Learning at its finest!

From our Site Coordinator: "On this cold and rainy Tuesday morning while sitting at my desk, I can hear a participant, her mom, and the tutor jumping around like frogs while singing ribbit, ribbit, ribbit as part of the literacy session.  This is just one time out of many that...

Volunteer Spotlight – Mara

This month we would like to recognize Mara as our Volunteer Spotlight! She has been volunteering here at the Playhouse since last fall. She is originally from Rockford, IL but is currently living n Davenport, IA. She is a Junior at St. Ambrose University with plans to be a physical...

Everyday Speech and Language Skills: Road Trips (part 1)

Everyday Speech and Language Skills: Road Trips (part 1) It is that time of year again, where we are going to visit our families for Thanksgiving and we can spend a lot of time in the car. Why not practice some of your speech and language skills? This month we...

2017 National GiGi’s Conference

This past week and weekend, staff and board members had the opportunity to attend the 2017 National GiGi’s conference in Schaumburg, IL. It was a great time of learning and inspiration. There were sessions to help with fundraising, programming, donation processing, and board engagement plus others. We were able to...
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Down Syndrome Acceptance Month – 21 Acts of Kindness

Down Syndrome Acceptance Month – 21 Acts of Kindness It’s already the middle of October which means we are half way through Down syndrome awareness/acceptance month.  You may have noticed that we have not been posting daily regarding Down Syndrome Acceptance month.  We’ve seen the cute photos with the facts...

Everyday Speech and Language Skills: Bath Time

Everyday Speech and Language Skills: Bath Time Here it is October already! We have had a great time at race and are so lucky to continue to provide programs and support to our families. This month let’s talk about bath time. This time of the day is such a great...

Together!

The 2017 Superhero Run, Walk and Dash for Down Syndrome is just one week away. Last year we had approximately 700 people in attendance and we are on target to reach that again this year. Friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors will come together to support local individuals with Down...

“mini reunion”

The first Saturday in October is now permanently reserved for our family.  The GiGi’s Superhero 5K/Walk/Dash has become like a mini reunion. Each year it is an amazing gathering of friends and family, but most importantly, we get to celebrate our little superhero, Gavin.  As a parent, it is deeply moving to see...

drumming the night away

Last week, we had a community member come to the Playhouse to share her drums and other musical items. She is from the Clinton, IA area. She is the Early Childhood Iowa Director for Clinton and Jackson Counties and the Community Partnerships for Protecting Children Coordinator for Scott, Clinton, and...

Volunteer Spotlight – Jami

This month we would like to recognize Jami as our Volunteer Spotlight! This summer was the first time Jami volunteered at the Playhouse. She volunteered as a tutor for three lucky students and she tutored in math and literacy. She is a Title 1 reading teacher at Erie Elementary in...

Everyday Speech and Language Skills: In Your Morning Routine

Everyday Speech and Language Skills: In Your Morning Routine We are back again this month with more ideas on how to incorporate speech and language skills into everyday routines. This week we will be touching on your morning routine. We know, mornings can be tough, everyone must get ready, eat...

Everyday Speech and Language Skills: At The Dinner Table

Everyday Speech and Language Skills: At The Dinner Table We are going to start a new series about how to incorporate speech and language activities in your everyday routines. One of the most beneficial and one I have fond memories of when I was a child was talking at the...