Effective Practices Leadership Initiative (EPLI) is an effort to increase regional and local district capacity to effectively educate students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The project includes developing Trainers of START Content who can provide professional development in ASD and the use of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) for their regional and local school staff and families. Trainers work with coaches who assist in the follow-up support necessary to assure that research-based practices and supports are implemented with fidelity.  

To further expand regional and local capacity, and to deepen both the initial and ongoing development of trainers, START has discontinued the formal approval process and competency day. The intent is to focus on a rigorous training and preparation process to ensure that START trainings conducted at regional and local levels remain of the highest standard. In addition, START will provide ongoing support to Trainers of START Content by providing opportunities to strengthen content knowledge and deepen skills. 

Beginning in 2020-2021, the Trainer Preparation and Support was moved to a virtual format and have created EPLI Trainer Focus Courses for both the PBIS and Educational Supports & Strategies modules, as both modules have undergone extensive revisions. The Trainer Focus Courses include individual work, participation in two live Zoom sessions, and attendance at the Trainer Focus Day. Completion of the Trainer Focus Course in the module(s) of interest is required for both new applicants and inactive Level 1 Trainers of START Content. Current Level 1 Trainers are also welcome to participate in the components of the Trainer Focus Courses.

Effective Practices Leadership Initiative (EPLI) Flyer

EPLI Trainer of START Content Modules available for 2022-2023:

• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 
• Educational Supports & Strategies 

NOTE: The requirement to attend Intensive Training in the past 3 years (along with the PBIS and ESS modules) has not changed. Since START is not offering Intensive Training this year, we are only able to accept applicants who have already attended the trainings at either K-12 Wayne, K-12 Kent, or K-12 Monroe.

As a project, we understand that this will postpone the process for new trainers, but this is an important planning year for START as we need to dedicate significant staff time and energy over the next year to resource development. We are prioritizing our work around updated resources that are easily available, broken into smaller chunks of content, and accessible for the RCN. This also includes prioritizing the development of on-demand resources and training materials for trainers. 

We intend to have opportunities for more people to apply to be a EPLI trainer in 2023-2024. If you have any questions, please reach out to your RCN leadership or START RCN representative.

• Each RCN should ensure they have a sufficient number of Level 1 Trainers of START Content in their region for each module to cover training needs.
• If more Trainers are needed, RCNs should identify qualified individuals to go through the EPLI Trainer of START Content Development Process
• RCN may recruit qualified Level 2 trainers. Level 2 trainers present with Level 1 trainers through their local RCN. They work to help develop training materials and present information that provides a specific example of the application of START information based on EBP (e.g. high school peer to peer program implementation, use of self-management system in general education, systematic use of meeting mechanics). Level 2 Trainers must present with an EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content

Purpose: The RCN Trainer Portal is a status log of each RCN’s Current Trainers, Inactive Trainers, and New Applicants. It is intended to be accessed only by RCN leadership to view START's current EPLI records for each RCN.

Instructions for RCN Leadership:

• Each RCN’s EPLI Trainer Portal should only be accessed by the RCN leadership. The login and username/password should not be shared outside the RCN leadership.
• To login to your RCN’s EPLI Trainer Portal, go to your RCN Google Folder/START Contract Information and open the document titled: Your RCN Name EPLI Trainer Portal Link and Login. You will find the login, username, and password.