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

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:

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

Minnesota does not license behavior analysts. Interested providers must pursue training and certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). For official ABA inquiries, refer to BACB – Contact us.

Provider levels and certification requirements

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

1. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT):

2. Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA):

3. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA):

4. Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral (BCBA-D):

Becoming 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:

Locating a provider

To locate a current ABA provider, refer to BACB – Find/contact a BACB certificant.

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 trainings

DHS, in partnership with Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), is offering free subscriptions for EIDBI Level III providers to access online RBT courses. For more information, refer to EIDBI – Individual EIDBI provider trainings.

Additional ABA resources

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

The Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (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 he/she learns within the laws and regulations of Minnesota and within the scope of practice of his/her profession.

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

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 1 Certification:

2. Provider with a Level 2 Certification:

3. Provider with a Level 3 Certification:

4. Provider with a Level 4 Certification:

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 additional professional and parent training courses. For more information, refer to Greenspan Floortime Approach – Professional training and Greenspan Floortime Approach – Parents: How to learn Greenspan Floortime.

Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL)

The Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (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 entering the professional certification program, a provider 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):

2. DIRFloortime Certificate of Proficiency (DIR-Proficient):

3. DIRFloortime Advanced Certificate (DIR-Advanced):

4. DIRFloortime Expert Training Leader Certificate (DIR-Expert Training Leader):

For more information about becoming certified, refer to ICLD – DIRFloortime course catalog.

Additional ICDL trainings

ICLD offers additional courses, manuals and videos for parents and professionals. For more information, refer to ICDL – Learning resources.

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 becoming certified, refer to Profectum – Certificate Programs in DIR-FCD Model for Professionals.

Additional Profectum trainings

Profectum offers additional training courses. For more information, refer to Profectum – DIR-FCD introductory and non-certificate courses for parents and professionals.

Locating a provider

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

Additional DIR/Floortime resources

The Floortime Center
Greenspan Floortime Approach
ICDL
Profectum

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) integrates a relationship-focused, developmental model with Applied Behavior Analysis (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:

To learn more about the certification process, refer to:

Locating a provider

To locate a certified ESDM therapist, refer to ESDM – Certified ESDM providers.

Additional ESDM resources

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

The Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters (PLAY) Project is an evidence-based, parent-implemented, early intervention program. For more information, refer to the PLAY Project section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities.

Minnesota does not license certified PLAY Project therapists. Interested providers should pursue training and certification through PLAY Project. For official PLAY Project inquires, contact info@playproject.org.

Provider levels and certification requirements

The following providers are certified to provide PLAY Project services:

Certification process

To become certified, the provider must:

1. Submit an application.

2. Participate in the intensive workshop.

3. Participate in the online course.

4. Undergo a rigorous supervision process.

To learn more about the certification process, refer to PLAY Project – Certification process or PLAY project – certification orientation.

Locating a provider

To locate a certified PLAY Project Consultant, refer to PLAY Project – Find a PLAY Project near you.

Additional PLAY Project resources

PLAY Project

Relationship Development Intervention (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 RDI Connect. For official RDI inquires, contact professionals@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:

Certification process

To become certified, the provider must:

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

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.

Locating a provider

To locate a RDI provider, refer to RDIconnect – Certified Program Consultants Directory and select United States and the appropriate state.

Additional RDI resources

RDIconnect

Early Social Interaction (ESI) is an early intervention approach for toddlers (younger than age 3) who are at risk of or have a diagnosis of ASD and their families.

Provider levels and certification requirements

There are five tiers of ESI providers:

Certification process

The certification process varies based on the tier:

Additional ESI resources

Autism Navigator
Autism Navigator for Early Intervention Providers – Professional Development Tiers to Support Effective Implementation (PDF)
info@autismnavigator.com