Date: May 1, 2023
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center

We are thrilled to feature presentations from: 

Visit the START website for detailed information about the conference.

The RCN Application and Contract Forms page will be updated regularly as forms and links become available. Please review the following upcoming deadlines.

The Mid-Year Progress Report is due February 3, 2023. Be prepared to submit the following:

Peer to Peer Data Collection is due March 1, 2023. Be sure to report on all buildings even if there is no program in a building. 

Please contact your START RCN Representative or Jana Benjamin if you have any questions or need assistance.

Thank you very much for submitting your baseline Target Student Data and Peer to Peer Program Student with ASD Data! 

A baseline Student Data Profile and Snapshot has been generated as a two-page PDF for each target student whose data were entered into the online form (as of Jan. 11). The PDFs for each target student are located in your START RCN Google Drive Folder under "22-23 Data Visualizations from START." Within this folder, the Student Data Profile and Snapshot PDF files are organized into ISD and District folders. 

The PDFs are de-identified and labeled with the Target Student Code provided when completing the Target Student Reporting form. 

Baseline Peer to Peer Student with ASD Data Profiles and Snapshots will be available soon.

Please contact Stephanie Pulido if you have any questions or need assistance. 

Making connections between veteran and new EPLI Trainers of START Content not only provides support and encouragement to those new to this role, but it can also reenergize current trainers through the sharing of innovative ideas, perspectives, examples, and stories!

Please continue to reach out to newer trainers and check in with those going through EPLI training this year.

In what ways are veteran and newer EPLI Trainers of START Content connecting in your RCN? 

Reminder! Enter your Fiscal Agent Information, Report Contact Information, RCN Leadership, and District Representatives on the 22-23 RCN Contacts spreadsheet located in your START RCN Google Drive Folder. START will send RCN update emails to the District Representatives and RCN leadership listed on this spreadsheet.  

Update your spreadsheet throughout the year to ensure your RCN Leadership and RCN District Representatives receive RCN Updates from START.

Please visit the START website for the events and trainings for 2022-2023. We are pleased to offer the following trainings in different formats throughout the upcoming school year:

We are excited to announce dates and topics for our virtual Transforming Transition Together (T3) Training Series! Each standalone training will be held from 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.

Registration is open! Visit the START website to view the dates and topics for the remainder of the year. 

If you are unable to attend one of the sessions, or are interested in viewing the materials shared at one of the sessions, you can find T3 training materials here on our website. Materials will be updated as they become available. 

Spring RCN Leadership Day
May 2, 2023; 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center

Please visit the START website for information and meeting dates for the Communities of Practice. If you have any questions about a CoP, please contact your RCN Leadership Representatives or your START RCN representative.

START has the following available for ordering at no cost to the RCN:

START will collect orders for these items from the first through the third week of each month. Orders will be processed and items will be shipped at the end of each month’s order window. The order form is available here.

Each RCN should submit at least one RCN-provided stand-alone training per semester using START content delivered by START EPLI trainers. The training will be included in the events listed on the START website, and should be open to the RCN and the broader region, including families and community partners. Trainings should be submitted here.

The trainings will be posted here on the START website as they are received. Please share this with your local contacts. 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Schools: Supporting Students with Autism within a Tiered Approach

In January's START Connecting, we highlight ways that ABA practices may support behavior change through: 1) Tier I (universal) support for all learners in a school, and 2) Tier II (targeted) and Tier III (intensive) behavior change strategies for specific learner needs. Integral to this progressive approach to using ABA in schools is an emphasis on dignity and respect for learners and a positive relationship. Read more about supporting students with autism within a tiered approach here!

The Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) Project is funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education to provide training and technical assistance to educators in Michigan that serve students with ASD.

START Project | autismed@gvsu.edu | (616) 331-6480