Introduction to the DIR® Model

In the Introduction to the DIR Model Course, you will explore the core components of the DIR model—Developmental, Individual Differences, and Relationship-based practice—and learn how these elements come together to foster meaningful growth in children and families across settings. This course serves as an entry point for different pathways to learning the DIR model at Profectum and welcomes anyone interested in using a relational approach to development.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

Practitioners, educators, paraprofessionals and parents seeking a warm and inspiring welcome into the DIR model. 

Course DATES AND TIME

May 17 & May 31, 2026 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm eastern

LENGTH OF COURSE

Two 4-hour sessions

Format

Instructor led - live online via Zoom

CERTIFICATE

Certificate of Completion: Introduction to the DIR® Model

Payment options
Pay in full: $295

Parents pay $148 - email training@profectum.org for a coupon code.

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

Michele Ricamato, MA, CCC-SLP

Michele is a licensed speech and language pathologist, who works primarily with children diagnosed on the autistic spectrum. Michele is one of three founders of Soaring Eagle Academy, a school for children with special needs that utilizes developmental language intervention and the DIR® model. In addition, she has a private practice in the western suburbs of Chicago. Michele has a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Northwestern University (1995).

Course overview

This introductory course is an inspiring overview of key elements of the DIR model for parents, paraprofessionals, educators, clinicians, and anyone who is interested in centering relationships in the service of children and families.

In this course, you’ll learn to:

  • Understand the role of affect, attunement, and co-regulation in supporting development.
  • Identify the ways in which play can empower and entice children to expand their abilities in thinking, communicating, and relating.
  • Embody a sense of hope and motivation to align your interactions with a relational, developmental way of thinking
  • Use a DIR lens to gain new insights about what lies below the surface of observable behavior and how you can support root causes through the power of relationships!


You will learn how DIR represents a paradigm shift from traditional, behavior-based, medical models of intervention and how DIR is inherently a neurodiversity-affirming approach. DIR provides a rich, interdisciplinary framework for mobilizing relationships to change the course of development for children and families navigating neurodivergence, developmental differences, challenging behaviors, differences in communicating and relating, or any obstacle to development. Through the use of relationships, a nuanced understanding of a person’s developmental capacities, and a deep appreciation of their unique way of taking in and acting on the world, DIR provides a powerful way to see and support others in the service of development and well-being.

Watching DIR in action can feel like someone is performing magic. When a child who is hesitant to engage is suddenly laughing with their caregiver, we know something very special is happening - but it can be difficult to replicate these moments. In this course, you will learn that there is a method to the magic. Practical training and personal stories from parents and practitioners help you understand the DIR model from the inside.Introduction to the DIR Model is open to all participants and serves as the gateway into the Profectum DIR Foundations Certificate Program. This course is for anyone working with, living with, or caring for children or individuals with disabilities, neurodiversity, or differences.

Topics

  • Core principles of the DIR model: Development, Individual Differences, and Relationships
  • DIR’s developmental framework: The Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs)
  • Differences between relationship-based and compliance-based intervention models
  • The role of Floortime in DIR practice
  • The centrality of attuned relationships
  • The role of play in development and intervention
  • Understanding regulation and co-regulation
  • Neurodiversity-affirming and culturally responsive practice
  • Strategies for ongoing DIR learning and advocacy

Learning objectives

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

  • Explain how DIR represents a paradigm shift from behaviorally-based models of developmental intervention.
  • Identify the 3 major components of the DIR model that shape interaction between children and caregivers.
  • List 3 strategies used in DIR-based intervention to support development.
  • Explain the various ways parents and professionals can deepen their understanding of the DIR model and advocate for its implementation across contexts.

Criteria to take the course

You must be able to commit to the planned time frame. Unlike other Profectum certificate programs, participants in the Introduction to the DIR Model course are not required to hold university or college degrees. Clinical or educational licenses, certifications, or credentials are also not required as this course is meant for a general audience.

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 Introduction to the DIR Model course meets live online for two 4-hour sessions. There are no required homework assignments.

How will this knowledge help me

You will be able to:

  • Understand the role of affect, attunement, and co-regulation in supporting development.
  • Identify the ways in which play can empower and entice children to expand their abilities in thinking, communicating, and relating.
  • Embody a sense of hope and motivation to align their interactions with a relational, developmental way of thinking
  • Use a DIR lens to gain new insights about what lies below the surface of observable behavior and how you can support root causes through the power of relationships!

What are the requirements to complete the course

You will receive a certificate of completion upon full participation in all scheduled sessions.  Attendance is required for the entire duration of each session. If any session is missed, you will need to retake and complete the course in full at a future offering in order to receive a certificate of completion.

What is the attendance policy

Attendance is required for the entire duration of each session. If any session is missed, you will need to retake and complete the course in full at a future offering in order to receive a certificate.

What is the payment, withdrawal and refund policy

The fee for the Introduction to the DIR Model Course is $295.

Payment must be made in full before the course begins.

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 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.