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Music Makers and Dance have gotten a PROMOTION to Signature Programs 

GiGi’s Music Makers and Dance programs have been added to our list of Signature Programs!!!   In 2023, the Programs team took a look at our most popular specialty programs and with a lot of research, collaboration and planning the GiGi’s Signature Dance and Signature Music Makers family of programs were...
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Ways to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2024

When is World Down Syndrome Day? World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21, this date was picked to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. How do you celebrate World Down Syndrome Day? World Down Syndrome Day is coming up, and...
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Stephen and Charlotte – found each other at GiGi’s Playhouse

Charlotte and her mother, Amy, discuss the impact of GiGi's Playhouse on their lives. Charlotte struggled with making friends and feeling validated before finding GiGi's Playhouse. The organization provided a supportive and accepting environment where Charlotte feels beautiful and loved. Similarly, Steven, who had become isolated and depressed during the...
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Why attend GiGi’s Educator Symposium: Teaching Strategies for Individuals with Down Syndrome? 

The GiGi’s Educator Symposium is FREE, VIRTUAL and INFORMATIVE!   Are you interested in  Learning from a team of experienced educators and therapists?   Learning strategies for teaching individuals with Down syndrome to implement on Monday?  Learning how individuals with Down syndrome learn best?  Learning the “why” behind strategies you may already...
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What does it mean to be a part of GiGi’s Playhouse?

Video Transcription: Mike Cirigliano: Hi. My name's Mike Cirigliano. I'm president of the board at GiGi's Playhouse Long Island, and my role is to support our board, our participants, and our volunteers the best that I can. GiGi's Playhouse is a center, a destination, a place to me that supports...
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GiGi’s was like oxygen for me

Elena and her husband had been trying to become pregnant for nine years. They had almost given up hope when Elena decided to take one last pregnancy test. The test came back positive. Very early in her pregnancy, they were diagnosed with Down syndrome and hydrocephalus (water on the brain),...
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10 things you can do for Down syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. This annual observance aims to educate the public about this genetic condition and celebrate the achievements and abilities of those who have it. If you're looking for ways to get...
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Summertime Fun!

Woo Hoo Summer is here!!  We are ready for sunshine, popsicles, sprinklers/pools, s’mores, and lots of fun family time!  But let’s not forget that our children’s learning doesn’t stop just because school is not in session. This is a critical time for them to continue learning.  As parents, we all...
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A letter to Jesus from Jr

The following is a letter written by Wayne Dunlap. Wayne's son, Jr, was born with Down syndrome and is non-verbal. Recently, Wayne stated that teachers, bus drivers, and therapists have been reporting negative feedback about his son. Wayne knew his son better than anyone else and wanted to help raise...
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March 2022 Newsletter

  Website | Volunteer | Support  GiGi's Playhouse Network Quarterly Newsletter   20 years ago, when I was pregnant with GiGi, I remember telling my husband, “This baby is already changing me for the better.  She is going to be the President or a World Leader!” From the womb, she...
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Early intervention can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and increase their success in school and life.

From a prenatal diagnosis of having an individual with Down syndrome to taking those first steps to reading, GiGi’s has a variety of programs for early learners and their families (0-4). These programs are designed for individuals with Down syndrome and support the entire family. Our Early Learner programs include GiGiFIT,...
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Newsletter – Dec 2022