What is a RCN?

A Regional Collaborative Network (RCN) is a group of school professionals, family representatives, and community partners working in partnership with START to support students with autism and related disabilities in their region. The RCNs are the state-level infrastructure for START that allows for regular communication and sharing to strengthen the work of all to deliver evidence-based educational programming.

How START and the RCN Work Together

Shared Philosophy and Goals

• Shared mission, philosophy, and goals consistent with START 
• Training and coaching for implementation of evidence-based practices 
• Development and dissemination of information, resources, and tools to support students and families 
• Collaboration with school partners, families, and regional stakeholders

What RCN members do

• Define, implement, and evaluate goals based on the annual priorities and the identified needs of the region.
• Ensure representation of districts in their region.
• Meet regularly to address defined goals and implementation of planned activities. 
• Network, share, and problem-solve to benefit school staff, students, and families across the region. 
• Promote the development of trainers in their region who disseminate evidence-based practices. 
• Share progress through stories and data, and report on challenges and local needs.

How START works with the RCN

• Provide contract funding to RCN to implement goals around the priority areas of training, coaching, implementation of evidence-based practices, and peer to peer support.
• Attend RCN meetings to share information and learn from the members. 
• Provide training and ongoing support to trainers and coaches to build expertise in every region.
• Host state leadership meetings for collaboration and planning. 
• Facilitate a bi-directional communication system that allows START to 1) share information and resources with RCN to pass along to schools and families, and 2) capture feedback and innovative practices from RCN representatives working with schools to further develop training opportunities and resources.