Minnesota Minnesota

Early Intensive Development and Behavioral Intervention Manual

Early Intensive Development and Behavioral Intervention Manual

Treatment modalities – Certified providers

Page posted: 7/31/18

Page reviewed: 7/12/24

Page updated: 7/1/25

Legal authority

CMS-approved state plan amendment – 2017 (PDF), CMS-approved state plan amendment – 2018 update (PDF), CMS-approved state plan amendment – 2019 update (PDF), Minn. Stat. §256B.0949

Overview

A person may receive treatment intervention according to one of the DHS-recognized treatment modalities.

This page explains the different levels of providers qualified to implement each modality, how to become a certified provider and how to locate and contact a certified provider.

DHS recognizes the following treatment modalities:

  • · Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
  • · Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR)/Floortime model.
  • · Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).
  • · Relationship Development Intervention (RDI).
  • For more information about each modality, refer to EIDBI – Treatment modalities. For more information about intervention as a covered service, refer to EIDBI – Intervention.

    Provider shortage

    Across Minnesota and the nation, communities are experiencing a shortage of qualified healthcare providers. The provider shortage particularly affects rural areas. To learn about what Minnesota is doing to build provider capacity, refer to DHS – Building EIDBI provider capacity.

    Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

    ABA is a set of data-driven practices grounded in behavioral science. For more information, refer to the ABA section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities.

    As of Jan. 1, 2025, providers cannot practice ABA without a license. Behavior analysts may apply for the licensure through Board of Psychology – Applying for licensed behavior analyst. For more information, refer to the Oct. 8, 2024, eList announcement.

    Provider levels and certification requirements

    The following four types of providers are certified to implement ABA services:

    1. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT):

  • · Practices under the supervision of a BCBA-D, BCBA or BCaBA.
  • · Directly implements behavior analytic services (refer to BACB – RBT task list).
  • · Meets specific BACB – RBT requirements.
  • 2. Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA):

  • · Practices under the supervision of a BCBA-D or BCBA.
  • · Can supervise the work of an RBT.
  • · Has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and meets specific BACB – BCaBA requirements.
  • 3. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA):

  • · Practices independently.
  • · Performs tasks outlined in the BACB – BCBA task list.
  • · Can supervise the work of an RBT or a BCaBA.
  • · Has a graduate-level degree and meets specific BACB – BCBA requirements.
  • 4. Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral (BCBA-D):

  • · Is a BCBA with doctoral training in behavior analysis.
  • · Functions in the same capacity as a BCBA (i.e., does not have special privileges beyond the BCBA credential).
  • · Meets specific BACB – BCBA-D designation requirements.
  • Become a provider

    To locate a university with an accredited doctorate or master’s degree program in ABA, refer to ABAI – Accreditation board – Accredited programs.

    Universities and colleges in Minnesota with ABA programming include:

  • · Capella University.
  • · Saint Cloud State University.
  • · University of Minnesota.
  • Locate a provider

    To locate a current ABA provider, refer to BACB – BACB certificant registry.

    Provider agencies can search for high-quality candidates, post job openings and browse the Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) resume bank on ABAI – Career central.

    Provider agencies also can post job openings at the agency or find continuing education opportunities in behavior analysis on Minnesota Northland Association for Behavior Analysis (MNABA).

    Additional ABA resources

    Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
    Behavior Analysist Certification Board (BACB)
    Minnesota Northland Association for Behavior Analysis (MNABA)
    Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA)

    DIR/Floortime Model

    The DIR/Floortime Model creates opportunities for learning through spontaneous exchanges. These exchanges help the person build critical developmental abilities. For more information, refer to the DIR/Floortime Model section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities.

    Each person who holds a DIR/Floortime certification must use the information they learn within the laws and regulations of Minnesota and within the scope of practice of their profession.

    Minnesota does not license DIR/Floortime providers. Interested providers must pursue training and certification through one of the following certifying entities:

  • · Greenspan Floortime Approach.
  • · Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL).
  • · Profectum.
  • Each certifying entity has its own approach to the implementation of the DIR/Floortime model.

    Greenspan Floortime Approach

    The Greenspan Floortime Approach Training and Certification Program offers evidence-based treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions. Training in this approach provides certification based on a curriculum created by Dr. Greenspan.

    Greenspan Floortime provider levels and certification requirements

    The following four providers are certified to provide Greenspan Floortime Approach services:

    1. Provider with a Level 100 Certification:

  • · Has a one-year provisional license to provide Greenspan Floortime Approach services.
  • · Must begin Level 200 training within one year of receiving the provisional license to maintain it.
  • 2. Provider with a Level 200 Certification:

  • · Is a non-provisional practitioner of Greenspan Floortime Approach.
  • · Cannot coach parents or professionals.
  • 3. Provider with a Level 300 Certification:

  • · Must fulfill training requirements similar to Level 200 training.
  • · Can coach parents and professionals in Greenspan Floortime Approach during their sessions with families.
  • 4. Provider with a Level 400 Certification:

  • · Must fulfill training requirements similar to Level 300 training.
  • · Is allowed to give educational lectures on Greenspan Floortime Approach.
  • For more information about becoming certified, refer to Greenspan Floortime Approach – Certification program

    Additional Greenspan Floortime trainings

    The Floortime Manual provides practical information for using Greenspan Floortime Approach. To register for the online manual or purchase a copy of the print manual, refer to Greenspan Floortime Approach – The Floortime Manual.

    Greenspan Floortime also offers more professional and parent training courses. For more information, refer to Greenspan Floortime Approach – Professional training and Greenspan Floortime Approach – Parents.

    Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL)

    The ICDL offers the DIRFloortime Certification Program with training from approved providers. The training is available online and in person.

    ICDL provider levels and certification requirements

    Before a provider enters the professional certification program, they must complete the DIR 101 Introduction to DIR and DIRFloortime course.

    The following four providers are certified to provide DIRFloortime services:

    1. DIRFloortime Basic Certificate (DIR-Basic):

  • · Successfully completes DIR 201.
  • · Works with the first four Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities.
  • 2. DIRFloortime Certificate of Proficiency (DIR-Proficient):

  • · Successfully completes DIR 201 and 202.
  • · Works with all six Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities.
  • 3. DIRFloortime Advanced Certificate (DIR-Advanced):

  • · Successfully completes DIR 201, 202 and 203.
  • · Works with all six Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities.
  • · Coaches families.
  • 4. DIRFloortime Expert Training Leader Certificate (DIR-Expert Training Leader):

  • · Successfully completes DIR 201, 202, 203 and 204.
  • · Works with all six Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities.
  • · Coaches families.
  • · Is an ICDL training leader.
  • For more information about becoming certified, refer to ICLD – DIRFloortime course catalog.

    Additional ICDL trainings

    ICLD offers more courses, manuals and videos for parents and professionals. For more information, refer to ICDL – Parents and caregivers and ICDL – Professionals.

    Profectum

    The Profectum foundation builds on the DIR model developed by Dr. Greenspan and Serena Wieder. Profectum developed the Foundational Capacities for Development (FCD) model to provide a framework to help parents and providers apply different approaches to help a person at various stages of development across the lifespan.

    Profectum provider levels and certification requirements

    The following two providers are certified to provide DIR-FCD services:

    1. Professional DIR-FCD Certificate in Emotional, Social and Cognitive Development – Level 1 (CL1) course.

    2. Professional DIR-FCD Certificate in Emotional, Social and Cognitive Development – Level 2 (CL2) course.

    A professional also can become certified as a DIR-FCD trainer through the Training Certification Program.

    For more information about certification, refer to Profectum – Certificate programs.

    Additional Profectum trainings

    Profectum offers more training courses. For more information, refer to Profectum – Courses and masterclasses.

    Locate a provider

    To locate a certified DIR/Floortime provider, refer to:

  • · Greenspan Floortime Approach – Find a therapist.
  • · ICDL DIRectory of Floortime providers.
  • · Profectum Contact us.
  • Additional DIR/Floortime resources

    The Floortime Center
    Greenspan Floortime Approach
    ICDL
    Profectum

    Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

    The ESDM integrates a relationship-focused, developmental model with ABA teaching practices. For more information, refer to the ESDM section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities.

    Minnesota does not license certified ESDM therapists. Interested providers must pursue training and certification through the ESDM Training Program. For official ESDM inquires, contact esdmtraining@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.

    Provider levels and certification requirements

    The following providers are certified to provide ESDM:

  • · Certified Therapist: Certified to deliver ESDM therapies.
  • · Certified Parent Coach: Certified to deliver ESDM therapies and provide parent coaching.
  • · Apprentice Trainer (AT): Certified to deliver ESDM therapies and approved to pursue trainer status.
  • · Certified Trainer: Certified to deliver ESDM training workshops and supervise ESDM therapists to certification.
  • · Parent Coach Trainer: Certified to train therapists in the ESDM parent coaching methods.
  • · Senior Trainer: Certified to deliver ESDM training workshops and certify ESDM trainers, therapists and parent coaches.
  • To learn more about the certification process, refer to ESDM – Certification levels.

    Locate a provider

    To locate a certified ESDM therapist, refer to ESDM – ESDM certified therapists.

    Additional ESDM resources

    ESDM

    Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

    RDI is a family-based, behavioral treatment. For more information, refer to the RDI section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities.

    Minnesota does not license RDI providers. Interested providers should pursue training and certification through RDIconnect. For official RDI inquires, contact info@rdiconnect.com.

    Provider levels and certification requirements

    RDI is a unique educational program available to professionals with a broad range of backgrounds and specialty areas. The entire program typically takes a year or less to complete and includes the following steps:

  • · Professional Training Course Part I: Complete online and in-person coursework.
  • · Professional Supervision: Work with families under the direct supervision of an RDI Training Supervisor who guides and mentors them through projects.
  • · Professional Training Course Part II: Advanced Seminar: Expand on information from the first professional training course and professional supervision experiences.
  • Certification process

    To become certified, the provider must:

    1. Complete a bachelor’s degree in any field before they apply.

    2. Submit a completed Application for Certification.

    3. Sign and return the contract along with further training requirements.

    For more information, refer to RDIconnect – Professional training program.

    Locate a provider

    To locate an RDI provider, refer to RDIconnect – Certified program consultants and select United States and the appropriate state.

    Additional RDI resources

    RDIconnect

    Additional resources

    DHS – Building capacity for EIDBI providers
    EIDBI – Individual EIDBI provider trainings
    EIDBI – Intervention
    EIDBI – Level III provider qualifications, roles and responsibilities
    EIDBI – Overview of training for EIDBI providers
    EIDBI – Treatment modalities

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