DIR® Foundations Certificate Program

Formerly known as DIR Certificate Level 1

Profectum offers this program as the path for licensed professionals to become a DIR-certified practitioner. The Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR) model is a powerful way to partner with families impacted by developmental differences. The certificate program consists of three courses, designed to be completed in sequence, with no more than six months between each course. The program offers professionals a rich and dynamic learning experience to build from foundational principles of DIR to application in your own real-world cases. Through lectures, case-based learning, mentoring, and group learning, professionals will grow their skills in using this neurodiverse-affirming approach across settings, populations, and disciplines. Participants will learn how to maximize outcomes for the families in their care through interdisciplinary collaboration and reflective practice.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

Licensed/credentialed professional working with individuals with developmental and learning differences.

STARTING DATE AND TIME

Click here to see the offerings for each course in this program

LENGTH OF COURSE

Click here to see how much time is needed to complete this program

Format

Instructor led - live online via Zoom with self study activities and mentoring

CERTIFICATE

Profectum DIR® Foundations Certificate

Introduction to the DIR Model

May 17 & May 31, 2026
1-5 pm eastern time
Michele Ricamato, MA, CCC-SLP
Jun 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2026
8-10 pm eastern time
Rosemary White, OTR/L

Foundations of DIR Theory

Starting Jul 15, 2026
7-9 pm eastern time
Deborah Sussman, PhD, OT/L
Starting Sep 14, 2026
8-10 pm eastern time
Rosemary White, OTR/L

Foundations of DIR Practice

Starting Nov 4, 2026
7-9 pm eastern time
Sherri Cawn, MA, CCC-SLP
Starting Jan 20, 2027
8-10 pm eastern time
Caroline Ferguson-Walsh, MS-LP(C), CCC-SLP

Course overview

The Profectum DIR Foundations Certificate Program is the most comprehensive, dynamic, and supportive pathway for licensed professionals to become DIR-certified practitioners. The program guides participants through a progressive learning experience designed to deepen understanding of the DIR model. Across three courses, learners move from discovering the powerful, relational possibilities of DIR to developing a strong theoretical grounding in the model and finally to applying DIR thinking in real-world practice. Throughout the experience, participants learn how development unfolds through emotionally meaningful relationships and how each child’s unique profile shapes their pathway toward engagement, communication, and thinking.

Components

In the prerequisite course, “Introduction to the DIR Model,” participants are introduced to the core ideas of DIR and the paradigm shift it represents. Learners explore how relationships, play, regulation, and individual differences work together to support development and well-being for children and families.

The next course, “Foundations of DIR Theory,” builds on this introduction by offering a deeper theoretical grounding in the model. Participants examine the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities and explore how sensory processing, motor planning, communication, emotional regulation, and thinking interact dynamically within relationships. Through lecture, discussion, video analysis, and case-based learning, participants begin to see how Development, Individual Differences, and Relationships come together in the moment-to-moment flow of interaction.

The final course, “Foundations of DIR Practice,” brings these elements together through application and mentoring. Participants learn to use information about a child’s developmental capacities and individual differences to tailor intervention and support meaningful developmental progress. Through alternating live classes and small-group mentoring sessions guided by Profectum Faculty, learners analyze real cases, reflect on their own work, and practice integrating DIR principles into everyday interactions with children and families.

Together, these three courses provide an in-depth and supportive pathway into the DIR model and establish a strong foundation for professionals seeking to use DIR as a grounding framework for supporting families.

Topics

  • Foundational principles of the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model
  • The role of relationships in supporting emotional and cognitive development
  • The Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs) as a framework for understanding development
  • Play and Floortime as vehicles for engagement and learning
  • Regulation, co-regulation, and arousal in developmental progression
  • Individual Differences in sensory processing, motor planning, communication, and thinking
  • Cultural, familial, and ecological influences on development
  • Observational assessment and case-based learning within the DIR framework
  • Integrating Development, Individual Differences, and Relationships in practice


History

The Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model has offered innovative and relationship-centered methods for supporting families since the pivotal work of Drs. Serena Wieder and Stanley Greenspan in the 1970s. By the 1990s, formalized training became more accessible for professionals across disciplines to use the DIR model in transdisciplinary teams in many countries. Since 2011 Profectum has been offering training using a rich online platform to allow unparalleled accessibility for professionals across the globe. As legislation and health care plans in the US seek to offer access to more neurodiverse affirming, developmental, and relationship-based intervention options for families impacted by developmental differences, DIR is becoming an increasingly sought-after framework. Profectum’s new DIR Foundations Certificate Program is the most accessible, effective and deep training in the field, and has been informed by the work of Profectum’s expert Faculty.

Learning objectives

As a result of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the core principles of the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model and describe how development unfolds through the dynamic interaction of emotional capacities, individual differences, and relationships.
  • Observe and analyze interactions between children and caregivers using the DIR developmental framework, identifying functional emotional developmental capacities and key elements of the child’s individual profile.
  • Apply DIR principles to support children and families across settings by tailoring interactions and intervention strategies based on developmental capacities, individual differences, and the central role of relationships.

Criteria to take the course

  • Be able to commit to the planned time frame for each course
  • Be a working professional in any discipline who wants to integrate the DIR® model into their practice. Professional parents may take the course but will not be permitted to use their own child to show their work
  • Have a Bachelor's degree or higher
  • Clinical or educational licenses or credentials are required
  • Have access to a minimum of three cases with the ability to video their work with children or adults with a developmental disability throughout the course. Videos must be from a work setting

What participants are saying

Improved my understanding  of children

"This course helped me analyze each child’s FEDL level and structure play accordingly. It has greatly improved my interactions and understanding of the children I work with."

Strengthened my relationships with clients

"The course gave me in-depth ways to apply DIR and use the FEDL charts to meet clients at their level. It strengthened my relationships with clients and increased my confidence in my work."

Made my work easier and more effective

"I’ve brought more empathy into my floortime sessions, which has made my work easier and more effective. This course was a valuable and enjoyable experience."

Frequently asked questions

How much time will I need to spend on the course

The DIR Foundations Certificate Program comprises three courses.  The timing for each is listed below.

The Introduction to the DIR Model meets live online for 2 or 4 sessions with 120 minutes each. There are no required homework assignments, but participants seeking professional development credit will take a short assessment at the conclusion of the course. 

Foundations of DIR Theory meets for 15 sessions with 2-hour live class meetings. Participants should expect to spend about 1-2 hours per week outside of class time watching brief video presentations, engaging with self study activities, and practicing DIR techniques.  

Foundations of DIR Practice meets for 15 sessions with 2-hour live class meetings alternating with 2-hour mentoring sessions. Participants should expect to spend about 2 hours per week outside of class time watching brief video presentations, preparing video and mentoring summaries, and reviewing colleagues’ case materials.

How will this knowledge help me

You will be able to:

  • Use a DIR lens to gain new insights about what lies below the surface of observable behavior and how you can address root causes
  • Connect with children and families in ways that respond to what they really need
  • Skillfully use their own communication, emotional signaling, and physical presence to partner with children in their learning and exploration
  • Use individual developmental profiles to make more informed clinical and educational decisions
  • Observe, assess, and support the developmental skills that form the foundation of later communicating, thinking, and learning
  • Tailor interactional and environmental supports to increase comfort, engagement, and learning
  • Collaborate effectively across disciplines and make informed referrals to other professionals using a shared relational framework
  • Play in new ways to maximize developmental progress
  • Capitalize on the power of mutual, joyful interactions in changing the course of development
  • Utilize case-based learning and video review to learn more about children and families

What are the requirements to complete the course

The DIR Foundations Certificate Program consists of three courses listed below. They are designed to be completed in sequence, with no more than six months between each course.  Please refer to the certificate criteria of each course

  • Introduction to the DIR Model
  • Foundations of DIR Theory
  • Foundations of DIR Practice

What is the attendance policy

The DIR Foundations Certificate Program consists of three courses listed below. Please refer to the attendance policy for each course.

  • Introduction to the DIR Model
  • Foundations of DIR Theory
  • Foundations of DIR Practice

What is the payment, withdrawal and refund policy

The DIR Foundations Certificate Program consists of three courses listed below. Please refer to the payment, withdrawal and refund policy for each course.

  • Introduction to the DIR Model
  • Foundations of DIR Theory
  • Foundations of DIR Practice

What is the cancellation policy

The DIR Foundations Certificate Program consists of the three courses listed below. Please refer to the cancellation policy for each course.

  • Introduction to the DIR Model
  • Foundations of DIR Theory
  • Foundations of DIR Practice

What are the technology requirements

Participants are required to have reliable access to a device and internet connection that support full participation in all course activities. This includes the ability to:

  • Access and navigate the Learning Management System (LMS)
  • Download and view PDFs and other course materials
  • Watch streaming video content
  • Complete and submit online forms and assignments
  • Participate in live Zoom sessions with camera and audio enabled


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. 

A printer or access to a printer to print resources and materials, if desired is advisable.

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.