The Fall RCN Leadership Day will be held on October 19, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing.

The RCN Leadership Day is a biannual meeting of leadership representatives from the Regional Collaborative Networks (RCN).

Registration information was sent to RCN leadership representatives on September 8, 2026. Please contact your RCN leadership representative for more information.

The Secondary Transition Community of Practice (CoP) brings together educators, families, and community partners from across Michigan to collaborate on supporting students with disabilities as they move from school to adult life.

This group is open to anyone directly involved in secondary transition planning and programming, and we welcome broad representation from all regions of the state.

By sharing experiences, resources, and strategies, we can strengthen opportunities and outcomes for students together.

➡️Your experience and perspective are valuable—add your voice to the CoP and help enhance implementation of Secondary Transition programming across the state. Learn more and join here.

The language we use to describe Autistic students plays an important role in how we understand them and the supports we provide. 

Labels like “high functioning” and “low functioning” may seem helpful, but they can oversimplify autism and may not reflect the rich mix of strengths and challenges a person experiences across different environments and over time. 

By shifting our focus to strengths and support needs, we can better recognize the individuality of every student and create more meaningful, respectful support.

In this Bite, featuring Katie Oswald, you will learn how the language we use influences our understanding, expectations, and interactions with Autistic students. 

→ We highly encourage the RCN to share information about START's 2026-2027 Trainings and Training Series with staff, community members, and families across your region. 

Behavior Series
(5-module series) 

📅Dates: September 17, 2026, September 29, 2026, October 7, 2026, October 22, 2026, and November 10, 2026 
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Whether you are in the classroom, supporting students directly, or working with teams, this high-impact five-part series will help you create environments where every learner feels safe, seen, and empowered to succeed. Moving beyond traditional compliance toward a mindset of compassion, connection, and curiosity, this series provides the evidence-based tools you need to build accessible learning spaces, implement universal supports, foster positive interactions, and master effective, team-based problem-solving—ensuring you feel confident and ready to meet the needs of every learner.

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

📅Date: September 18, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual via 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 session will also highlight practices educators can use in preschool classrooms and preview strategies that will be addressed in other START early childhood trainings aligned with the Pyramid Model. 

Creating a Neuro-Affirming Environment: Strategies for Educators

📅Date: September 23, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: In-person; Lansing Community College West Campus

This full-day training supports educators in developing a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of Autistic experiences. Grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming framework, the training explores how language, expectations, and environments influence outcomes. Participants will learn about topics such as the Double Empathy Problem, Spoon Theory, and the importance of creating positive conditions, while gaining practical strategies to create inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environments.

Early Childhood Practice-Based Coaching Series
(5-module series)

📅Dates: September 24, 2026, November 19, 2026, January 14, 2027, March 18, 2027, and May 13, 2027
⌚Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Practice-based coaching supports early childhood teams in confidently and effectively implementing teaching practices in settings that serve young children. This coaching series will focus on an evidence-based, collaborative approach designed to strengthen teaching practices through shared goal setting and action planning, focused observation, and reflection with performance-based feedback. The series will provide you with information and resources for each component of the model, along with feedback, practical tips, and a space to connect with other coaches as you apply the work in your own setting. 

Inclusive Academic Engagement
Topic: Beyond the Icebreaker: Building a True Culture of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Belonging

📅Date: September 29, 2026
⌚Time: 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. OR 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Belonging isn't built in a single activity; it's built in the everyday moments of a classroom. This session helps general and special educators move past one-time icebreakers toward SEL practices that create a lasting culture of connection for every student. You'll walk away with real classroom examples and practical strategies you can weave into routines you already use. Expect interactive discussion and take-home tools designed for immediate classroom use. 

Foundations in Peer to Peer

Module 1: In-person
(select one date; both are 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
October 2, 2026; Northern Michigan
October 5, 2026; Jackson

Module 2: Virtual
(select one or both dates; both are 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) 
October 13, 2026; Elementary
October 15, 2026; Secondary

This series equips participants with the knowledge and systems needed to develop, launch, and sustain a Peer to Peer program within their school community.  Peer to Peer is rooted in evidence-based practices, initiated by school staff, and embedded within the school community. It intentionally connects students with and without disabilities throughout the school day to promote a sense of belonging for all students. Specific steps for developing a Peer to Peer program will be presented, including recruitment, curriculum, and maintenance. The concept of a "medium of exchange" will also be introduced as a way to facilitate meaningful connections between students. While each Peer to Peer program may look different, the outcomes are consistent: improved experiences for autistic students, students with IEPs, and their peer partners, along with a more positive and accepting school culture for all.

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