Celebrate 25 years of START with our 25th Anniversary START Speaker Series! This virtual series brings together an engaging lineup of speakers who will share perspectives on diverse, meaningful topics that reflect our ongoing commitment to inclusion and empowerment for all students.

Registration is free to anyone in Michigan, with a small registration fee for those joining from outside the state. Registration and more details will be available on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

We hope you will join us in celebrating this milestone year!

This is a reminder that the Implementation Plan, which is available in the START Planning and Data System (PDS), is due November 14, 2025. The Implementation Plan replaces the Contract Activities Worksheet (CAW). 

The Implementation Plan has two phases: “Updates” and “Tracking.” You will complete “Updates” to provide details about the activities you have planned in the Contract. “Tracking” allows you to enter progress data once activities have been completed.

The Implementation Plan Updates Tutorial for Plan Administrators and the Implementation Plan Updates Tutorial for Plan Contributors are available to guide you through the process. You may also reach out at any time for support.

Please contact Stephanie Pulido (pulidos@gvsu.edu) if you have any questions about the START PDS. Please contact Jana Benjamin (benjamj1@gvsu.edu) if you have any questions about the contents of your Implementation Plan.

Beginning of the year data is due today, November 7, 2025:

START apparel, resources, and printable files are now available in one place. You’ll find shirts and tote bags through the online storefront, resources to support your work, and downloadable print files such as the Mini-Schedule and Write It Down notepads. Visit the START website for more information.

START has new Info Sheets available on important topics: 

We invite you to share these Info Sheets with your colleagues, families, and community partners. Additional topics will be coming soon. 

→ We highly encourage the RCN to distribute information about START's 2025-2026 Trainings and Training Series to staff, community members, and families across your region. 

START has developed flyers, images, and slides for the RCN to use and disseminate. 

Education-Based Evaluations

📅Date: November 11, 2025
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom

This module explains the key components and steps involved in special education eligibility evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with a detailed review of the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE). Participants will explore tools and examples for conducting interviews, observations, and report writing. The training also highlights important considerations for evaluations of young children and female students and evaluations that are culturally and linguistically responsive and neuroaffirming.

Creating a Neuro-Affirming Environment: Strategies for Educators

📅Date:  November 13, 2025, November 20, 2025 and December 4, 2025
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom

This three-part series explores how to better support autistic individuals using neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Each session will include lived experiences of autistic individuals and focus on key topics like respectful language, the Double Empathy Problem, and Spoon Theory. Participants will leave with practical strategies to create inclusive, trusting learning environments that honor neurodiversity.

Learning in Groups in the Early Childhood Classroom

📅Date:  November 14, 2025
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom

Discover ways to boost learning and engagement for young children with higher support needs during everyday preschool activities. This training shares practical strategies for increasing participation during circle time, peer play, snack, and more. Attendees will leave with tools, examples, and strategies to create meaningful learning opportunities in preschool classrooms and playgroups.

Peer to Peer Lunch & Learn

📅Date: December 2, 2025
⌚Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Bring your lunch and join us for a session on how Peer to Peer programs support inclusion, student success, and positive school culture. Designed as a foundation or refresher, this Lunch and Learn introduces key tools like the Peer to Peer Playbooks, the Friendship Formula, and “Participation vs. Helping” models. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources and time for Q&A to plan next steps for launching or strengthening Peer to Peer in their own setting.

Learning Through Play in the Early Childhood Classroom

📅Date: December 5, 2025
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom

Learn how to create more learning opportunities through play for young children with diverse needs. This session offers strategies like scripted play, video modeling, and peer training to support both individual students and whole-class activities. You'll also explore ways to build inclusive play environments that encourage social interaction and peer connection.

The Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) Project is funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and is housed in the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Autism Education Center (AEC). 

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