provided after your application has been accepted.
  

Tuition and Deadlines:

ICDL, a non-profit organization, strives to make tuition as affordable as possible and has not raised rates in three years.  Please note the additional discounts below. Early Bird registration for Accepted Applicants only:

• You may deduct $100 on or before February 16             
• You may deduct $50 on or before March 9  
• Early Bird discounts applied only to tuition paid in full
• Small Group Rates: You may deduct an additional $50 for group discount for 3 or more applicants working in the same setting and applying simultaneously  until  application deadline on April 30, 2010.

• Payments are made on line by credit card and special arrangements can be made for institutions. You may also request two-installment payments with final payment by April 15, 2010.  Limited tuition assistance is available and will be considered upon written request sent to DIRInstitute@icdl.com . 
• Payment must be received within 7 days of acceptance to reserve space and to obtain discounted rate) 

• Participants may cancel their enrollment in the DIR® Institute by May 3, 2010. A 25% administrative fee will be applied. After May 4, 2010, there will be no refunds for enrollment.

    **Application Submission Deadline:  April 30, 2010!!! **

(Applications received after this date will be considered on a space available basis only.)

Bolger Center Accommodations

Complete meeting package rates include room, all meals and snacks throughout the day. Most special requests can be honored and kosher meals can be arranged.  Rooms can be shared but deluxe rooms and suites are very limited so early application and registration is strongly advised. A deposit is required but will not be charged until participant checks out.

• Once accepted, you will be provided further information on how to register at the Bolger Center. Housing costs are not included in the Institute tuition. Please do not register before receiving your acceptance notice. Prices are as followed:

Click here to access the DIRB Online Application

Please also review the DIRC program description and eligibility to be sure you are selecting the program most appropriate for you.  You can consider applying for advanced standing if you have supervised DIR experience. We are happy to respond to your questions once you complete your application so that we can review your experience. Please send all inquiries to DIRInstitute@icdl.com.

The DIR® Institute is a developing program responsive to the educational needs of its candidates and services needed.  ICDL reserves 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.