Current Programs

Visit the All Ages and your participant's Age Group tab to see all of our FREE Purposeful Programs available!

All Ages

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.

Destination Discovery for 2022 is our special event off-site program. We will be exploring local sites for themed programs developed just for our GiGi's families, friends, and community.

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.

This program was created in collaboration with Marquette University's Speech Pathology and Audiology Department. Specific session times will be assigned after registration. Participants, ages 6 months-18 years, will work toward improving communication skills.
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.

Families are welcomed into the Playhouse at this scheduled time. They are encouraged to meet with friends or play as a family. Email us at milwaukee@gigisplayhouse.org to schedule a time to come in and play. Check our calendar for dates to RSVP or volunteer: https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/calendar/

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+.

Our tutoring sessions typically run three times per year, seasonally. Enrollment in each session is required. Registration and additional information can be found here https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/one-on-one-tutoring/

Spring: Mid-February to early-May
Summer: Mid-June to late-August
Fall: Late-September to early-December

Also offered as an extension of the literacy program is Book Club (ages 13+). Participants read a chapter book independently or with support to increase comprehension, sequencing, & vocabulary skills. Weekly discussions focus on character development, using prediction, problem-solving, & gaining confidence in sharing observations with peers. Advanced registration for each session is required (participants are encouraged to register for seasonal tutoring and note that they are interested in attending Book Club).

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+.

Spring: Mid-February to early-May
Summer: Mid-June to late-August
Fall: Late-September to early-December

Music

Tap into your inner rock star where every voice shines!  Music supports the increase of self-confidence, social skills, communication and motor skills.

Virtual Music is led by Music Therapy students from Caroll University under the supervision of a licensed Music Therapy professor. Music supports teens and adults as they learn about different music styles, build self-confidence, strengthen social skills, communication, and creative expression through the therapeutic use of music and movement. In addition to the communication and social benefits of the class, participants will learn basic music theory. This program will consider cognitive skills and life skill development that can be taught in connection to music, as well as increase self-esteem and creative expression. Music also promotes cultural enrichment and awareness (lyrics, cultural styles, tempos, instruments).

Early Learners (0-4)

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 Infants is run collaboratively with GiGiFIT Toddlers at the Milwaukee Playhouse.
Participant and Volunteer registration is required for each session https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/gigifit/

Families: Physician Approval and Family Forms must be completed annually to participate.
Volunteers: Onboarding Forms and volunteer training must be completed before volunteering

Spring session: February 24 - May 21, 2022Spring Registration: February 1-13, 2021
Summer session: ADULTS ONLY
Fall session: September 15 - December 10, 2022Fall Registration: August 19 - September 4, 2022

Leaps & Bounds

Leaps & Bounds is a play-based program for children ages 3-5 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.

In Milwaukee, Leaps & Bounds is offered through collaborations with Carroll University, Marquette University, and local therapists. University students volunteer under the direction of their licensed OT or PT supervisors.
Spring 2022 Feb. 1-Mar. 8at Carroll University, Graduate Studies Building2140 Davidson RoadWaukesha, WI 53186

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 Toddlers is run collaboratively with GiGiFIT Infants at the Milwaukee Playhouse.
Participant and Volunteer registration is required for each session https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/gigifit/

Families: Physician Approval and Family Forms must be completed annually to participate.
Volunteers: Onboarding Forms and volunteer training must be completed before volunteering

Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!

School Age Learners (5-12)

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 KidsBalance Fitness, 4170 N. Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI 53212Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Registration is required for each session https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/gigifit/

Families: Physician Approval and Family Forms must be completed annually to participate.
Volunteers: Onboarding Forms and volunteer training must be completed before volunteering

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 5-12 year olds.

GiGi Kitchen is a cooking program that is currently offered online to our community. Participants will be invited to join Microsoft Teams to participate virtually with the group as everyone cooks in their own kitchens.
Directions, ingredients, supplies, and recipes will be posted under the "files" section in the corresponding seasonal folder on Microsoft Teams.
Recommended Ages: 10 years old and older, with supervision

Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!

Teenagers (13-17)

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 TeenD1 Training Milwaukee, 11020 N Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI 53092Saturdays from 11am-12pm
Registration is required for each session https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/gigifit/

Families: Physician Approval and Family Forms must be completed annually to participate.
Volunteers: Onboarding Forms and volunteer training must be completed before volunteering

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, palette 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.

Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!

Adults

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+.

More Details and Apply

GiGiFIT AdultBalance Fitness, 4170 N. Port Washington Road, Milwaukee, WI 53212Thursdays from 4-5 p.m.
Registration is required for each session https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/gigifit/

Families: Physician Approval and Family Forms must be completed annually to participate.
Volunteers: Onboarding Forms and volunteer training must be completed before volunteering

Spring session: February 24 - May 21, 2022Spring Registration: February 1-13, 2021
Summer session: ADULTS ONLY June 2 - August 18, 2022Summer Registration: May 13-29, 2022
Fall session: September 15 - December 10, 2022Fall Registration: August 19 - September 4, 2022

Fantastic 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+.

Fantastic Friends Milwaukee meets online every other week on Friday nights at 7:30pm. Check our calendar for dates to RSVP or volunteer:https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/sfcalendar/

Gratitude Committee

Focuses on giving back to the community for the things we are generously given, showing appreciation for the community we live in. Recommended for ages 18+.

We are looking for a volunteer to support this vision: Become a volunteer and guide our teen-adult participants in writing thank you cards, designing cards, and giving back to our very generous community. Approx. 1-2 hours per month is desired for this volunteer role. Please email us at volunteermilwaukee@gigisplayhouse.org if you are over 18 years old, can pass a background check, and are interested in volunteering to lead this program.
*Once a program leader has been identified we will announce the start of the program for participants to register.

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, palette 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+.

Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!

Help us bring these programs to our playhouse

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.

Crawlers and Walkers

Focuses on the development of gross and fine motor skills through activities that are hands-on and fun! Social skills and language development will also be addressed, with focus on learning new words, following directions and interacting with peers. Recommended for ages 1-4.

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.

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.

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.

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+.

Studio Cafe

Whether it’s a retail environment, a design studio, a production space or an office, 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 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 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+.

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.