Current Course Schedule

The Spectrum of Play and Play on the Spectrum: Through a Dev-Ind-Diff, Relationship Model Lens (b-6)

The course examines the play of neurotypical and neurodiverse children and the impact of individual differences in sensory and motor processing on development and play. A core feature of the course is how to employ the Developmental-Individual Difference-Relationship Model (DIR/Floortime © ) to promote symbolic and emotional growth with children on the Autistic Spectrum. DIR builds the foundation for reciprocal interactions, joint attention and communication to develop the capacity to
express the full range of emotions, and to regulate anxiety and behavior using a teacher-caretaker mediated approach. This course presents the developmental spectrum of play and the manner in which play supports the formation of self-regulation, provides opportunities for children to experience agency, and is self-affirming. Play also addresses all areas of development simultaneously and is spontaneous and intrinsically motivated without the need for teacher-directed tasks. We will examine these themes as concept and practice. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to discuss challenges you may encounter related to children with whom you are working.
Term(s) offered: Spring and Summer
Format: online
  • Course Number
    SPED587N
  • Focus On
    Ages Birth - 6 Years
  • Category
    Credit-bearing Courses, Early Childhood, Online
  • Registration Options and Cost
    $425 12.0 CTLE or 1.2 CEU
    $1,761 1.0 Credits

Sections

Summer 2 2023

  • Section 1:
    Date(s)
    August 7 and 8 I Online
    Day and Time
    Monday and Tuesday , 10:30 AM–3:30 PM ET *2.5 hours of asynchronous work required
    Registration Deadline
    Aug 1, 2023
    Register
    • Serena Wieder
      Serena Wieder

Spring 2023

  • Section 1:
    Date(s)
    May 2, 3, 9, and 10 | Online *2.5 hours of asynchronous work required
    Day and Time
    Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5:00 PM–7:30 PM ET
    Registration Deadline
    Apr 25, 2023
    Register
    • Gilbert Foley
      Gilbert Foley
"It reinforced practices that we use at school, and it also helped us think of ways to talk to teachers about emotional learning, sensory systems, following child's interest, and such."

I learned "Development and cognition are multi-faceted, integrated with and affected by an array of variables; genetic components and environment have strong bearing on development and if we focus on relationships (in addition to having fundamental needs being met), areas of strength and developmental gaps, we can determine where and how to offer support."