START Project

The EPLI Bootcamp: Early Childhood is designed to prepare participants to become EPLI Trainers of START Content in Early Childhood. This training series equips early childhood professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to collaborate with early childhood providers to support young children with higher support needs in inclusive settings. Emphasizing practical, evidence-based strategies, the training focuses on embedding instruction into natural routines, implementing play-based learning, using positive behavioral supports, and designing environments that promote meaningful engagement, learning, and independence across daily activities.

In addition to deepening their knowledge of early childhood practices, participants will learn to align their work with START's core principles and values, apply professional learning principles, align professional learning with coaching practices, and utilize evidence-based resources and tools. Upon completion of the series, participants will have increased their capacity to train and coach others in their early childhood programs.

The Early Childhood Bootcamp will consist of six virtual half days of core content, one virtual Training and Coaching Day, and two in-person Training and Coaching Days.

The designation “EPLI Trainer of START Content in Early Childhood” means that the trainer has completed the START Effective Practices Leadership Initiative (EPLI) Bootcamp: Early Childhood. 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.