Registration for our\u00a0FREE<\/strong><\/span> therapeutic and educational programming in Brentwood and Gallatin this fall is open! We\u2019d love to have you join us as a participant or volunteer, and further information on exact offerings and dates is listed below.<\/p>\n Click Here to Sign up as a Student or Tutor<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n In response to needs expressed by our community, GiGi\u2019s is launching new parent support groups to connect caregivers of kids and adults with Down syndrome with others in similar situations and seasons of life. These groups, called \u201cThe Extra Connection,\u201d will meet in-person at GiGi\u2019s in Brentwood and Gallatin once per month at times identified as ideal by each specific group to discuss age-related topics, hear from guest speakers, and build community with one another.<\/p>\n Initial age ranges for The Extra Connection parent groups will include:<\/p>\n If you are interested in joining one of these groups, please email nashville@gigisplayhouse.org<\/a> with your name and the age group you\u2019d be interested in joining, and we’ll be in touch soon!<\/p>\n LMNOP\u00a0<\/strong>(recommended ages: 0-5):<\/span> Language, Music, N\u2019 Our Peeps is an interactive program that guides young children with Down syndrome and their families through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities. LMNOP will take place every other Saturday from 10:00am \u2013 11:00am on the following dates: 9\/10, 9\/24, 10\/8, 10\/22, 11\/5, 11\/19, 12\/10<\/p>\n CRAWLERS & WALKERS<\/strong>\u00a0(recommended ages: 1-5)<\/span> 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 a focus on following directions and interacting with peers. This program will take place every other Saturday from 10:00am -11:00am on the following dates: 9\/3, 9\/17, 10\/1, 10\/15, 10\/29, 11\/12, 12\/3.<\/p>\n CREATIVE EXPLORATION<\/strong>\u00a0(recommended ages: 5-8)<\/span> is focused on fun and engaging activities that encourage children to explore the world around them. Sometimes indoors and sometimes outdoors, this program will incorporate science experiments and hands-on projects to develop fine and gross motor skills, increase focus and ability to participate in structured activities, and promote teamwork and collaboration. Creative Exploration will meet on Mondays from 4:30pm \u2013 5:30pm on the following dates: 9\/12, 9\/19, 9\/26, 10\/3, 10\/17, 10\/24, 11\/7, 11\/14, 11\/28, 12\/5<\/p>\n LITTLE SPORTS<\/strong>\u00a0(recommended ages: 5-8)<\/span> will use a different sport each week to improve gross motor skills while having a blast with friends! Led by Anderson and Carolanna Hirt, this program will get kids moving and expose them to different types of athletic activities in a fun, relaxed environment. Little Sports will meet on Thursdays from 5:00pm \u2013 6:00pm on the following dates: 9\/8, 9\/15, 9\/22, 9\/29, 10\/6, 10\/20, 10\/27, 11\/3, 11\/10, 11\/17, 12\/1, 12\/8.<\/p>\n MUSIC IN MOTION <\/strong>(recommended ages 7-10):<\/span>\u00a0Led by our friends in the Music Therapy department at Belmont, Music in Motion builds self-confidence and strengthens social skills, communication, and motor skills through the therapeutic use of music and dance. The younger group for Music in Motion this fall will meet on Tuesdays from 4:45-5:30pm on the following dates: 9\/6, 9\/13, 9\/20, 9\/27, 10\/4, 10\/25, 11\/1, 11\/8, 11\/15, 11\/29, 12\/6<\/p>\n MUSIC IN MOTION <\/strong>(recommended ages 11-13):<\/span>\u00a0Led by our friends in the Music Therapy department at Belmont, Music in Motion builds self-confidence and strengthens social skills, communication, and motor skills through the therapeutic use of music and dance. The older group for Music in Motion this fall will meet on Tuesdays from 5:45-6:30pm on the following dates: 9\/6, 9\/13, 9\/20, 9\/27, 10\/4, 10\/25, 11\/1, 11\/8, 11\/15, 11\/29, 12\/6<\/p>\n TEEN TASTIC<\/strong>\u00a0(recommended ages: 13-18)<\/span> focuses on building social skills by participating in group-based activities in a casual and fun setting. This fall, puberty-related topics will be addressed such as personal space, appropriate touching and interactions with others, physical and online safety, and interpersonal feelings. Teen Tastic will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm \u2013 7:00pm on the following dates: 9\/12, 9\/19, 9\/26, 10\/3, 10\/17, 10\/24, 11\/7, 11\/14, 11\/28, 12\/5<\/p>\n TEEN AND ADULT YOGA<\/strong> (recommended ages 13-18+):<\/strong><\/span> promotes healthy habits for a lifetime of wellness through a practice and routine that integrates physical, mental, and emotional development, helping participants develop personal awareness and learn specific strategies to maintain focus and manage emotions and impulses. This program will take place in person every other Thursday from 6:15-7:15 on the following dates: 9\/15, 9\/29, 10\/27, 11\/10, 12\/8<\/p>\n EPIC (Empowerment, Participation, Independence, & Community Involvement)<\/strong>\u00a0(recommended ages: 18+)<\/span> provides opportunities for socialization and community involvement while creating a fun and memorable experience. EPIC this fall will again be led by Carlie Long and Tatianna Balis, focusing on health and wellness through cooking classes and \u201cFalliday\u201d themed workouts. EPIC will take place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm\u2013 7:30pm on the following dates: 9\/7, 9\/14, 9\/28, 10\/5, 10\/19, 10\/26, 11\/2, 11\/9, 11\/16, 11\/30<\/p>\n CROSSFIT<\/strong>\u00a0(recommended ages: 16+):<\/span> Our CrossFit program promotes physical fitness and facilitates social interaction and positive peer relationships through purposeful physical activities for adolescents and adults. Our amazing volunteer Program Co-Leaders are Ms. Lauren and Ms. Kaitlyn, who pair participants from GiGi\u2019s with volunteer fitness buddies to complete group workouts together. Fitness activities include: squats, sit-ups, press over head, deadlift, plate ground to overhead, step ups, burpees, rowing, push-ups, lunges, and more!\u00a0PLEASE NOTE:<\/u>\u00a0CrossFit meets at the \u201cCrossFit Breakthrough\u201d gym in West Nashville (5402 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209) every other Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm, on the following dates this fall: 9\/22, 10\/6, 10\/20, 11\/3, 11\/17, 12\/1<\/p>\n CRAWLERS & WALKERS<\/strong>\u00a0(recommended ages: 1-5)<\/span> 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 a focus on following directions and interacting with peers. This program will take place on Tuesdays from 10:00am -11:00am on the following dates: 8\/30, 9\/6, 9\/13, 9\/20, 9\/27, 10\/11, 10\/18, 10\/25, 11\/1, 11\/8, 11\/15, 11\/29, 12\/6, 12\/13.<\/p>\n PLAYHOUSE PALS<\/strong> (recommended ages: 5-8)<\/span> supports\u202fthe 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. Playhouse Pals will meet on Tuesdays from 5:00pm-6:00pm on the following dates: 8\/30, 9\/6, 9\/13, 9\/20, 9\/27, 10\/11, 10\/18, 10\/25, 11\/1, 11\/8, 11\/15, 11\/29, 12\/6, 12\/13<\/p>\n GIRL SCOUTS <\/strong>(recommended ages: 5-18):<\/span> GiGi\u2019s Playhouse is happy to announce that our Girl Scout Troop 5383 is back! Join us to make friends, try new things, earn badges, and have a whole lot of fun! Our Girl Scout Troop is open to GiGi\u2019s girls between the ages of 5 and 18 and their female siblings. Come check out the excitement with other girls and make some great memories together. Please reach out to Kristi Hill at girlscouttroop5383@hotmail.com or 615-686-1066 with any questions. We will meet one Sunday a month from 2:00-4:00pm at the Northfield in Gallatin on the following dates: 9\/11, 10\/16, 11\/13, 12\/11.<\/p>\n KIDS YOGA <\/strong>(recommended ages: 9-12)<\/span> helps your\u202fchild develop healthy habits for a lifetime of wellness and happiness. Yoga\u202fgives children a practice and routine that integrates physical, mental, and emotional development.\u202fYoga program will help your child develop\u202fmore personal awareness and learn specific strategies to maintain focus and manage their emotions and impulses. Kids Yoga will meet on Tuesdays from 6:00pm \u2013 7:00pm on the following dates: 8\/30, 9\/6, 9\/13, 9\/20, 9\/27, 10\/11, 10\/18, 10\/25, 11\/1, 11\/8, 11\/15, 11\/29, 12\/6, 12\/13<\/p>\n TEEN TASTIC<\/strong>\u00a0(recommended ages: 13-18)<\/span> focuses on building social skills by participating in group-based activities in a casual and fun setting. This fall, puberty-related topics will be addressed such as personal space, appropriate touching and interactions with others, physical and online safety, and interpersonal feelings. Teen Tastic will take place on Tuesdays from 6:00pm \u2013 7:00pm on the following dates: 8\/30, 9\/6, 9\/13, 9\/20, 9\/27, 10\/11, 10\/18, 10\/25, 11\/1, 11\/8, 11\/15, 11\/29, 12\/6, 12\/13<\/p>\n GIGI’S KITCHEN ADULT <\/strong>(recommended ages: 18+)<\/span> is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through\u00a0nutrition education,\u00a0kitchen\u00a0safety, 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. The GiGi\u2019s Kitchen Adult program will build participants self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness!\u00a0This program will take place on Tuesdays from 6:00pm \u2013 7:00pm on the following dates: 8\/30, 9\/6, 9\/13, 9\/20, 9\/27, 10\/11, 10\/18, 10\/25, 11\/1, 11\/8, 11\/15, 11\/29, 12\/6, 12\/13<\/p>\n We are thrilled that you are interested in volunteering with GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Nashville! Here are the different ways you can get involved:<\/p>\n Program Leader:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 The Program Leader plays an integral role within GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Programs \u2013 to facilitate skill development activities and connect with families.\u00a0 It is preferred that the Program Leader has advanced education and\/or training in the program subject, such as developmental therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, social work, special education, speech-language therapy, music, dance, art, or a related field.<\/p>\n Host Family:<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>The Host Family attends the assigned program each session, to assist others with check in, check out, and make all feel welcome at GiGi\u2019s.<\/p>\n Program Volunteers:<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>This person will assist the program lead, and the number of volunteers depends on the size and type of program. Program volunteers just need a general knowledge of Down syndrome (which you can gain at the volunteer orientation)!<\/p>\n Literacy and Math Tutors:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>This is an exciting opportunity to help those with Down syndrome learn to read or do math skills! The time commitment per week is 1 hour plus prep time. We ask our tutors to commit to a 10-week session. You will work directly with the family of the child you are tutoring to determine when you will meet for your session each week.\u00a0Click here<\/a>\u00a0for more information on tutoring.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AS A PROGRAM VOLUNTEER<\/a> (Brentwood)<\/strong><\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AS A PROGRAM VOLUNTEER<\/a> (Gallatin)<\/strong><\/p>\nOne-on-One Educational Tutoring (Brentwood and Gallatin)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Parent Networking Opportunities: \u201cThe Extra Connection\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Group Therapeutic and Educational Programs (Brentwood)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Here are the steps to register as a participant:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Group Therapeutic and Educational Programs (Gallatin)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Here are the steps to register as a participant:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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VOLUNTEER INFORMATION<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n