“DIR®/Floortime has the strongest research of any intervention to support its effectiveness in improving the core challenges of autism including relating, interacting and communicating while decreasing caregiver stress and improving parent-child relationships.”

Math, science, reading and writing all find their way into every school curriculum, but too rarely are social and emotional development considered in school past the early childhood years. Although some schools are realizing the value of character education, teachers have a lot of curriculum material to teach and social skills simply don’t get priority. While classroom subjects have an obvious place in schools, some educators and parents may not see a direct link between social and emotional intelligence and classroom success. Research at Pennsylvania State University reports that children who have been exposed to social and emotional learning over an extensive amount of time demonstrated improved attention and working memory, which are key functions of the prefrontal cortex area of the brain. An individual who has social confidence, emotional stability and a clear sense of self will ultimately lead a more successful and happy life.

Regular consultation with psychologists is an important practise of the multidisciplinary team at Oakwood Academy. It provides ongoing professional development, as well as case-specific guidance, to the Oakwood Academy team.

Oakwood Academy has had the privilege of maintaining long-term mentoring and training relationships with several psychologists, who are expert in the DIR®/Floortime model.

The Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based model, or DIR® Model, supports young learners in developing crucial social, emotional, and intellectual capabilities through tailored education and interaction. The DIR® model focuses on three core components.

• Developmental Milestones: A tailored path to growth sets milestones to guide progression and a sense of achievement. Students in the DIR® program feel more rewarded with positive reinforcement.
• Individual Differences: At Oakwood Academy we recognize the unique differences in students, addressing each child’s sensory, communication, and intellectual needs.
• Relationships: The DIR® program builds trusting relationships as a foundation for learning. Students feel safe, valued, and empowered to learn and express themselves.

DIR® Floortime™ is the practical application of DIR® services. It is a technique where educators join children in activities, ensuring purposeful interactions that encourage development through play.

Oakwood Academy integrates the DIR® model into every aspect of our school environment. Our educators work closely with families to understand each child’s needs, ensuring customized learning experiences. We adjust learning plans as needs evolve, helping students thrive in and outside the classroom.

• We develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure a customized developmental and learning approach for each student.
• Learning and play are interactive and stimulating. We apply structured and unstructured learning techniques to engage students and expose them to new skills and personal connections. Students at Oakwood Academy are encouraged to express themselves naturally.
• DIR® services include specialized educators and therapists who work cohesively to guide each child through an engaging developmental journey.
• Consistent family involvement in DIR® services through school programs and at-home support ensures that parents and siblings are involved in the educational process. Our DIR® services are holistic, ensuring every student gets broad support at school and home.

Parents can struggle to support children in their unique educational needs when the program isn’t flexible enough. With DIR® services your family will find a versatile approach that works around your needs. DIR® services bring positive outcomes through a unique approach and engagement that extends outside the campus.

With the most comprehensive individual education model for children, we help young learners gain social and intellectual skills and reach their potential. Focusing on the whole child in our DIR® classes allows our educators to promote growth in crucial areas.

• Our DIR® classes empower students with emotional and social skills. We prioritize interaction to build social confidence and emotional resilience. Children develop meaningful connections with peers and adults and gain self-regulation abilities.
• Students develop cognitive skills and problem-solving skills during DIR® classes at Oakwood Academy. Structured play and collaborative learning foster critical and creative thinking.
• Our students learn to communicate effectively, progressing at a rate suited to their level and current ability. DIR® classes help students express themselves positively with verbal and non-verbal communication strategies.

Our DIR® classes foster independence. Our method helps children manage their emotions and impulses, providing them with tools to regulate and adapt in various situations. With experience, students are well-adjusted and ready for integration into larger groups and traditional learning programs when they are ready.

Our unique DIR® program benefits students who struggle with communication, emotional regulation, social interactions, and sensory processing. If your child has difficulty connecting with others, expressing themselves, and managing emotions, they could develop crucial life skills by learning in a DIR® program.

We meet every student at their developmental age, ensuring they learn within customized DIR® programs to develop and prepare for standard academic programs. Our school environment supports growth without pressuring children with unrealistic expectations or standardized metrics that don’t suit them.

Many parents struggle to find a unique school to suit their education needs. DIR® programs are ideal for families who want more variety, personalized care, and a tapered and scalable developmental approach.

We are passionate about delivering high-quality educational and developmental services to students who need extra help and support to achieve their best. Talk to us to learn more about what a school is supposed to be at Oakwood Academy. Meet our faculty and students and learn more about how the DIR® model drives success at a pace that is safe, encouraging, and comfortable for children.