New Programs This Fall!
We are thrilled to offer exciting new programs for our families this fall! Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse offer foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Check out our new programs beginning in October! Leaps and Bounds: Join us for our first Leaps & Bounds at...
The benefits of volunteering!
Serving and volunteering has always been a meaningful activity for me, as it probably has been for you. From my teens, to young adult years, and to now entering the workforce; I have found and continue to find many positive rewards from giving back, doing for others and finding meaning in...
Here are a few ways to provide additional speech and language skills!
Are you the parent of an adolescent or adult with Down syndrome? If yes, then this post is for you! Parents can provide additional practice for speech and language skills at home and in the community. Different activities in the home and community help children and adolescents continue to acquire...
Speech and Language Tips from Sarah!
This week is all about the little ones! What are some tips and tricks for parents to keep in mind? Our very own Speech-Language Pathologist, Sarah, has the answer. Here are five easy ways to promote language development for our toddler and preschool-aged kiddos. Expand – It is crucial for...
First Week of GiGi U!
We have a great group of new students this fall for GiGi U! Our session started August 31st and we had an amazing first week! GiGi U is a progressive learning program for adults, comprised of a 12-week instructional program, followed by an internship with the GiGi’s Playhouse Cafe, Hugs & Mugs....
Fall Literacy and Math Tutoring!
The GiGi's Playhouse Literacy and Math Tutoring Programs are based on proven methodologies from professionals in the field. This highly individualized program provides custom-made materials relevant to each student's level of learning, interest and age. The focus extends from sight word recognition to matching, selecting and naming,phonics, comprehension, number recognition...
We Are So Proud of Our GiGi Prep Graduates!
Please congratulate our GiGi Prep graduates! They worked very hard this summer and really gave it their best of all! GiGi Prep is a career-focused program that assists adults with Down syndrome to prepare them for GiGi University. In each class, the participants worked on increasing their knowledge of nutrition, communication, and fostering...
LMNOP (Language, Music N’ Our Peeps)
Language, Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) guides parents and infants through learning basic sign language and through incorporating music and dance therapy into daily activities, to stimulate the child. LMNOP is designed for children 6-36 months old. The group leader for our LMNOP is speech pathologist professor, Dr. Jay, who is the...
Congratulations to Mary and Lou Kittler!
We rejoice in congratulating Lou and Mary Kittler on receiving Presidential Service Awards from HandsOn Suburban Chicago! They have been volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse for the past nine years, creating customized books for our literacy program. We are so thankful for all of the time and hard work they’ve dedicated to our organization...
We Love Our Volunteers!
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to the 12th annual GiGi's Playhouse 5K Run/Walk/Dash for Down Syndrome last Sunday, June 14th, 2015. we had almost 2,000 people in attendance, and even with the muddy conditions, we had a fantastic time! The day simply would not have been...
Welcome to the team, Sarah!
Sarah is a speech-language pathologist with her Master’s degree from Elmhurst College, and we are so excited that she will be joining the National Achievement Center team on July 1st, 2015! Sarah has provided therapy in a variety of clinical settings addressing the needs of preschool-age children through adults. She is...