Top DIR Floortime Certification Programs for Therapists
August 13, 2025
Find the best Floortime certification to match your CE needs and clinical goals. Compare ICDL and Profectum programs to choose the right fit for your practice.
Key Points:
- ICDL’s DIRFloortime certification runs from DIR 101 to 204, with CE credit only for live attendance and practicum case video requirements.
- Profectum offers CL1 and CL2 with monthly tutoring, multi-case projects, and final vignette reviews.
- Key differences include CE approvals, supervision structure, and case documentation needs.
Balancing client care, admin work, and CE deadlines can make choosing the right training feel like another full-time job. The best Floortime certification should strengthen your skills while fitting smoothly into your schedule.
Below, we’ll unpack the top programs so you can quickly spot which one matches your goals and workload.
ICDL DIRFloortime Certification: From DIR 101 to 204
ICDL offers a clear training sequence from the introductory DIR 101 to the advanced DIR 204. Understanding the time commitment, CE credits, tuition, and start dates helps you plan the best Floortime certification track for your goals.
DIR 101 runs as a 12-hour course, often with about 1.1 CEUs when offered for credit. DIR 201–203 are 14-week semesters with weekly two-hour sessions, adding up to roughly 28 hours of seat time each.
Only live attendance counts toward CE totals; prep, readings, and mentoring do not. Some SLP/OT listings split DIR 201 CEUs across two calendar years, which can affect audits. ICDL’s course catalog shows approvals for:
- ASHA CE (SLP)
- AOTA (OT)
- NBCC (counselors)
- ASWB (social workers)
Understanding the time commitment and CE credits helps you plan the best Floortime certification track for your goals.
Profectum DIR Certificate Levels One and Two
Profectum offers two structured training levels for those pursuing the best Floortime certification. Level One (CL1) runs for 12 months with webcast lectures, twice-monthly live classes, and monthly small-group tutoring. Group 90 lists tuition at $3,000 USD, paid either in full or through installments:
- Full payment includes a $425 non-refundable deposit.
- Installment plan starts at $940 (deposit + first payment), then five $515 payments.
Course pages detail units, workload, payment policies, attendance limits, and tech requirements.
Verify Small-Group Tutoring and Case Feedback
CL1 includes assigned tutoring groups, ongoing feedback, and a final multi-session “vignette” case presentation plus a 20-minute one-on-one review. Requirements include access to at least three work-setting cases with video across the year. Attendance limits apply, with make-ups available via recordings and written reflections.
On the other hand, CL2 maintains the same tutoring structure and advances case-based skills. Current CL2 schedules are posted on the certificate training overview and group pages. This structured approach is why many therapists consider it a strong Floortime therapy certification option.
ICDL vs Profectum: Key Differences for Therapists
Both ICDL and Profectum offer structured Floortime training programs, but their approaches to CE credits, supervision, and case work differ in ways that can affect your choice.
ICDL maintains dedicated CE pages and holds approvals for:
- ASHA (SLP)
- AOTA (OT)
- NBCC (counselors - ACEP #6733)
- ASWB (social work)
CE credit applies only to live seat time. Some licensed courses from outside partners may not carry ICDL-issued CE.
Profectum, on the other hand, highlights accredited CE mainly for conferences via partner arrangements. Certificate-course pages focus on training format, tuition, and tutoring rather than CE approvals. Clinicians usually confirm CE acceptance with their own boards.
Supervision, Mentoring, and Case Video Needs
ICDL’s practicum courses require recorded case work: two cases each for DIR 201 and DIR 202, plus coaching videos for DIR 203. Profectum’s CL1 requires three work-setting cases across the year, small-group tutoring, and a multi-session final vignette with individual feedback.
Both emphasize video quality, consent, and consistent reflective discussion. These requirements shape the hands-on experience you gain from a Floortime therapy certification.
Best Floortime Certification Factors That Matter Most
Choosing the best Floortime certification means weighing more than just tuition or program length. CE timing, time zones, and workload can all impact your experience and licensing needs.
Match License CE Needs and Audits
License boards audit on a set cycle, so aligning CE dates with your renewal period is essential.
- CE credit applies only for live attendance, not prep or mentoring.
- Some DIR 201 courses split CE across two years for SLP/OT, which can affect audit records.
- ICDL lists approval pages for ASHA, AOTA (Approved Provider), NBCC, and ASWB.
- Counselors can check ICDL’s NBCC ACEP listing; social workers can check the ASWB ACE provider listing.
Download CE certificates promptly and confirm your course dates meet licensing requirements.
Enrollment Plan That Fits Real Clinic Schedules
A structured plan helps you complete a DIR Floortime course online while managing client care. Sequencing courses and preparing for recording needs keeps the process smooth.
An advanced certificate can be finished in about a year when cohorts align. One workable plan is:
- Month 1: DIR 101
- Months 2–4: DIR 201 (14 weeks)
- Months 5–7: DIR 202
- Months 8–10: DIR 203
- Months 11–12: Case video editing, make-up sessions, final paperwork
Weekly two-hour sessions plus filming need dedicated time in your schedule. If classes fall during holidays or time zone conflicts, plan buffers or back-to-back cohorts.
Prepare Consent, Recording Setup, and Caregiver Time
Most Floortime training programs require recording and presenting cases. ICDL and Profectum policies prohibit using your own child and require videos from a work setting.
School recordings may be considered education records under FERPA, while healthcare settings must follow HIPAA for privacy and storage. Have signed consent, secure storage, a dependable camera/mic, and time for caregiver involvement before the first class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ICDL stand for in Floortime?
ICDL stands for the International Council on Development and Learning, the nonprofit that runs the DIRFloortime® Training Program. ICDL provides the core DIR 101–204 course path, mentoring, electives, and CE credit info, with strict rules for attendance, seat time, and time zones.
What is the difference between ABA and DIRFloortime?
The main difference between ABA and DIRFloortime is their approach. ABA uses structured behavioral methods with defined targets and measurable outcomes. DIRFloortime builds emotional and social development through child-led, affect-rich interactions.
What is Floortime ADHD?
Floortime for ADHD builds co-regulation, attention, and problem-solving to support executive function. Studies show it improves time perception in students with ADHD, matching cognitive rehab effects. Gains in time perception enhance planning, focus, and task completion when paired with school supports.
Start Your Training With the Right Support
Building skills that strengthen relationships and foster growth begins with selecting the best Floortime certification in New Jersey for your professional goals. The right training can help you connect with children more effectively, guide families, and apply strategies that create lasting progress.
WonDIRfulPlay is ready to support your next step in professional development. Reach out to us today to explore your options and start making a greater impact in your work.
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