PLAY Project Certification Training

What is the certification process?

PLAY Project and Teaching PLAY Certification Training fully prepares professionals in community organizations to deliver evidence-based, intensive early intervention to families of young children with autism. Our manualized, practical approach to parent-implemented intervention has helped hundreds of professionals to provide needed services to parents and children in their communities.

First, through the application process, we make sure that future PLAY Project Consultants meet eligibility requirements.

Second, through the intensive workshop, participants learn the basics of the model.

Third, in the 6-week online course, potential PLAY Consultants learn the key elements of giving parents effective feedback.

But, it’s not until the future PLAY Consultant undergoes our rigorous supervision process that they learn the depth and range of the model to help families and children.

Details of Training

The 2-Day Intensive Workshop provides foundational knowledge about the PLAY Project, including an overview of the model, a review of the scientific evidence, and in-depth discussions of our core principles and methods.

The workshop consists of case studies, video analysis of parent and child interaction, and group activities that develop skills in play-based, developmental techniques for engaging children with autism and other developmental delays.

To read more about the learning objectives and activities of this workshop, click here.

The PLAY Project Intensive Workshop also serves as the first step towards Teaching PLAY Consultant Certification Training

During our award-winning 6-week online certification course, participants learn how to master the 7 Circles of the PLAY Project in order to develop the skills needed to:

1.) Effectively coach parents and caretakers to playfully engage with their child with autism or other developmental delays;

2.) Confidently implement PLAY methods and techniques in a home or clinic setting; and

3.) Document the child’s developmental progress. After completing the online course, the professional is officially a “Certified PLAY Project Consultant in training” and can begin consulting with families.

The time from workshop to on-line course to working with families can be as short as 2-3 months!

To learn more about the 7 Circles approach, click here.

The PLAY Project and Teaching PLAY Supervision program begins immediately after the online certification course. Members of our multidisciplinary team provide individualized feedback and guidance to trainees during their first year of practice, ensuring fidelity to the evidence-based model.

Once the mentorship and supervision period is complete, the professional is a fully Certified PLAY Project Consultant.

The PLAY Project has 3 paths of Certification Training

For Professionals working in the home or clinic

For Professionals working in the school system or classrooms

For professionals working in both the home or clinic and in schools

Click on the buttons below to view the qualifications and benefits.

Our Certification Program guarantees a high level of quality

A key finding of The PLAY Project’s NIH research was that Certified PLAY Consultants consistently delivered high quality services to families of young children with ASD. In short, PLAY Consultants showed high fidelity to the model.