End of Year Data is due May 18, 2026. End of Year Data includes the Coaching Capacity Tool and K-12 Focus Student Data. Please contact the START office if you have any questions about collecting this data.

Virtual registration is still open for the 25th Annual START Conference: Building on the Past and Designing the Future!

📅May 4, 2026
⌚8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
📍Lansing Center

The 25th Annual START Conference will feature Keynote Sessions from Shelley Moore, Ph.D., Elizabeth E. Biggs, Ph.D., and Mateo Moreno! We hope you will join us!

The Spring RCN Leadership Day will be held on May 5, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Lansing Center. Please contact your RCN leadership for more information and registration. Registration closes on April 21, 2026!

→ 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: April 24, 2026
⌚Time: 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. OR 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Topic: Planning Group and Partnership Activities to Optimize Shared Participation (K-12)

This session focuses on strategies designed to optimize shared participation among all learners through group and partnership learning. Ideas for planning, adding structure, and facilitating learning to increase individual contribution and collaboration are embedded. 

Building Strong Foundations: An Introduction to the Pyramid Model for Preschool Educators

📅Date: May 8, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Zoom

This session introduces preschool educators to the Pyramid Model, a framework for promoting young children’s social-emotional development and preventing challenging behavior. Participants will explore how strong relationships, supportive environments, and intentional teaching practices create a foundation for positive behavior and learning. The training will also highlight practical strategies educators can begin using immediately in their preschool classrooms.

Devices, Apps, and Tools for Leading Your Transition to Life

📅Date: May 12, 2026
⌚Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Join us to learn about assistive devices for daily living, sensory tools, and apps you can use to live and lead in your interdependent transition from school to life The Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) will offer device demonstrations, short-term loans, and grants to help you explore what works best for you. In this session, you will discover a range of assistive technology options and learn how to access and use them in your everyday life

Peer to Peer Lunch & Learn

📅Date: May 13, 2026
⌚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.

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