START Project

The EPLI Bootcamp: Essential Foundations includes an integration of the universal supports, behavioral practices, and instructional strategies from Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Educational Supports and Strategies, and other START training modules and resources. Content will be organized for flexible and customizable training and coaching needs.

The Essential Foundations Bootcamp will consist of on-demand coursework, nine virtual half days of core content, and three in-person Training and Coaching Days.

Applicants and Inactive Trainers are required to attend the full Essential Foundations Bootcamp and complete all coursework. At the completion of the Bootcamp, trainers will be designated as “EPLI Trainers of START Content in Essential Foundations.” The Bootcamp's absence policy is available here.

EPLI Trainers of START Content are expected to meet requirements in two areas: delivering professional learning and completing continuing education. View the full expectations here.

• Asynchronous Coursework: self-paced, on-demand coursework in two parts
  • Approximately 3-4 hours of coursework before the Behavior Series
  • Approximately 3-4 hours of coursework before the Instructional Strategies & Academic Engagement Series
• Behavior Series (Modules 1-4): Virtual, half-day sessions
• FAPE in the LRE: One virtual, half-day session, with two dates available to choose from
• Instructional Strategies & Academic Engagement Series (Full Series): Four virtual, half-day modules
• Essential Foundations Training and Coaching Modules: Three full-day, in-person modules

Requirements for Applicants/Inactive Trainers:

• Hold a Michigan Department of Education (MDE) or BCBA credential, or be otherwise authorized by MDE to work in schools, AND be employed by a public school in Michigan
• At least 3 years of experience working with autistic students
• Possess strong content knowledge in autism and experience implementing evidence-based practices to support students with autism
• Commit to attending all seven days, including self-paced coursework, of the EPLI Bootcamp: Essential Foundations
• Commit to engaging in ongoing trainer refresher requirements after completion of the EPLI Bootcamp: Essential Foundations
• Commit to championing inclusive practices and equitable access for all students

Recommended skills:

• Ability to build rapport and connections with adult learners
• Ability to approach the trainer role as an effective facilitator of the professional learning of adults, rather than a role of expert
• Ability to deliver training content with attention to expectations, pacing, and strategies for active engagement of participants, including regularly monitoring for understanding
• Understanding of the importance of post-training follow-up and coaching on implementation of evidence-based practices
• Ability and willingness to dedicate time to deepening personal knowledge of content, including all updates, and enhancing trainer skills through continuous involvement in your local Regional Collaborative Network

Applicants and Inactive EPLI Trainers of START Content are required to submit an application to attend.

• This application will take approximately 15-20 minutes and should be completed in one session.
• You are required to have a commitment from your direct supervisor and Regional Collaborative Network (RCN) Leadership Representative to apply.
  • At the end of the application, you will submit a name and email for both your direct supervisor and your local Regional Collaborative Network (RCN) Leadership. Your direct supervisor and your Regional Collaborative Network (RCN) Leadership Representative will receive a copy of your completed application and will also receive a link to verify your application.
  • Your application will not be complete until your direct supervisor and your RCN representative complete the verification form.

Application deadline is September 25, 2026.

Application

The designation “EPLI Trainer of START Content” means that the trainer has completed the START Effective Practices Leadership Initiative (EPLI) Bootcamp: Essential Foundations. This involves attending a series of trainings to develop content knowledge and skills to deliver effective professional learning opportunities. It does not convey any endorsement or representation by START or Grand Valley State University related to the trainer's understanding of that content, or their effectiveness or skill as a trainer or coach.