DIR Floortime® Training Program FAQs

I don't have a clinical license or teaching credential. Can I still take these courses?

The DIRFloortime® Training Program (formerly the DIR® Institute) is open to anyone who wants to learn the DIR® model and DIRFloortime® approach. There are no college or university education prerequisites to take DIR 101, DIR 201, or DIR 202.  To take DIR 203 and become a DIRFloortime® coach, you must have at least the equivalent of a Bachelor's level university degree and for DIR 204 and to become an Expert Training leader you must have at least a Master's level college degree in occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, social work, counseling, medicine, music therapy, or another related field. It is important to know that each person that holds an ICDL DIRFloortime® certificate is required to utilize the information gained in a manner that is appropriate within the laws and regulations of their state or region and within the scope of practice of their profession.  The DIRFloortime® certificates are not "stand-alone" licenses and do not provide any authority for an individual to practice.  Authority to practice as a professional is granted through your state or region's laws or regulations. 

Do I need to take all courses to receive a certificate?

No. You will receive a certificate each time you successfully complete a course. The certificate will state the level of competencies that you have demonstrated (e.g. Basic, Proficient, Advanced or Expert). You decide how many courses you want to take.

Where can I take these courses? Can I take them online?

ICDL offers the course both online and in-person.  

Can I arrange for a course at my agency or area?

Yes, please click here for more information. 

Are continuing education credits offered for professionals?

Please visit our continuing education page for more information.  We offer professional continuing education credits for many professions and we also offer additional ones than are listed on our website for specific conferences, workshops, or courses.  Please e-mail certificates@icdl.com if you have any questions. 

I only work with children 0-3 years old or children who have severe challenges and function only at the first three capacities. Do I still need to take the second practicum course (DIR 202, Promoting Higher Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities)?

You don't need to take this course unless you want to learn more. However, if you want to learn how to coach caregivers, teachers and other care providers, or even become a DIRFloortime® Training Leader, the DIR 202 is an important course to take first. Children grow up and many of them continue developing higher functional emotional developmental capacities. For you to guide caregivers on how to help children climb the developmental ladder it is important for you to understand and demonstrate competencies in supporting higher capacities. The Training Leaders will give you ideas of how you can demonstrate these capacities with typical developing children or other children with special needs that you could support in your community.

I am a parent of a child with special needs. Can I take these courses? Can I show videos of my child to demonstrate competencies?

Parents of children with Autism and other special needs are encouraged to take any of our courses.  DIR 101 is open to all professionals and parents alike.  The 200 level courses are designed for professionals, but parents are welcome to attend as well.  ICDL offers certificate courses to anyone wanting to learn the DIR® model and Floortime® principles and to help children and adults with special needs. Many parents of children with special needs are also professionals who work supporting other children with special needs. We generally request that you do not show videos of your own child or other relative during the courses.  If you would like us to consider making an exception, please contact us at dirfloortimetraining@icdl.com.  Most parents register as Audit Students for DIR 201 and 202.  This is a less expensive option and allows you to join the courses without actually presenting video recordings.  Unless a parent is also a professional (OT, SLP, Psychologist, Social Worker, Teacher, etc.) that works with children, DIR 203 and 204 are not available for parents to attend.  Alternatively, ICDL offers supports for families that can be found on our parents page.  

I have been receiving training by a tutor. Should I continue? Will these hours count towards my certificate?

Private tutoring is always helpful but is no longer a requirement of the DIRFloortime® Training Program. If you have a good relationship with a tutor/mentor and you want and can afford to continue this tutoring, we encourage you to do so. We encourage you to use a tutor that is an ICDL Training Leader.  If your tutor is not an ICDL Expert, we encourage you to have your tutor contact us at dirfloortimetraining@icdl.com to determine if they meet the requirements to be a Training Leader for ICDL.  It is important that the tutor is providing the right type of guidance that is consistent with the model and the DIRFloortime trainings.   

I am considering taking a course in DIR® offered by another organization. Can I still list myself as a DIR® professional and open a DIR® clinic, school or center?

Please click here to read about the other programs.  ICDL is proud of our training program as the original and, we believe, the best DIR training program available.  But, we also know everyone has preferences and there may be personal advantages to taking courses with another organization.  Please review the information in the above linked page for more information.