Current Programs
Visit the All Ages and your participant's Age Group tab to see all of our FREE Purposeful Programs available!
Speech & Language 1:1
The GiGi's Amina Grace One-on-One Speech & Language program provides youth, teens and adults with greatly expanded opportunities to evolve and refine their speech and language skills This program supports the increase of clarity of speech and enunciation, word order and message meaning and comprehension which benefits self-confidence, school and social readiness and Increased independence and overall quality of life. Recommended for All Ages.
Enrollment in each session (spring or fall) is required. https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/amina-grace-speech-and-language-program/
Open Play
Promotes positive beginnings for new families, creates awareness opportunities for peers and friends while allowing families to network and support one another. Come ready for fun and a crazy good time! Open to all families of all ages.
LMNOP
Language Music N' Our Peeps (LMNOP) is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities. Recommended for ages pre-natal to 36 months.
If you are unable to login and register, we would love for you to join us, please contact your playhouse for assistance. When you are here we will answer all of your questions and support you with your My GiGi's login.
GiGiFIT Infant
In GiGiFIT Infant we are making movement fun! We introduce the concepts of foundational movements, mobility, visual-vestibular, and reflex integration activities. In a fun environment we are purposefully progressing on improving areas of fitness through activities in strength, endurance, joint stability, balance, movement control and more. Recommended for infant to pre-walking.
GiGiFIT is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
*Meets at the Milwaukee Playhouse, 8685 N. Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217
Leaps & Bounds
Leaps & Bounds is a play-based program for children that focuses on success in preschool and kindergarten. Students will participate in fun and engaging activities that provide opportunities for following routines, small group participation, movement and interaction with their environment. Family members are key participants in this program and will encourage their child to reach his or her Best of All throughout each session. Recommended for ages 3-5 year olds.
If you are unable to login and register, we would love for you to join us, please contact your playhouse for assistance. When you are here we will answer all of your questions and support you with your My GiGi's login.
GiGiFIT Toddler
GiGiFIT Toddler includes foundational, vestibular and targeted mobility movements, reflex integration and control. We have taken these movements and concepts to the next level in a fast-paced, super fun and socially interactive atmosphere for young children who have recently mastered the ability to walk on their own. Recommended for walking to 4 year olds.
GiGiFIT is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
*Meets at the Milwaukee Playhouse, 8685 N. Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217
Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!
GiGiFIT Kids
GiGiFIT Kids combines key movements from GiGiFIT Teen and advanced progressions of activities from GiGiFIT Toddler to help improve strength, balance, coordination, peer interaction and to build a lifelong love of physical activity. GiGiFIT Kids is not just purposeful play it is our special work-out time to make you stronger, faster, more coordinated and kids say "I love this fun, structured, purposeful movements". Recommended for 5-12 year olds.
GiGiFIT is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
Registration is required for each session https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/gigifit/
Spring session: February 2 - May 20, 2023Spring Registration: December 6 - Jan. 15, 2023
Summer session: June 15 - August 12, 2023Summer Registration: May 1 - June 4, 2023
Fall session: September 21 - December 16, 2023Fall Registration: August 1 - September 10, 2023
Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!
GiGiFIT Teen
Introduces the key movements of foundational, hip strengthening and vestibular/balance exercises, we focus on improving areas of fitness through activities in strength, endurance, joint stability, balance, movement control and more. GiGiFIT Teen incorporates age appropriate activities that teens can be successful with and strengthen their bodies purposefully. GiGiFIT promotes wellness through nutrition, pushing through barriers and building self-confidence. Recommended for 13-17 year olds.
GiGiFIT is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
GiGi's Kitchen Teen
GiGi’s Kitchen Teen is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen Teen program will build participants self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness! This program is recommended for ages 13-17.
GiGi's Kitchen is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
GiGi Kitchen in-person: Participants will attend programming at GiGi's and cook with us. Ingredients and materials are provided for in-person programming.
Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!
GiGiFIT Adult
Introduces the key movements of foundational, hip strengthening, and vestibular/balance exercises, making them successful to implement and practice at any stage of life! Focuses on improving areas of fitness through activities in strength, endurance, joint stability, balance, movement control and more. GiGiFIT promotes wellness through nutrition, pushing through barriers and building self-confidence. Recommended for 18+.
GiGiFIT is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
More Details and ApplyFantastic Friends
A fun purposeful & social gathering for adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community. Supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. Recommended for Adults 18+.
If you are unable to login and register, we would love for you to join us, please contact your playhouse for assistance. When you are here we will answer all of your questions and support you with your My GiGi's login.
Virtual Fantastic Friends: Milwaukee meets online during weeks where we are not in-person, Friday nights 7:30-8:30pm. After registering you will receive an email confirmation with the link for the virtual program on Microsoft Teams.
GiGi Prep
The GiGi Prep program has an emphasis on building communication skills, money management, customer service skills, team building, health and wellness over a 10-week session made up of 2-days per week instructional learning. This program is an application based program with high expectations to motivate adults with Down syndrome. Recommended for Adults 18+.
GiGi Prep is an enrollment based program that is offered in sessions throughout the year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend teach lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
Fall Session:
Weekly, Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00pm
Sept. 6 - Nov. 29 (not meeting Nov. 8 or 22)
11 weeks
*Culminating activity on Nov. 29 is "Friendsgiving"
This program is led by Occupational Therapy (OT) Master's students from Marquette University under the supervision of a licensed professor.
GiGi's Kitchen Adult
GiGi’s Kitchen Adult is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen Adult program will build participants self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness! This program is recommended for ages 18+.
GiGi's Kitchen is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
GiGi Kitchen will be held at GiGi's Playhouse Milwaukee and all teens and adults are invited to cook with us each week!
Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!
Kids Club
Supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program will also support gross motor skills through active games, fine motor and self-help skills through meal/snack preparation and activities. Recommended for 8-12 year-olds.
If you are unable to login and register, we would love for you to join us, please contact your playhouse for assistance. When you are here we will answer all of your questions and support you with your My GiGi's login.
Teen Tastic
Focuses on building social skills with friends with and without Down syndrome by participating in team-based activities in a casual and fun setting. Skill development includes understanding compromise, turn-taking and problem-solving abilities.
If you are unable to login and register, we would love for you to join us, please contact your playhouse for assistance. When you are here we will answer all of your questions and support you with your My GiGi's login.
Destination Discovery
Play = Fun + Learning Destination Discovery supports the development of fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills and language through purposeful play and peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also brings families together to share experiences and build relationships. Recommended for All Ages.
If you are unable to login and register, we would love for you to join us, please contact your playhouse for assistance. When you are here we will answer all of your questions and support you with your My GiGi's login.
Playhouse Pals
Supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also supports gross motor skills through active games, as well as fine motor skills & self-help skills. Recommended for 5-8 year olds.
If you are unable to login and register, we would love for you to join us, please contact your playhouse for assistance. When you are here we will answer all of your questions and support you with your My GiGi's login.
Literacy
The One-on-One Literacy tutoring program for individuals with Down syndrome provides instruction based on the interests and inspirations of each student. The Literacy tutoring program supports the increase of sight word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension, articulation, self-esteem, speech clarity and fine motor skills. Our trained tutors provide motivating and purposeful lessons designed to keep our students engaged and learning both during sessions and when extending activities at home. Recommended for ages 3+.
Literacy is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
Math
The One-on-One Math tutoring program uses a multi-sensory, strength-based approach to build confidence and success for our students. The Math tutoring program supports the increase of the range of math skills, self-esteem, confidence, critical thinking, problem solving skills, independence and autonomy, and fine motor skills. Our research-based curriculum encompasses a variety of strategies and techniques to ensure that every student can be successful when learning math. Recommended for ages 3+.
Math is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
GiGi Professional
Whether it’s an office, retail environment, a design studio or a production space, GiGi’s career internship programs build on the skills learned in GiGi U with practical applications and the achievement of certifications. During each individual with Down syndromes 13-week internship they will purposefully progress through certifications learning and demonstrating strengths and interests in transferable job skills, building their resume for placement in a job or volunteer position in the community. Pre-req: GiGi U. Recommended for Adults 18+.
GiGi U
A comprehensive and progressive learning program tailored specifically for adults with Down syndrome comprised of a 15-week session made up of 3-days per week instructional program. GiGi U is designed for motivated adults with Down syndrome to achieve their highest potential in the real world while developing their abilities in the areas of wellness, communication and career skills with emphasis on job interviewing, communication skills, money management, public speaking, customer service, computer skills, team building and health. Recommended for Adults 18+.
GiGi University is an enrollment based program that is offered in sessions throughout the year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend teach lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
GiGiFIT You & I
During GiGiFIT You & I the #1 goal is to foster relationships and develop a positive community among caregivers. The fact that we are adding movement is a bonuswith a focus on sneaky physical therapy to improve joint stability, strength, endurance, balance and coordination. We have introduced the concepts of GiGiFIT Adult and GiGiFIT Infant to caregivers of infants with Down syndrome. Recommended for Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Caregivers and their newborn.
GiGiFIT is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
GiGi's Kitchen Kids
GiGi’s Kitchen Kids is designed to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early exposure to practical cooking skills Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will engage in activities designed to promote healthy eating habits, kitchen safety awareness, food preparation skills, self-confidence, and social skills by applying learned skills as they prepare and enjoy a shared meal/snack!
This program is recommended for ages 6-12 year olds.
GiGi's Kitchen is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.
GiGi's Ambassador
GiGi’s Ambassadors will have exemplary communications skills and be an active member of their community. They fully understand and convey the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse, “To change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.” GiGi’s Ambassadors are self-advocates and well versed in “What GiGi’s Playhouse means to me.”
A GiGi’s Ambassador is a role model and inspiration for all who enter GiGi’s Playhouse. A participant who completes the GiGi’s Ambassador certification will be given opportunities to represent GiGi’s Playhouse both in-house and in the community. They will have opportunities to actively engage in Playhouse Tours, Awareness Booths, be asked to speak at community engagement events, be an active Board of Manager member and interviews about GiGi’s Playhouse
GiGi's Educator Symposium
Join us for our In Person Watch Party for the GiGi's Educator Symposium - Educate. Inspire. Believe. - Teaching Strategies for Individuals with Down Syndrome
We are offering the opportunity to attend an In Person Watch Party at the Playhouse with others from the community. We invite all teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists and educators to attend!
Step 1: Register to attend the GiGi’s Educator Symposium HERE - This will support you in receiving the information for the Continuing Professional Units and other resources.
Step 2: RSVP by clicking the button below to let us know you can attend the In Person Watch Party at GiGi's Playhouse!
Achievers
The GiGi’s Achievers program empowers adults with Down syndrome with purposeful activities to ensure continued learning and fulfillment of life. This program teaches and promotes communication, self-awareness, independence, health and wellness through community engagement. Each lesson will provide participants with "hands on” learning experiences in a naturally occurring environment. A participant must be 18+ to attend this program.
If you are unable to login and register, we would love for you to join us, please contact your playhouse for assistance. When you are here we will answer all of your questions and support you with your My GiGi's login.