This program is designed for licensed and credentialed multidisciplinary professionals and educators who are beginning DIR® practice and seek more in depth courses and case based training in small groups to expand their DIR® assessment and intervention competencies with a range of children and families.  Professionals from the following disciplines are invited to attend 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.

The goal of DIR®B is 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 (see below for details).

Participants will be asked to present a brief vignette and brief Floortime™ video in a small group for discussion.  The DIR® Beginning program is usually a one time program which will enhance the foundation for further practice in preparation for the Certificate program.

The main difference between the DIR®B and DIR®C programs is the extent of experience you have actually had using the DIR® model and your readiness to demonstrate competencies across a range of children and families. The new training course (DIR®B) leads into the DIR® Clinical Specialist program and provides more intensive preparation for DIR® practice for those who have already taken introductory DIR® courses, engaged in study groups or independent study, and have begun to apply the model. The DIR®C program is for the more experienced DIR® clinician or educator.  Joint activities between the programs include model case presentations, panel discussions, and special presentations.

DIR®B Features:

Faculty includes nationally known DIR® experts across disciplines including education, speech and occupational therapies, psychology, psychiatry and pediatrics.

Case based discussion groups - Each candidate will participate in two different groups (each for two and one-half day sessions) led by interdisciplinary faculty with discussion of cases presented by candidates.  Participants will prepare a brief case vignette and video clip which will be used for discussion of assessment and intervention approaches.  It is up to the participant to obtain written consent to present the vignette and tape.  All identifying information should be removed or disguised.  Guidelines will be provided.

Faculty training workshops will utilize case illustrations and extensive use of video presentations. Courses may include the following topics:

• DIR® models of assessment and intervention
• Understanding the lines of development in an integrated manner
• Developmental models of language, sensory motor and sensory integration
• The "how to" of Floortime™ - doing and coaching
• Integrating Floortime™ into specific therapies and educational practice
• Enhancing observation and assessment using the FEAS - Functional Emotional Assessment Scales
• Neurodevelopmental Classification - subtypes of Regulatory and Autistic Spectrum Disorders from the new Diagnostic Classification Manual- implications for intervention
• Application of Infant Mental health principles
• Applications in Educational Settings
• Theory and skill development in working with families
• How to present cases and educational programs
• Follow-up individual and/or group tutoring using internet or phone conferences with faculty

Please understand that the DIR® Institute is a developing program responsive to the training 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.

Application Process

Download applications, complete and submit by e-mail to DIRInstitute@icdl.com as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted as long as spaces within your discipline and program choice are available.   Spaces are limited.  Note early bird savings.

Please review the available program descriptions and eligibility to be sure to select the program most appropriate for you

Six-day DIR® Institute 2007 Fees:

Early Bird Savings: $50 before March 1, 2007

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. For information on additional housing costs, go to www.VisitAsilomar.com