Equitable Learning Solutions

07/07/2025

Hey Everyone! Tonight is Zeel-Mania Beach Bash on Main Street ☀️⛱️

Our friends at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum are bringing their Children Can Van!🧩 Come out and celebrate with a fun activity to get the kids involved from 6-8pm TONIGHT!

30/05/2025

At Equitable Learning Solutions, we’re constantly reminded of the incredible impact early intervention can have. One powerful example is Hope Crichigno, a young woman with profound autism who recently graduated high school after years of ABA therapy.
Her journey, featured in People Magazine, is a moving testament to the potential within every child when given the right support. Born at just 24 weeks and diagnosed with profound autism, Hope overcame incredible challenges through years of hard work, love, and consistent care. 💙
Her story gives hope to so many families walking a similar path.
Read her inspiring journey:
🔗https://people.com/west-virginia-teen-graduates-after-aba-therapy-for-profound-autism-8659713

28/05/2025

The STAR parent training “Emotional Co-regulation” will take place from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11. This virtual training will teach caregivers to identify and implement effective de-escalation strategies for their child.

For additional information, view the flyer at https://www.thesummitcenter.org/app/uploads/2025/02/2025-2nd-Quarter-STAR-Parent-Training-Flyer-.pdf.

28/05/2025

25/05/2025

Toys with a Purpose: Everyday Play, ABA Style!🪀

Did you know some of the most common kid toys can double as powerful tools to help kids learn through play using ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) strategies? Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or therapist, here are 3 kid-favorite toys and how they can support everyday learning:

1. Mr. Potato Head 🥔
Use it for: Teaching body parts, following multi-step directions, and expanding language.
ABA Tip💡: Practice “first-then” instructions (e.g., “First eyes, then nose!”) and reinforce correct labeling.

2. Bubbles🫧
Use it for: Building communication, turn-taking, and joint attention.
ABA Tip💡: Great for mand training (requesting). Wait for your child to ask—verbally, with signs, or visuals—before giving another round of bubbles!

3. Toy Blocks (like Mega Bloks or Duplos)🧱
Use it for: Color matching, counting, imitation, and motor planning.
ABA Tip💡: Use blocks to teach “same” vs. “different,” encourage turn-taking, and model building simple patterns to imitate.

At Equitable Learning Solutions, we use toys like these to allow kids to play with their favorite toys while also providing learning opportunities all day long🧠 It’s all about making progress feel fun!

23/05/2025

We’re honored and humbled.🏆

Last night, Equitable Learning Solutions was recognized with the Most Promising Hispanic Business award by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at their Annual Awards Gala & Fundraiser—and we are still beaming with gratitude.😊

Receiving this award is more than just a milestone for our company—it’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. We want to sincerely thank the Chamber for believing in our vision and for giving us the opportunity to stand alongside so many dedicated, inspiring individuals who are working every day to strengthen and elevate the Hispanic community across West Michigan.

The event wasn’t just a celebration—it was a moment of connection. We had the pleasure of meeting business owners, advocates, and changemakers whose work is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Hearing their stories and sharing our own reminded us that when we come together with purpose and heart, community isn't just something we talk about—it's something we build.

💙At Equitable Learning Solutions, our mission has always been rooted in six core values:
Equity – Ensuring every child and family has access to services that meet their unique needs.

Diversity – Celebrating the richness of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

Inclusion – Creating environments where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported.

Compassion – Leading with empathy in every interaction and decision.

Empowerment – Helping children grow not just behaviorally, but confidently.

Ethics – Upholding the highest standards of professionalism and care, always.

These aren’t just buzzwords for us. They are the lens through which we design our programs, train our staff, and support every individual who walks through our doors—whether at our Zeeland center, in-home, or out in the community.

Being named Most Promising Hispanic Business means that the work we’re doing is not just seen—it’s valued. It’s creating ripple effects. And it’s making a difference. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and even more motivated for what’s ahead.

To our families, staff, partners, and everyone who continues to believe in our mission: this award is yours too. Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to continuing to grow—with purpose, with heart, and together. 💫

22/05/2025

According to new data from the CDC, autism now affects an estimated 1 in 31 children in the U.S.

As parents and caregivers, this number isn’t just a statistic, it’s a call to better understand, support, and advocate for our children with unique needs and challenges💙

This reminds us how important it is to:
• Expand access to early intervention and therapy services🩺
• Raise awareness about the unique needs children with autism may have such as sensory sensitivities or communication differences🧠
• Keep learning, listening, and supporting one another as we navigate this journey together🌏

At Equitable Learning Solutions, we’re here to walk alongside families with resources, support, and care that meets each child where they are. We are here to bridge the gap of knowledge on autism to ensure EVERY KID is happy and healthy.👧🏽🧒🏼👧🏻👦🏾

Together, we can build a more understanding and inclusive world.

Want to learn more about the CDC findings? Go to their link here for all information found in their study ⬇️

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/ss/ss7402a1.htm

22/05/2025

🎉 The moment you've been waiting for... our FINAL NOMINEES for the 2025 Annual Awards Gala & Fundraiser are here!

Join us in celebrating these incredible individuals and businesses who are making an impact in our community. 🏆✨

Want to see who takes home the award? 🎤 Be there LIVE!

🎟️ Ticket sales close this Thursday, May 15th – don’t wait!
🔗 Register now and be part of a night to remember, May 22, 2025.
https://members.westmihcc.org/events/details/2025-wmhcc-annual-awards-gala-fundraiser-3341

👇 Meet your finalists below!

🎉 ¡El momento que todos esperaban… ya tenemos a los NOMINADOS FINALES para nuestra Gala Anual de Premios y Recaudación de Fondos 2025!

Acompáñanos para celebrar a estas personas y empresas increíbles que están marcando la diferencia en nuestra comunidad. 🏆✨

¿Quieres ver en vivo quién se lleva el premio? 🎤 ¡Entonces no te lo pierdas!

🎟️ La venta de boletos cierra este, 15 de mayo – ¡no esperes más!
🔗 Regístrate ahora y sé parte de una noche inolvidable, 22 de mayo.
https://members.westmihcc.org/events/details/2025-wmhcc-annual-awards-gala-fundraiser-3341

👇 Conoce a los finalistas a continuación:

Non-Profit Champion:
Casa Latina at Davenport University
Community Food Club
Giving Back Dreams
Great Start to Quality Kent Resource Center
Puerto Rican Cultural Committee of West Michigan
Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association
SpringGR
Treetops Collective
UFW Foundation

Young Hispanic Professional of the Year:
Jaime Cedillo-Vazquez
Jesus Chan-Cortes
Ivan Labra Cruz
Ariela Ortiz
Amaris Salvatierra
Hanna De la Vega Sanchez
Maximiliano Velasco

Building Bridges:
Benjamin Cochran
Joel B. Groat
Elizabeth Bovard Strong

Hispanic Businessperson of the Year:
Miriam Andrade Cuevas
Maria Erazo
Evelyn Esparza-Gonzalez
Edgar Garcia
Yeli Romero

Emerging Hispanic Business of the Year:
Alexa's Children home daycare
Elda's Daycare Home
La Casita de Abuela Daycare, LLC
Supermercado SAN JOSE
United Freedom Painting

Most Promising Hispanic Business:
AlfajoresGourmet
Equitable Learning Solutions
Pochis Sweet Designs
Quad Building Services
TATA'S DAY CARE

Hispanic Business of the Year:
AEBetancourt
GR Select Services LLC
GuelaguetzaDesigns
La Fuente Communications, LLC
Square Interior LLC

17/04/2025

Come hunt eggs🥚 on Main Street, It’ll make you very hoppy!☺️🐰

Zeeland Festival's Easter Egg Hunt is in 2 days and we can't wait to celebrate with you! Here’s what you need to know:

🐰The eggs will be OUTSIDE along the route listed below rain or shine.

🐰The hunt starts at 10am. Please do not start collecting before this time. Eggs are on a first come first serve basis until they are all collected.

🐰 There is a suggested 15 eggs per person and (1) numbered egg per group or family.

🐰If you find a numbered egg, bring it to the tent in front of 130 E Main (Zeeland Bakery) to claim your prize!

🐰Don’t forget your Easter Basket!

🐰Be sure to stop in to Howard Miller Public Library for your chance to spot the GOLDEN egg for a prize!

🐰Grab brunch, lunch, shop local, and take advantage of cute photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny in our newly remodeled streets of downtown Zeeland!

See you soon!