EnCourage Institute - Specialized instruction for all learners

Welcome to the EnCourage Institute website.

We are a resource and service center for students, parents, teachers, and administrators in the Western Michigan area.  We provide specialized learning support through diagnostics, tutoring, professional development and consultation.

What's New?

2010-2011 Programs and Services

Session Schedule
Fall Session (10 weeks): September 13- November 19
Fall / Winter Transition (4 weeks-flex schedule): November 22 - December 17
Winter Session (10 weeks): January 3 - March 11
Spring Session (10 weeks): March 14 - May 27
(does not include Spring Break April 4-8)


Educational Therapy
Specialized Tutoring and Interventions
  • One-on-one interventions to address reading, writing, mathematics or other concerns
  • Individually designed based on Diagnostic Evaluation (completed prior to intervention)
  • Focused on using student strengths to address learning needs
  • Services provided in student's school if arrangements can be made
  • For any age student K-12 with or without a diagnosed disability
  • ACT Preparation, Adult & GED interventions also available
Students starting in the middle of a session will be charged only for the weeks remaining in the session.


High School Classes for Home School Students
  • Full range of courses available (Core, Honors, AP)
  • Much of the course work is done online, but students will have at least 1 hour each week of contact time with their teacher
  • Ideal for students with learning difficulties
  • Covers high school content with extra support in content reading, studying and test-taking
For more information, please contact EnCourage.


English/Language Arts & Math Clinics
  • Focus is addressing specific needs in math, reading, writing and language arts
  • Based on Diagnostic Evaluation (for students new to EnCourage Institute)
  • Appropriate for students with learning disabilities, processing difficulties or other reading / learning concerns
  • 1:4 maximum teacher to student ratio
  • Students grouped according to age and skills / concepts to be learned

The P.L.A.Y Project™
  • Early intervention for children with diagnosed or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Specifically for children under age 8
  • Home consultation program teaches parents to provide 15-25 hours/week of necessary intervention to help their child
  • Based on Greenspan's DIR/Floortime
  • Helps students develop foundations for relationships, functional skills and language
  • Can also help children with FEAS and RAD
EnCourage Institute is a licensed agency of the P.L.A.Y. Project for Western Michigan.  Click on the PLAY Project tab above for more information.


High School Credit Recovery Classes
  • Alternative to school-based programs
  • Ideal for students with learning difficulties
  • Requires prior arrangement with high school to receive school credit (EnCourage sill facilitate)

Location at B.R.A.I.N.S.
We are now able to offer our services at 2 locations! Our newest office is located at 3351 Eagle Run Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525 right off the East Beltline.
  
                                                                                                                         


Help for Learning Struggles
If your child seems to be struggling in school, or if his/her teachers have told you they have concerns, we can help.  We offer consultation, diagnostic evaluations, and tutoring interventions that are designed specifically for your child.  Dr. Rozendal is an expert in diagnosing and remediating learning difficulties and all tutors at EnCourage Institute are certified teachers.  Contact EnCourage Institute for a free consultation appointment.

Services for Students

Services for Teachers
  • New teacher mentoring
  • Literacy coaching
  • In-services designed around school needs and initiatives
  • On-going Professional Development such as Teacher Study Groups or Book Clubs
  • Links to professional resources and opportunities

Services for School Administrators