A full-day, relationship-based program for children with an autism diagnosis. A therapeutic alternative to a traditional preschool or ABA program, led by a DIR-Expert practitioner.
Out-of-network provider. We verify your benefits before anything starts.
A full-day program, not an after-school program and not a series of appointments. Our daily routine provides the predictability children need, with intentional flexibility to follow each child's lead, interests, and developmental needs.
Sensory supports are part of the whole day, starting at drop-off.
Play led by the child's interests, which is where connection and communication grow.
1:1 adult support to help children navigate peer interactions and build social confidence.
Learning through play, with a focus on building the developmental foundations for connection, communication, and thinking.
Low-pressure opportunities to explore new foods while building comfort, curiosity, and confidence around eating.
Water is part of the therapy, not a break from it.
Clear, calm handoffs between activities and at pickup.
DIR/Floortime is a developmental, relationship-based approach. Growth happens as each capacity builds on one another.
Feeling calm and safe enough to engage.
Sharing attention and enjoyment with a trusted adult.
Back-and-forth exchanges, with or without words.
Staying connected through challenges while becoming more flexible with change, new ideas, and different solutions.
Using play, imagination, and communication to express ideas, feelings, and experiences.
Connecting thoughts, feelings, and experiences to understand why things happen and consider different perspectives.
Navigating gray areas and reflecting on thoughts, feelings, and experiences with greater flexibility.
Curious about the research? Explore the evidence behind DIR/Floortime and what research tells us about supporting children through developmental, relationship-based care. Read the research.
We accept Medicaid for DIR/Floortime services and are out-of-network with commercial insurance plans.
A short, secure form. It takes a few minutes.
You get a clear breakdown of what your plan reimburses.
Required before enrollment, and prior authorization where your plan needs it.
Most families reach this point within two weeks to a month.
For Medicaid families, we obtain the required prior authorization before services begin. For commercial insurance, we verify your out-of-network benefits and expected reimbursement so you understand your coverage before getting started. Families may submit superbills or choose to have us handle claims directly. When appropriate, we can also pursue a single case agreement, although approval is determined by your insurance plan and cannot be guaranteed.
Check your benefits
Children learn best when they feel safe, connected and understood.
Founder and Clinical Director. Courtney designed the day program and works on the floor with the team, alongside occupational therapy staff and DIR/Floortime assistants.
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"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work you did with our children this summer. Your dedication, patience, and expertise made a significant impact on their growth and development. Your ability to connect with them and make Floortime therapy a joyful experience was truly remarkable."
"It's only been a few weeks but I've seen so many changes. More spontaneous language, more connection, and better interactions with his sister."
"Since starting DIR/Floortime, my child is more engaged and regulated, with real growth in communication and everyday connections."
"Thank you Courtney for your expert care and devoted patience in helping our child."
"Thank you for the love, patience, and support you have given our child throughout his time at CFD. We are so grateful for everything you have done to help him grow, learn, and feel supported. We will always appreciate the special role you have played in his journey."
"Thank you for being a guiding force in our child's journey. Your expertise is like a steady stream for which we have so much gratitude."
"We cannot express enough the gratitude we feel. My children have come a very long way since we started working with you, Courtney. The skills you teach will help them thrive, wherever life takes them. I appreciate your guidance with my gang."
"Thank you for being such an amazing group. We are so grateful for the love, support, and care you show our child every day, and for creating a safe space where he feels happy and supported. Your kindness and dedication mean so much to our family. Thank you for all that you do."
We are out of network. We verify your benefits before services begin and give you a clear breakdown of what your plan will reimburse. Medicaid is accepted for DIR/Floortime services.
Benefits verification and an evaluation usually take two weeks to a month.
Yes, the day program is for children ages 3 to 6 with an autism diagnosis. If your child does not have one, Harbor Academy, our developmental preschool, may be the right fit.
Yes. It is a full day that replaces a traditional preschool placement.
No. It is a full-day program that takes the place of preschool, not an add-on at the end of the school day.
That is useful information, not a failure. It usually tells us where to start.
Book a free consultation and tour. Pick a time on the next screen. We also email you the booking link, and remind you before your visit.
Fairfield location coming soon. Ask us about it at your visit and we will add you to the list.
Please do not include medical or insurance details here. Prefer to talk to someone? Call 973-830-9248.