Make a meaningful impact on children and families by learning crucial skills and knowledge for paraprofessionals! Whether you work in schools, clinics, homes, or are currently seeking to learn more, this comprehensive, engaging and interactive certificate course will equip you with the understanding and information needed to implement the core components of the DIR model—Development, Individual Differences, and Relationships, creating a supportive, nurturing environment for children’s growth and development. You’ll learn the importance of parent-child relationships and how DIR relates to neurodivergence, developmental differences, behavior, and culture. Emphasis will be placed on fostering a welcoming, inclusive learning community that encourages you to apply DIR thinking in your everyday work.

Paraprofessionals play a vital role in the growth and development of children with a wide range of abilities. Supporting the unique role of paraprofessionals in clinical and educational settings, we’ll focus on deepening understanding of the DIR model and applying its core principles, providing a guiding light into child development. Additionally, you will learn skills and strategies that will transform your work into a more relational, affirming, and integrated practice.

The course also covers the dynamics of working on a transdisciplinary team and highlights the unique role each service provider plays in supporting development through relationship-based practice. Finally, you will engage in critical self-reflection and examine your own experience providing care for children and families, welcoming in a new understanding about who we are and the impact we make.