DIRFloortime Assistant (DFA) Certificate

What is a DFA?

This certificate is designed for DIRFloortime "players” or technicians that are often paraprofessionals, but can also be professionals, whose primary role is to provide fun, engaging, DIR-informed interactions with clients.  DFAs must work under the supervision of a DIRFloortime® Advanced or Expert level professional. 

There are two routes to becoming a DFA.  The first route is a 20-hour training program that is designed to provide the core training needed to get started as a DFA.  This route requires renewal every three years.  The second route is a 40-hour training program that results in earning a DIRFloortime® Basic Certificate which automatically qualifies individuals to serve as a DFA and does not require certificate renewal.  

The 20-hour DFA Training Track

The core requirements:

1. Complete a live-online or in-person DIR 101 course (12-hours)  in the last 2 years

2. Complete an 8-hour DIR 102: Playing with Purpose DIRFloortime Assistant (DFA) training course

Please note that  you must have completed DIR 101 within the last 2 years . DIR 101 and DIR 102 can not be taken concurrently. This 20-hour training track is designed to provide the core knowledge to support the implementation of effective DIR-informed interactions and relies on ongoing supervision and coaching from Advanced and/or Expert level DIRFloortime professionals to support ongoing effective practice by DFAs.  

DFA Certificate Renewal:

DFA certificates expire in 3 years following issue.  When it is time to renew, if the DFA is able to provide a letter of recommendation for renewal from a direct supervisor who possesses a DIRFloortime® Advanced or Expert Certificate, then the DFA will only be required to attend a 6-hour renewal course.  If the DFA does not have a letter of recommendation and/or more than 48 months have passed since the DFA certificate expired, then certificate seekers must then complete the 40-hour training option to earn a DIRFloortime Basic Certificate. 

The 40-hour DFA Training Track

All individuals with at least a Basic DIRFloortime® certificate are automatically credentialed to meet the requirement to serve as a DFA.  This route to becoming a DFA requires a total of 40 hours of training (12 hours of DIR 101 and 28 hours of DIR 201) instead of the 20-hour standard DFA training.  There is no expiration for a Basic DIRFloortime® certificate as there is with a standard DFA certificate earned following 20 hours of training so there is no need to renew every three years.  We encourage any individual that is intending to work as a DFA long-term to invest in becoming a DIRFloortime® Basic certificate provider.  DFA's with the 40-hour training must still engage in appropriate supervision and in many cases are required by governmental or insurance regulations to be supervised by a DIR-Advanced or Expert level professional.