“Walking into the playhouse was truly an unforgettable experience…”
"Walking into the playhouse was truly an unforgettable experience. I was scared to “walk into” the life of DS by going to GiGi’s, even though I knew it would benefit Ian in more ways than 1. Our first day there proved that there was NOTHING scary about it. We instantly...
321 Days of Acceptance | 100 Days
Have you been following along of Facebook the past 100 Days? On World Down Syndrome Day, March 21st, 2017, GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers launched “321 Days of Acceptance”, a pioneering social media campaign introducing the world to somebody with Down syndrome every single day for 321 straight days. In...
Why GiGi’s? | Elizabeth
If you visit GiGi's Playhouse Hoffman Estates for our fabulous no cost, purposeful programing you know our amazing Programing Coordinator, Elizabeth. We wanted to share a bit more about this amazing lady with you all, so we asked her tell us "why GiGi's?" ....... My Background: I grew...
#tuesdaytips | IEP meeting & Note Taking
HOW & WHY TO TAKE GOOD NOTES IN YOUR CHILD'S NEXT IEP MEETING Taking notes is a great way to document exactly what was discussed in your child's IEP meeting. In every IEP meeting, you may see more than one person on his or her laptop quickly typing away documenting...
Leaps and Bounds!
Join us for our next Leaps and Bounds program on May 15th 2017 at 11:00a.m.!! This program runs once a month on the third Saturday of every month. This program is recommended for children ages 3-5 years old. This program is best run in partnership with the entire family....
Speech & Language | School Age Kids
Speech and Language Tips for Playhouse Pals Participants Sometimes finding things to do with your school-age kiddo can be tough. There aren’t always enough hours in the day to research the best ways to help support their speech and language development. Going online, finding a reliable source,...
321 Days of Acceptance | We Are Generation G
March 21st is recognized each year as World Down Syndrome Day. The date (3:21) represents the third copy of the 21st chromosome. On this day, communities all over the world celebrate how we are working together to expand awareness and acceptance for people with Down syndrome. We are Generation G....
What a rewarding experience!
Hello! My name is Melissa Favata, and I am a math and literacy tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates. I am a blended pre-kindergarten teacher for Woodstock District 200, and have been teaching for 8 years. A close friend, who tutors for the center, told me all about...
A Gift of True JOY!!
Volunteering at GiGi's Playhouse isn't just sharing your time, its finding a new meaning to life and being inspired. Learning we aren't that much difference than each other. Finding courage to believe and spread the message of acceptance for all. It's becoming generation G everyday! Check out what one of...
Back to school and READY!!!
It's hard to believe that a new school year is upon us and that Louise will be starting second grade! As we are gearing up for school, I have been reflecting on how far Louise has come since the start of this year. After deciding to leave a terrible situation,...
Fall Into Acceptance: Generation G
Generation G is an ongoing journey of global acceptance. Differences do not discriminate. We are all one birth, one accident, one diagnosis or one other defining moment away from being different, or loving someone who may be different. Program achievements at GiGi’s Playhouse are great victories. These achievements do not guarantee...
Calling all Speech-Language Pathologists!!!
GiGi’s Playhouse is looking for Speech-Language Pathology volunteers to help with communication services for our families waiting to receive therapy for the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program. SLPs would be asked to complete simple assessments, generate goals and provide weekly 30-minute sessions for a period of 10 weeks. Each...