All trainings and training series are contingent on the receipt of continued START Project funding from the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
The 2026-2027 Training and Training Series schedule is subject to change.
Registrations will open on July 31, 2026.
| Date | Title | Training Type | Sessions | Location | Start Time | End Time | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/8/26 | Peers Matter: Fostering Social Communication and Friendship for Students Who Use or Would Benefit from AAC | Training | 1 | Virtual | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM | |
| 2/1/27 | Comprehensive Communication Supports and Strategies Series | Training Series | 2 | Virtual | 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM | |
| 3/16/27 | Autism & Pragmatic Language: Bridging Communication Differences | Training | 1 | Virtual | 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
Training: A professional development opportunity designed to improve the knowledge and/or skills of attendees in a particular topic or practice.
Training Series: A collection of multiple trainings that focus on the same topic or theme. A training series can be offered as (1) a sequence of trainings that build upon each other or (2) independent trainings or webinars on the same theme.
- Module: An organized collection of content presented together as a cohesive training/learning unit, usually on a particular topic in a training series.
Effective Practices Leadership Initiative (EPLI):
- Bootcamp: A collection of modules on a related topic or theme, designed to prepare participants to become EPLI Trainers of START Content. Bootcamps may include asynchronous coursework.
- Advanced Training: A rigorous professional learning opportunity designed to support Current EPLI Trainers in deepening their knowledge of specific START content and strengthening their ability to effectively deliver that content within their local contexts. Advanced Trainings may include prerequisite work and/or asynchronous coursework.
Virtual Training Formats:
- Zoom Meeting: Designed for interactive and collaborative discussion. This platform allows all registered participants to unmute, turn on their cameras, communicate through chat, and share screens. Capacity is a maximum of 300 participants.
- Zoom Webinar: Designed as a controlled broadcast where only presenters can share screens, audio, and video. Registered attendees cannot use their cameras, communicate primarily through Q&A, and can only unmute if they use the "Raise Hand" feature and a presenter unmutes them. Capacity is a maximum of 500 participants..