2026-2027 Trainings and Training Series Schedule
All trainings and training series are contingent on the receipt of continued START Project funding from the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
The 2026-2027 Training and Training Series schedule is subject to change.
Start Date
10/5/2026
Title
Foundations in Peer to Peer
Training Type
Training Series
Sessions
2
Location
Jackson (Module 1 is in-person; Module 2 is virtual)
Start Time
9:00 a.m.
End Time
3:30 p.m.
Fee
$55
Training Information
Participants will engage in a full-day, in-person training followed by a three-hour virtual session.
Module 1:
- October 5, 2026; In-person; Jackson; 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Module 2: (select one date)
- Elementary - October 13, 2026; Virtual; 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Secondary - October 15, 2026; Virtual; 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This series introduces how to build a Peer to Peer program in schools. These programs use proven practices, are led by school staff, and are part of the school day. They connect students with and without disabilities to build belonging for all. Participants will learn key steps, including how to recruit students, use curriculum, and sustain the program. The training also introduces the idea of a “medium of exchange” to help create meaningful connections. While each program may look different, all aim to improve experiences for autistic students, students with IEPs, their peers, and overall school culture.
Intended Audience: School educators and staff, and families of students with disabilities interested in starting a Peer to Peer program
Topic
- Peer to Peer
Glossary of Terms
- Training: A professional development opportunity designed to improve the knowledge and/or skills of attendees in a particular topic or practice. A training is at least two hours. While participants may be encouraged to attend all parts of a training, they are not required to do so and will still have a meaningful experience if they do not attend all parts.
- Session: Individual segments within a training, each focusing on a specific topic or key concept.
- Training Series: A collection of multiple trainings or webinars that focuses on the same topic or theme. A training series can be offered as (1) a sequence of trainings or webinars that build upon each other or (2) independent trainings or webinars on the same theme. Participants are required to attend all modules in a training series.
- Module: An organized collection of content presented together as a cohesive training/learning unit, usually on a particular topic in an in-person or virtual format.
- Bootcamp: A collection of modules on a related topic or theme in a condensed, often consecutive timeframe.
- Webinar: A live professional development opportunity or discussion focused on a single topic or practice. Webinars are less than two hours.