The International Council on Development and Learning

The Infant and Early Childhood Development (IECD) Ph.D. program with an emphasis in Mental Health and Developmental Disorders was originally founded in 2009 by Stanley Greenspan, MD, and Serena Weider, Ph.D. under the International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL), a non-profit organization.  On January 22, 2015, this nationally recognized doctoral program was acquired by Fielding Graduate University (FGU), became accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC), and currently resides within the School of Psychology (SOP). ICDL remains the official home of DIR® and DIRFloortime®, providing training courses for professionals and parents for now over 30+ years.

ICDL describes the mission and vision of their organization which remains foundational for the IECD PhD program.

“Based on Respect, Supported by Science

The mission of ICDL is to make a positive impact in people’s lives by promoting and championing a relationship-based developmental approach. Our vision is a world where individual differences are embraced, and everyone achieves their fullest potential. We embrace neurodiversity and advocate for approaches that focus on promoting human development and helps children and adults emerge from what may be disabling them in a respectful and accepting manner that appreciates every person for their unique individual differences. Through education and awareness, ICDL strives to make DIR® based approaches such as DIRFloortime® available and accessible to all children and families.” (https://www.icdl.com/about/advocacy)

The Fielding IECD program continues to enjoy a collaborative relationship with ICDL; both working to forward the relationship-based developmental approach in serving children with neurodiversity and their families.