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?

Austism Conference*
Taking place October 16 and 17. For more information click here.

Puzzles and Play*
Play Groups for children and teens  with ASD focusing on social and emotional development. For more information click here.

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.

Music Therapy Services
Now being offered from Franciscan Life Process Center at EnCourage Institute. For more information about Music Therapy, check out lifeprocesscenter.org.

Now Registering for Summer Programs
Our summer session is 6 weeks and runs from June 22-July 31.  We are offering Reading Clinics, Private Interventions, Music Play classes and Study Skills and ACT Preparation classes at the Grandville Location.

At our new location in BRAINS we are offering Reading Clinics, Math Clinics, Private Interventions, and 2 week Mini Classes.  Go to our Summer Programs page for more information. 

*Reading Clinic 1 at our Grandville location is full, but there are still openings at our BRAINS location! There are also some private intervention spots available for summer... contact us to set up an appointment.*

EnCourage Music Play! classes Summer Session

We are excited to offer Music Play classes for children ages Birth through 5 with parent or caregiver.  Mrs. Lisa Vanderkamp teaches our classes which focus on developing tonal and rhythm abilities with fun, playful experiences.  Our Summer Session begins on June 24 and runs through July 29, with classes on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 9:45 am.  New children and parents can join any time during the session until the classes are full. Go to our Music Play! page for more information. 

The P.L.A.Y Project™
EnCourage Institute is a licensed agency offering The P.L.A.Y. Project Home Consultation program to families of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  This is an affordable, research-based, intensive intervention program created by Dr. Rick Solomon of Ann Arbor, based on the DIR®/Floortime model by Dr. Stanley Greenspan.  Click on the PLAY Project tab above for more information.

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.

ACT Preparation Classes
We are offering a 5 week ACT preparation class for high school students who want support in preparing to take the ACT.  Ms. Rebecca Zwart will be leading these classes.  Each week will focus on a different section of the ACT test and address test taking strategies, suggestions for preparation, and practice questions.


  
                                                                                                                         

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