A huge thank you to everyone for navigating the new START PDS Implementation Plan process with grace, curiosity, and perseverance. 

Upon reviewing many of the RCN Implementation Plan Updates, we want to provide some general feedback based on what we are noticing. 

If you are experiencing any technical difficulties or would like direct support, Stephanie Pulido (pulidos@gvsu.edu) is available to help. Meeting with Stephanie via Zoom is an option and encouraged; many RCN members have found this to be helpful.

The Mid-Year Progress Reports will be available to complete in the START PDS soon. In the meantime, here is some information in preparation for Mid-Year.

For a preview of the questions that will be asked in the RCN and ISD Mid-Year Progress Reports, review this document. This document is not the actual Mid-Year Progress Report. It is provided for planning purposes only.

Mid-Year Progress Reporting is due March 2, 2026. Please know that we will be flexible if you need more time. 

Each RCN should submit at least one RCN-provided stand-alone training per semester using START content delivered by Current EPLI Trainers of START Content. 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. 

Thank you for submitting your 2024-2025 EPLI Individual Trainer Reports! The EPLI Trainer Report Data and Summaries are now available. The spreadsheets and summaries are located in your START RCN Google Drive Folder under "24-25 Data Visualization from START."

Please contact Stephanie Pulido (pulidos@gvsu.edu) if you have any questions.

We are excited to share that the new February LINKS Box is now available!

The February LINKS Box brings connection and creativity to the heart of winter with easy-to-use activities you can implement right away.

The LINKS Boxes are a monthly, ready-to-use classroom tool for LINKS teachers. Each box includes a complete set of materials to use across the month, helping teachers build consistent routines for connection and engagement.

→ 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. 

Increasing Academic Engagement

📅Date: February 12, 2026
⌚Time: 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. OR 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Topic: Classroom Transitions: Planning for Effective Transitions in the Classroom (K-12)

This session provides strategies for designing and planning predictable and accessible transitions within instruction. Learn how to minimize downtime, increase student autonomy, and strengthen routines for all students.

Preschool Life Skills (PLS) for All

📅Date: February 20, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom

Preschool Life Skills (PLS) is a research-based curriculum that provides a set of tools to help teach important social and life skills for school success. Studies show PLS increases positive social behaviors and reduces challenging behaviors for children with and without disabilities. In this session, educators and families will explore PLS tools and resources, including a set of lessons developed by Dr. Gregory Hanley, and a tour of the START Project Google site, so they can start using them right away.

25th Anniversary START Speaker Series

📅Date: March 3, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Presenter: Mike Marotta
Title: Assistive Technology Strategies for Inclusive Learning

This interactive 2-hour webinar explores practical assistive technology (AT) strategies that promote access, engagement, and independence for all learners. Participants will examine how AT can be intentionally integrated into inclusive learning environments to reduce barriers and support diverse learning needs. Solutions will highlight solutions along the AT continuum from no tech to low tech to high tech. These inclusive strategies can be implemented immediately into the educational environments.

Increasing Academic Engagement

📅Date: March 5, 2026
⌚Time: 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. OR 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Topic: Visual Strategies: Considerations for Meaningful Visual Strategies (K-12)

In this session, participants explore how visual supports can promote independence, communication, and engagement. The session will highlight examples of visuals that have been designed and adapted to connect with all students.

Level Up Peer to Peer

📅Date: March 6, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: In-person, Lansing

Have you started your Peer to Peer Program and want to bring some excitement to your program?

This interactive, one-day training is designed for leaders of established Peer to Peer programs ready to take their programs to the next level. Participants will explore new content, collaborate with fellow P2P leaders, and share ideas and successes from their own programs. 

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