The final submission of the Implementation Plan Updates is available for Plan Administrators in the START Planning and Data System (PDS). The instructions are available in the Implementation Plan Updates Tutorial for Plan Administrators. Please complete this final submission of the Implementation Plan Updates by Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Submitting the Implementation Plan Updates will prompt a review by START. After the review process is complete, the Implementation Plan Tracking Phase begins.

Please contact Stephanie Pulido (pulidos@gvsu.edu) if you have questions or need support. 

This year marks 25 years of the START Project and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

We are celebrating every path, empowering every voice, and building inclusive futures where all students belong, are valued, and can shape their own journey.

Join us for the 25th Annual START Conference, featuring Shelley Moore, Elizabeth Biggs, and Mateo Moreno, presenters who champion inclusion, belonging, and meaningful change! Registration opens on January 23, 2026. 

🎉 Save the Date
May 4, 2026
Lansing Center, Lansing MI

Let’s celebrate 25 years of impact and look ahead to the next 25!

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. 

→ 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. 

25th Anniversary START Speaker Series

📅Date: December 15, 2025
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Presenter: Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC-SLP
Title: The Sweet Spot - Necessary Considerations for Awesome Implementation of Augmentative/Alternative Communication

For individuals who are not successfully using verbal speech as their primary form of communication, it is essential for educators and supporters to consider augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) options. Helping learners use AAC effectively requires a collaborative effort and a commitment to overcoming barriers. This session explores how to build environments that empower individuals of all abilities to communicate meaningfully using AAC. The session will discuss factors related to AAC consideration and effective implementation practices such as partner augmented input/aided language stimulation,  morphological instruction, explicit instruction of phrasal verbs, consistent symbol/word location, and more to design awesome experiences meant to engage and empower learners.

Peers Matter: Fostering Social Communication and Friendship for Students who Use or Would Benefit from AAC

📅Date: January 13, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Positive peer relationships are essential for all students, including those with limited speech. This session shares evidence-based strategies to support social communication and language development using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and peer engagement. Attendees will leave with tools they can use to foster friendships and empower every student to express themselves so they can be heard and understood.

Behavior Escalation and Scripts

📅Date: January 14 and 21, 2026
⌚Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Educators understand that a consistent, predictable, and positive environment sets students up for success and prevents many behavioral challenges. But what happens when it doesn’t? This two-part series will cover the cycle of behavioral escalation, including the course it takes, the behaviors that students engage in during that course, and what appropriate adult responses are needed.

This training series is co-sponsored by START and the MiMTSS Technical Assistance Center.

Coaching STARTs Here

📅Date: January 15, 2026, February 12, 2026, March 5, 2026 
This training series also includes asynchronous prework and tasks between modules. 
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom

This three-part training series supports ISD and district teams in developing or reimagining a coaching structure to promote inclusive education and evidence-based supports for all students. Participants will complete pre-learning activities to explore the START Project, coaching foundations, and ways districts can get involved. During the sessions, teams will plan for implementation using START’s Coaching Structure Checklist, engage in collaborative activities, and begin building a three-year coaching plan with support between modules.

Providing Behavior Support in the Early Childhood Classroom

📅Date: January 16, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom

What is PTRR and how can it support young children with higher needs in early childhood settings? This training introduces the PTRR model—Prevent, Teach, Reinforce, and Respond—and how it can be used to promote positive behavior and address challenges that interfere with learning and social interaction. You’ll also learn how to create a classroom PTRR plan and teach staff to use plans with fidelity.

Comprehensive Communication Supports and Strategies

📅Date: January 27, 2026 and February 10, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Learn the basics of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and how to support students with communication needs. This two-part virtual training offers simple strategies and tools to help students communicate in all settings. Educators, families, paraprofessionals, and support staff will all learn practical strategies to support communication together.

This training is co-sponsored by START and Alt+Shift.
Team participation is encouraged but not required.

Increasing Academic Engagement

📅Date: January 29, 2026
⌚Time: 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. OR 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Topic: Breaks in Inclusive Classrooms: Creating Universal Break Spaces and Practices (Elementary)

In this session, participants discover how to create and implement proactive break systems in inclusive elementary classrooms. Ideas for designing break spaces and routines that are available for all students will be shared.

FAPE in the LRE

📅Date: January 29, 2026
⌚Time: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is the foundation of special education. This interactive session helps all school staff-including all teachers, administrators, and support teams—understand what FAPE and LRE means and their role in supporting students with disabilities. Participants will engage in activities and use tools designed to strengthen their ability to support students with disabilities effectively.

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