Foundations of DIR® Practice

The final course in the DIR Foundations Certificate Program sequence brings together the core components of the DIR model into a cohesive, integrated framework for practice. You will engage in advanced case-based learning, applying developmental theory, individual-differences knowledge, and relational understanding to structured observation and formulation. As you develop your DIR knowledge, you will focus on how to utilize information about a child’s developmental capacities and individual differences to tailor intervention. Mentoring sessions, one of Profectum’s most empowering learning experiences, offer a rich opportunity to examine and reflect on real cases. This course completes the requirements for licensed professionals seeking the DIR Foundations Certificate.
Please do not register unless your Foundations of DIR Theory application has been accepted.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

Licensed/credentialed professionals and educators working with individuals with developmental and learning differences.

STARTING DATE AND TIME

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm eastern

LENGTH OF COURSE

15 2-hour sessions meeting once per week

Format

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

CERTIFICATE

Profectum DIR® Foundations Certificate

Payment options
Pay in full: $1400 or 2 monthly payments of $700 each

IMPORTANT: Please read the "Payment, Withdrawal and Refund Policy" in the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Special Offer
Organizations registering three or more participants from the same organization are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition for each participant. This offer is designed to support collaborative learning within teams and departments.
Bespoke team training
For customized, team-focused training for groups of eight or more, please contact us at training@profectum.org. We’d be happy to discuss tailored options to meet your organization’s learning goals.
course instructor

Sherri Cawn, MA, CCC-SLP

Sherri Cawn, MA, CCC-SLP, Principal Speech Language Pathologist and Senior Clinical Adviser (formerly owner/clinical director of Cawn-Krantz and Associates) at Positive Development is a leading practitioner of the DIRFloortime® model and trains clinicians in the US and internationally. Sherri is the author of two ASHA self-study programs as well as Senior Faculty at Profectum. She co-authored The Profectum Parent Toolbox, that provides free web-based lectures to guide families in learning Floortime in the comfort of their home.

Course overview

Engage with foundational DIR concepts to learn crucial skills:

  • Embed Floortime principles into everyday practice with children and families across settingsTailor interactions, communication, and environments to align with each child’s developmental capacities and individual profile
  • Use a DIR lens to observe and analyze interactions, recognizing how developmental, relational, and individual factors influence behavior and growth
  • Apply a reflective stance and case-based learning in DIR to real-world situations, deepening clinical reasoning and decision-making
  • Develop meaningful case formulations within your scope of practice to describe a child’s profile, identify needs, and guide intervention planning.
  • Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams with greater clarity, confidence, and shared understanding of development


The final course in the DIR Foundations Certificate Program sequence brings together the core components of the DIR model into a cohesive, integrated framework for practice. You will engage in advanced case-based learning, applying developmental theory, individual-differences knowledge, and relational understanding to structured observation and formulation.

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on integration — moving beyond isolated concepts toward dynamic, real-world application. You will refine your ability to identify developmental capacities, recognize the influence of sensory and regulatory systems, and conceptualize how relationships support growth.

The course prominently features Profectum’s renowned mentoring, a powerful learning experience that bridges theory and practice in a deeply personal and collaborative way. In intimate small-group mentoring sessions, you’ll grow your ability to tailor interactions, develop more nuanced case formulations, and make intentional decisions in the moment with children and families. At the same time, the mentoring process builds community and supports self-examination in co-regulation, attunement, and relational connection.

Through this experience, you will move beyond understanding DIR conceptually to living it in your everyday work—growing in confidence, theoretical and practical clarity, relational presence, and capacity as a DIR practitioner.

This course completes the requirements for licensed professionals seeking the DIR Foundations Certificate.

Topics

  • Advanced integration of Development, Individual Differences, and Relationships
  • Structured observational assessment and developmental profiling
  • Case-based formulation and intervention planning
  • Mentoring and reflective dialogue
  • Identifying strengths and vulnerabilities across developmental capacities
  • Applying DIR principles across clinical, educational, and community settings
  • Ethical, culturally responsive, and neurodiversity-affirming integration
  • Professional growth within relationship-based practice

Learning objectives

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

  • Utilize case-based learning and reflective practice in the application of DIR principles and strategies in real-world intervention.
  • Demonstrate an emerging use of DIR strategies that promote relational synchrony, support developmental growth, and tailor interactions to individual profiles.
  • Explain transdisciplinary strategies to tailor activities and environments for children based on their developmental capacities and individual strengths and needs.
  • Construct a case presentation that highlights the use of FEDCs, individual differences, and relationship-based intervention to support a child’s development.

Criteria to take the course

  • Completion of the Introduction to the DIR Model within the last 12-months and completion of the Foundations of DIR Theory Course within the last 6-months
  • Clinical or educational licenses or credentials are required.
  • Have a Bachelor's degree or higher.
  • Have access to a minimum of three cases with the ability to video your 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

Foundations of DIR Practice meets live online for nine 2-hour classes alternating with six 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:

  • Embed Floortime principles into everyday practice with children and families across settings
  • Tailor interactions, communication, and environments to align with each child’s developmental capacities and individual profile
  • Use a DIR lens to observe and analyze interactions, recognizing how developmental, relational, and individual factors influence behavior and growth
  • Apply a reflective stance and case-based learning in DIR to real-world situations, deepening clinical reasoning and decision-making
  • Develop meaningful case formulations within your scope of practice to describe a child’s profile, identify needs, and guide intervention planning.
  • Collaborate across transdisciplinary teams with greater clarity, confidence, and shared understanding of development

What are the requirements to complete the course

You will receive a certificate of completion upon meeting the course requirements. 

Certificates for professionals are available upon completion of the Profectum DIR Foundations Certificate Program. All three courses in that program must be completed within 6 months of one another. 

Course requirements:

  • Attend all online classes, with no more than two absences. Any missed class must be viewed via Zoom recording within 2 weeks and all self study assignments must be completed.
  • 100% completion of all self study assignments including submitting them for review where applicable.
  • All mentoring materials must be completed and submitted on time.
  • Successfully complete the course assessment with a score of 80% or higher.
  • Preparation of a recorded case-presentation with write up.
  • View and prepare questions to facilitate discussion of classmates’ presentations.
  • Actively participate in online class discussions and the class discussion board.
  • Use required technology as instructed: keep camera on during class and use the Learning Management System (LMS).

What is the attendance policy

Attend all online classes, with no more than two absences. Any missed class must be viewed via Zoom recording within 2 weeks and all self study  and mentoring assignments must be completed on time.

What is the payment, withdrawal and refund policy

The fee for the Foundations of DIR Practice Course is $1400. 

Full payment ($1400) or two monthly payments ($700 x 2)

If you submit payment and withdraw from this course at least 15 working days (Mon-Fri) BEFORE the start date of the course, you will receive a refund minus a cancelation fee of $75. If requests to withdraw are received after this time, no refund is given and you are responsible for full payment of the course. Requests to withdraw must be sent via email to training@profectum.org.

Under certain circumstances, you may be able to begin training again with a course scheduled at a later date, but the full course payment is still due as scheduled for the initial course registration.

In the event that a course is canceled, you will be notified immediately via email and a credit will be issued toward a rescheduled course group 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.

What is the cancellation policy

We strive to accommodate start times and international time zones for our participants and, therefore, reserve the right to adjust course start dates and times as needed. A minimum number of participants are required to run each scheduled course offering. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone a scheduled group if the required number of participants is not achieved.

Contact training@profectum.org if you have questions.In the event that a course group is canceled, you will be notified immediately via email and a credit will be issued toward a rescheduled course group 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.

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.