The Peer to Peer Data Collection System and Coaching Capacity Tool will be completed using the existing Google Forms and Sheets.

Both data collection tools are ready for the 2025-2026 data entry, so you can begin when you are ready to do so. Although the tools themselves do not yet live within the START PDS, you will be able to document progress on both data collection tools within the START PDS. 

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 21, 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!

We are excited to share that the January LINKS Box is now available! The January LINKS Box supports an easy start to the new year with structured, meaningful 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.

All RCN members are encouraged to submit this survey sharing insights based on their local experiences and current needs in the schools and buildings where they work. 

To utilize this data in the most efficient manner possible, we invite you to respond by January 15, 2026. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences! Your feedback is appreciated.

→ 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. 

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.

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