Foundations in Peer to Peer Series
This training consists of two required modules. Participants will engage in a full-day, in-person training followed by a three-hour virtual session. How to register for both parts:
Instructions:
- Module 1 (in-person):
- Choose one of the two available in-person dates/locations. Both dates cover the same material.
- Module 2 (virtual):
- Choose your virtual session(s) based on your curriculum level (elementary or secondary). You may choose to attend both.
Series Information:
- Module 1 - In-person, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Select one date):
- October 2, 2026 - Houghton Lake, MI
- October 5, 2026 - Jackson, MI
- Module 2 - Virtual via Zoom, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Select one or both dates):
- October 13, 2026 - Elementary
- October 15, 2026 - Secondary
- Registration Fee: $55
- Registration Deadline: September 18, 2026
- Topic Focus: Classroom Level
- Intended Audience: General and Special Education Teachers and Administrators, Ancillary/Support Staff, Paraeducators, School Counselors, Consultants, Families
Presenter:
- Lindsey Harr-Smith, M.A., CCC-SLP/L - START Project, Autism Education & Intervention Specialist
Co-Presenter:
- Carrie Carr, M.A., START Project, Professional Learning and Capacity Building Consultant
This series equips participants with the knowledge and systems needed to develop, launch, and sustain a Peer to Peer program within their school community. Peer to Peer is rooted in evidence-based practices, initiated by school staff, and embedded within the school community. It intentionally connects students with and without disabilities throughout the school day to promote a sense of belonging for all students. Specific steps for developing a Peer to Peer program will be presented, including recruitment, curriculum, and maintenance. The concept of a "medium of exchange" will also be introduced as a way to facilitate meaningful connections between students. While each Peer to Peer program may look different, the outcomes are consistent: improved experiences for autistic students, students with IEPs, and their peer partners, along with a more positive and accepting school culture for all.
Participants will attend two separate training modules. Module 1 is an engaging full-day, in-person session and Module 2 is a three-hour virtual session.
Module 1 Despcription: Building a Peer to Peer program can strengthen belonging, improve outcomes for autistic students and students with IEPs, and create a more inclusive school culture. This series helps participants learn how to start, grow, and sustain a Peer to Peer program through practical tools, resources, and step-by-step guidance using the Peer to Peer Playbooks, including support for recruiting students, developing mediums of exchange, using curriculum, and building meaningful peer connections.
Module 2 Descriptions:
- Elmentary: This series equips elementary level educators and families with the knowledge and systems needed to develop, launch, and sustain a Peer to Peer program within their school community. Peer to Peer is rooted in evidence-based practices, initiated by school staff, and embedded within the school community. It intentionally connects students with and without disabilities throughout the school day to promote a sense of belonging for all students. Specific steps for developing a Peer to Peer program will be presented, including recruitment, curriculum, and maintenance. The concept of a "medium of exchange" will also be introduced as a way to facilitate meaningful connections between students. While each Peer to Peer program may look different, the outcomes are consistent: improved experiences for autistic students, students with IEPs, and their peer partners, along with a more positive and accepting school culture for all.
- Secondary: This series equips secondary level educators and families with the knowledge and systems needed to develop, launch, and sustain a Peer to Peer program within their school community. Peer to Peer is rooted in evidence-based practices, initiated by school staff, and embedded within the school community. It intentionally connects students with and without disabilities throughout the school day to promote a sense of belonging for all students. Specific steps for developing a Peer to Peer program will be presented, including recruitment, curriculum, and maintenance. The concept of a "medium of exchange" will also be introduced as a way to facilitate meaningful connections between students. While each Peer to Peer program may look different, the outcomes are consistent: improved experiences for autistic students, students with IEPs, and their peer partners, along with a more positive and accepting school culture for all.
START is offering State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), Social Work Credits, pending approval, and Certificates of Attendance. Participants must complete the Attendance Form provided at the training within 2 days of the training date to receive CEUs and/or a Certificate of Attendance.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] by 9/18/26. We are unable to accept phone cancellations.
Substitutions: If you are unable to attend, you may send a substitute with details provided to [email protected] at least 24 hours before. Please follow the directions on this Substitution Form. You will need to include the substitute's name, profession, email, and any dietary needs. The registration payment will be applied to the substitute, not refunded to the original registrant.
START only accepts credit cards for payment.
By registering for this training, you agree to receive email updates from START (articles, updates, new tools and resources, and training and events information) and acknowledge and consent to the recording of the session(s). The recording may capture audio, video, and any shared content during the meeting.