Current EPLI Trainers of START Content
Early Childhood
To maintain Trainer Status, EPLI Trainers of START Content will meet requirements in two areas:
Deliver Professional Learning
Trainers deliver a minimum of 12 hours of START content over a two-year cycle.
Tools to Support Delivery of Professional Learning:
Forms to Submit to START:
- Individual EPLI Trainer Report - Complete and submit twice a year
Complete Continuing Education
Trainers complete at least 15 hours of START-delivered or sponsored professional learning (Non-examples - RCN delivered trainings, non-START trainings) over a two-year cycle. This includes participation in a brief annual on-demand content update from/by START.
Tools to Support Completion of Continuing Education:
Forms to Submit to START:
- Individual EPLI Trainer Report - Complete and submit twice a year
What is the EPLI Bootcamp: Early Childhood?
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.
Current Trainers are welcome to attend to strengthen their skills and knowledge and support new trainers. All trainers will benefit from this opportunity because there is substantial value in shared learning and reviewing the full Early Childhood content. Current Trainers may choose to attend any portion of the Early Childhood Bootcamp (including on-demand coursework).
Apply to Attend the EPLI Bootcamp: Early Childhood
Current EPLI Trainers of START Content in Early Childhood are required to submit a brief application to attend the Early Childhood Bootcamp.
- This application will take approximately 8-12 minutes and should be completed in one session.
- Upon submission of the application, Current Trainers will receive access to the asynchronous coursework. This coursework is strongly encouraged, but optional.
Application deadline is October 1, 2026.
EPLI Trainer Tips and Tidbits
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Email Signature
If you choose to include your trainer status in your email signature, you can include "EPLI Trainer of START Content in Early Childhood." Please contact START ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
The designation “EPLI Trainer of START Content” 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.