In March we are also celebrating National Reading Month: Best Of All Literacy Spotlight on Olu & Michelle

This National Reading Month, we’re thrilled to highlight the inspiring partnership between Olu and his tutor, Michelle. Olu has made incredible progress in his literacy skills while also building a meaningful friendship through their shared love of books this spring. One of his biggest achievements has been learning to input...
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Welcome, Martina & Maddy!

My name is Martina Hancock and I am a senior exercise science student on the pre-physical therapy track at Loyola University Chicago! I am one of the new interns at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago as a part of finishing my degree this semester. I am responsible for leading the GiGiFIT Adult...
Open House Events IG & FB 2026

Join Us This January for Our GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Open House Event Series!

RSVP to Open House Events   Start the new year with community, connection, and celebration! Throughout the month of January, GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago is excited to host a special Open House event series designed to welcome families, participants, and volunteers into our vibrant Playhouse community. Each Open House is paired...
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GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago: 2025 End-of-Year Update 

Donate Today   At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, our mission is simple but powerful: to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. For more than 15 years, we have delivered FREE, research-based programs that build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills...
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Meet Alison: Our LMNOP Leader Bringing Language, Music, and Joy to Little Learners!

If you’ve joined us on a Saturday morning for LMNOP (Language, Music, N’ Our Peeps) at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, chances are you’ve met Alison, our energetic and passionate program leader who fills the room with music, movement, and smiles! Alison is a pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has been leading...
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Meet Naomi!

Hi everyone, My name is Naomi Goldstein; I am an occupational therapy assistant student from Wright College. Starting out, I will be observing math tutoring and assisting groups. Once I have more practice, I will be leading Art Explosion: Pre-Teens and Teens, GiGi's Kitchen Adult, and math tutoring. In my...
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Join Us in Making an Impact: Board and Committee Opportunities at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago 

  At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. We do this through free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs that empower individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their greatest potential.   ...
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Meet Amanda!

  Hello everyone! My name is Amanda and I am an occupational therapy assistant student from Wright College. I'm beyond excited to spend the next eight weeks at GiGi's Playhouse Chicago for my Level 2 fieldwork placement, where I'll serve as a math tutor and lead various groups for adult...
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GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Launches a Month of Celebration, Learning, and Fun 

  It’s that time of year again — notebooks are open, pencils are sharpened, and GiGi’s tutoring and programming is back in full swing! This September we’re celebrating everything that makes our community shine — learning together, showing what we know, and lifting each other up with kindness and encouragement....
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Make an Impact by Donating to Our Back-to-School Donation Drive!

  Make an impact by donating to our back-to-school donation drive! Our first annual Back-to-School Donation Drive is here, and we need your help as we prepare for fall tutoring sessions.    🎁 What We're Collecting:  Notebooks, pens, and pencils to empower learning  Art and craft supplies to nurture creativity ...
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Strengthening Leadership to Fuel the Mission of GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago: Meet Your Governance Committee 

At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, our mission is to make a lifetime commitment to changing lives and providing hope through the consistent delivery of FREE educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, using a replicable playhouse model. Behind the scenes, a dedicated...
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Why Baby Dolls That Represent Down Syndrome Make All the Difference for Play That Empowers 

  At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, we believe play is a powerful teacher — and that representation matters. Baby dolls that authentically reflect Down syndrome help children build skills and confidence while fostering:  Authentic representation: Children see themselves and their family members reflected in play, promoting self-confidence and belonging.  Awareness and...