NILD Training FAQ

Top 10 Questions

Here are the answers to the top 10 questions we receive about training to become an NILD Educational Therapist. 

Gain insight into what becoming an educational therapist is all about and then plan to attend one of our upcoming webinars to hear more about our courses. 

We would love to add you to our team of independent therapists. Please see our events page for our next available courses. And, of course, we would be happy to connect you with our Director of Training if you have further questions. 

 

What is an NILD Educational Therapist?

An NILD Educational Therapist supports students with learning differences in one-on-one therapy sessions twice a week for 80-minutes. You will receive standardized training to develop knowledge and practice standards that align with research-based best-practice methodologies. Three levels of training lead to professional certification.

What is NILD Educational Therapy®?

NILD Educational Therapy® is a direct, language-based intervention for students with learning difficulties. It is not tutoring, but rather focusses on students’ underlying foundational and perceptual needs and thus, improves their weak academic areas, including reading, writing & math.

Is NILD Educational Therapy® research-based?

YES! Research validates that NILD Educational Therapy® interventions have helped students with learning challenges for more than 40 years. Our methods are research-driven and our practices are evidence-based. 

What does an NILD Educational Therapy® session look like?

An NILD Educational Therapist uses the student’s psycho-educational assessment to inform each planning session. The sessions include techniques based on the Science of Reading, as well as auditory and visual techniques to build any weak processing areas. Each session includes NILD’s 5 Core Techniques – Rhythmic Writing, Cognitive Literacy- Gray Matters, Buzzer, Dictation & Copy, and Math Block. As an Educational Therapist, you will guide them in learning how to learn! To view a session, email info@nildcanada.org.

Is this course accredited by universities?

Should you want accreditation, you can apply to one of two US colleges. These training courses are accredited towards a master’s degree in Education with a focus in Educational Therapy.

How long will the training take?

You can achieve your first step of the journey in just a few weeks! The Level I training course includes 4 weeks of asynchronous learning and 1 week of synchronous learning, all online. The asynchronous course work is done independently (10-15 hours per week), while the synchronous learning is done live on Zoom. The Level II and III training follow the same study schedule and are completed in following years.

When can I begin offering this therapy to students?

As soon as you complete Level I, you can begin to offer NILD Educational Therapy®. You will receive ongoing monthly support from instructors as well as from an experienced mentor. And, after completion of the three levels of training, you will become a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist (PCET) through NILD Canada.

Where can I use this training?

Our graduates apply this intervention as a resource teacher in schools or in their own private practices. NILD Canada offers professional therapist support for both areas. The need for therapists across Canada is great as many private practices are full. Upon completion of Level I, you can be listed on our Find a Therapist page.

What are the prerequisites for acceptance?

NILD Educational Therapy® training is targeted to educators with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or a related field. Other educational backgrounds are considered. Ask us!

How much does the training cost?

Each of the three levels of training include a $595.00 registration fee, a $2595.00 tuition fee, and approximately $1000.00 books & materials fee.  These materials are all you need to get started!

Interested in becoming a therapist?

See the events page for our upcoming courses.