Include families in all aspects of care. Work across disciplines and in a collaborative way to gain a more complete understanding of the child, and the most effective intervention possible. Use a play-based, relationship approach to promote social-emotional development.
The work at PCDA is strongly influenced by the DIR approach as described by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder. The Individual Difference Relationship-based approach, which includes "FloortimeTM," is a philosophy that emphasizes the centrality of emotion (affect) to all development. Functional emotional development, building from one stage to the next, provides the foundation for other learning, including language, cognitive, social, play and motor skills. The DIR approach provides a framework for understanding behavior, and appreciates each child's unique sensory profile, motor planning, auditory and visual processing, interests, and relationships. PCDA has been on the forefront of introducing new services to the community based upon this philosophical approach to comprehensive care for children with special needs and their families. For more information on DIR/FloortimeTM, visit: Floortime.org.