Growing Development through Relationships

An Introduction to the DIR®-FCD Model in Early Intervention

Providers in Early Intervention will have the opportunity to explore how the DIR-FCD Model helps guide our observations, deepen our understanding and attune our intervention as we support the children, caregivers and families that we serve. Over 35 video examples and facilitated discussion are embedded throughout the course.
Please fill out the contact form below so we can schedule a time to talk about your team training!

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

Teams of providers in Early Intervention

STARTING DATE AND TIME

Customized to your schedule

LENGTH OF COURSE

7-hours over 1 to 2 days

Format

Instructor led - live online via Zoom

CERTIFICATE

Certificate of completion

Payment options
Payment is due in full prior to the scheduled training date.

IMPORTANT: Please read the "Payment, Withdrawal and Refund Policy" in the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Teams with up to 15 participants
The fee for organizations registering up to 15 participants is $3000. This offer is designed to support collaborative learning within teams and departments.
Teams with up to 35 participants
The fee for organizations registering up to 35 participants is $3500. This offer is designed to support collaborative learning within teams and departments. 

If you have more than 35 participants please contact training@profectum.org for pricing.

Course overview

This 7-hour course, scheduled over 1-2 days, offers an inspiring introduction to the basic foundations of the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®) Model. This evidence-based model demonstrates how development grows within a structure of foundational capacities that support relating, communicating, functioning and thinking. This model also enhances our understanding of a child’s unique strengths and differences and provides us with guidance on how to foster affect-rich, attuned relationships with caregivers. These powerful connections between the caregiver and child unlock the potential for the Foundational Capacities for Development (FCDs).

Learning objectives

As a result of this course, participants will:

  • develop an awareness of the main tenants of the DIR-FCD Model
  • deepen understanding of the importance of the child/caregiver relationship as the foundation of development
  • look at ways that using the model can help inform and organize our work as an Early Intervention Team

Criteria to take the course

There are no prerequisites required to take this course.
Instructor

Barb Baldassarre, OTR/L

Barb Baldassarre is an Occupational Therapist who has worked for over 30 years in varied hospital, clinic and school-based settings. Barb has a private practice, BFB Therapeutics, LLC, located in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, IL. She has focused on home-based work, supporting infants, toddlers and their families as a credentialed evaluator and provider of Early Intervention services since 2003.
Instructor

Caroline Ferguson-Walsh, MS-LP(C), CCC-SLP

Caroline founded BEAR Pediatric Speech & Language Therapy in Chicago, Illinois in 2017. She is a member of the American Speech & Hearing Association (ASHA) and serves as a Senior Faculty Member of Profectum, where she is recognized as a DIR-FCD™ Expert Clinician, Tutor and Trainer. Her clinical practice is also informed by advanced training in Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk®.

What participants are saying

From theory to practice

"An Introduction to the DIR®-FCD Model in Early Intervention: Growing Development ThroughRelationships’ training offers early interventionists a deeper understanding of how relationships and emotional development shape learning and connection in the early years. The DIR® framework aligns seamlessly with early intervention principles, empowering professionals to co-create truly individualized strategies with every family. Through practical tools, real-life video examples, and reflective learning opportunities, this training provides the modeling and guidance needed to implement DIR® strategies immediately and effectively in daily practice." 

--Susan Connor, Ed. M., Director & Principal Investigator
Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois

Inspired clinical reflection

"I found this course to be a valuable experience for both new and seasoned providers. The presenters clearly explained DIR® concepts, shared relevant video examples, and facilitated engaging discussions that deepened my understanding of the caregiver–child relationship and the Foundational Capacities for Development (FCD). The focus on FCD helped me reflect on my own practice and inspired new ways to support families in emotionally meaningful ways. This training was a powerful reminder of how attuned, emotionally rich interactions form the foundation for every child’s growth, communication, and learning."

--Kathryn K. Basco, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist

Frequently asked questions

How much time will I need to spend on the course

The Introduction to the DIR®-FCD Model in Early Intervention Course is 7-hours long and can be taught in 1 full day or 2 half days.

How will this knowledge help me in my practice

  • Incorporate demonstrated intervention strategies within your sessions
  • Organize your thinking as you interpret observations through a developmental lens and problem-solve where to go next
  • Help families to recognize the value of a developmental approach 

What are the requirements to receive a certificate

All live sessions must be attended in order to receive a certificate of attendance. Zoom logs will be referenced for attendance.

Payment, withdrawal and refund policy

The fee for the Introduction to the DIR®-FCD Model in Early Intervention Course is based on the number of participants being trained.

Payment must be made in full before the course begins.

If you submit payment and then cancel the training at least 15 working days (Mon-Fri) BEFORE the start date of the course, you will receive a refund minus a cancelation fee of $250. If requests to cancel are received after this time, no refund is provided and you are responsible for full payment of the training. Requests to cancel must be sent via email to training@profectum.org.

In the event that a training canceled by Profectum, you will be notified immediately via email and a credit will be issued toward a rescheduled training or the entire submitted fee will be refunded without further liability on the part of the organizer.

If you have questions, contact training@profectum.org.

Cancellation policy

In the event that a training canceled by Profectum, you will be notified immediately via email and a credit will be issued toward a rescheduled training or the entire submitted fee will be refunded without further liability on the part of Profectum.

Contact training@profectum.org if you have questions.

Technology requirements

Profectum uses video streaming and video conferencing as our standard technology tools. The course relies on you watching webcasts on your own and joining live online class discussions using Zoom.

A computer with a monitor, keyboard, and a mouse or a laptop.Speakers, either built into your computer or external (plugged into your computer).

Camera, either built into your computer or external (plugged into your computer).

An internet connection, either wired or wireless, DSL or better.

The course is supported on the most recent versions of Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge. Please note that the course is incompatible with Internet Explorer 8 or earlier. 

The Zoom application.

A PDF viewer, such as Adobe.A printer or access to a printer (to print the resources in the library, if desired).

Special accommodations

If you require ADA accommodations or have a special needs request, please email training@profectum.org at least two weeks before the program start date so arrangements can be made.