We are so excited to be transitioning to more in-person programs!

A COVID-19 questionnaire will need to be completed at the entrance of the Playhouse. Those over the age of two not vaccinated are asked to please wear a mask. 

RSVPs are required and we ask that you RSVP for your loved one with Down syndrome and one parent/guardian. At this time, second parents and siblings are asked to not attend.

The link to the website calendar is at the end of this post. You will find all RSVP/Registration information on the calendar.

Local Group Programs

LMNOP (Virtual or In-Person)

Language, Music N’ Our Peeps (0-3 years)

Saturday, July 10th at 9:30 am – Must register by noon on July 9th!

Come sing and sign about transportation with us. Where will we go and how will we get there?

There will be individual bags of instruments for each participant, so no sharing of items will take place. We will also be using the parachute to help with social distancing!

LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program for children age newborn to 3 years old. It guides parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities.

LMNOP supports the therapeutic-based development of young children with Down syndrome with goals of achieving the following:

• Introduce and practice the use of basic signs/gestures/pictures to support language development.
• Increase language development, with a focus on vocabulary development, following basic directions, and social interaction with peers using music, stories, and play.

Teen Tastic (12 – 17 years)

Friday, July 9th and July 23rd from 6-8 PM. 

July 9th – Movie Night – Must register by noon on July 8th!

July 23rd – Mini Golf – Must register by noon on July 22nd!

This group promotes friendship, social interactions, communication through a variety of social activities, outings, and games for teens.  Recommended for all teens ages 13-17. Participants in Teen Tastic gain confidence, leadership skills, and empowerment while working as part of a team or on individual projects and tasks.  If you, or your child, are looking for opportunities to socialize, practice your leadership skills, and be a part of amazing creative projects, then Teen Tastic is the right group for you!

Teen Tastic supports the therapeutic-based development of individuals with Down syndrome. Our goals include achieving the following:

• social skills increase, with a focus on group participation and increasing leisure activity options.
• language development increase, with a focus on appropriateness, maintaining conversation, and non-verbal social language.
• Increase gross motor skills, with a focus on general health, fitness (strength and balance), and awareness of personal space.
• Increase fine motor skills & self-help skills through participation in various activities.

Fantastic Friends (18 years and up)

Friday, July 9th and July 23rd from 6-8 PM.

July 9th – Movie Night – Must register by noon on July 8th!

July 23rd – Mini Golf  – Must register by noon on July 22nd!

Fantastic Friends is an interactive and engaging program recommended for adults ages 18 and up. This program is built to include adults with Down syndrome and those without Down syndrome. We support the development of social skills and language through peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. Adult participants participate in the planning of activities so that everything the group does is based on interests. During Fantastic Friends, the group may explore their local community by participating in outings and events. This program may also support gross motor skills through active games.

Fantastic Friends supports therapeutic-based development of individuals with Down syndrome, with goals of achieving the following:

• Increase social skills, with a focus on group participation and increasing leisure activity options.
• Increase language development, with a focus on appropriateness, maintaining conversation and non-verbal social language.
• Increase gross motor skills, with a focus on general health, fitness (strength and balance), and awareness of personal space.

Art Explosion (6+)

Thursday, July 29th from 10 am – 12 pm – Must register by noon on July 28th!

Calling our friends 6 years old and up! We will be getting crafty and making kindness rocks for the GiGi’s Kindness Rocks Garden and for you to take out into the community.

Music (0-6)

Every Wednesday in July (Registration for this program has closed.)

These music therapy sessions are provided by West Music and we work with a board-certified music therapist!

Music/Drumming (13+)

Begins July 21st – Must register by July 20th!

Join certified Music Therapist Lydia from the Quad Cities Music Therapy Center for a 4-week session of music and drumming.

The program will meet on 4 Wednesdays in a row beginning on July 21st and ending on August 11th.

There are many benefits with drumming as it is a:

• therapeutic tool
• confidence builder
• self-expression outlet
• fitness and fun activity
• PLUS you get your see your friends and learn a new activity!

Local One-on-One Programs

Applications for the fall 2021 Tutoring & Speech Session are now open.

Tutoring is for 2.5 years and up. Speech is for all ages.

Space is limited so sign up TODAY!

Applications close on August 15th.

Save the Date…

July 24th Party on Pershing  – Volunteers Needed

August 7th Quad Cities Family Resource Fair

August 13th Disabilities Awareness Night at the River Bandits

August 15th GiGi’s Quad Cities Family Picnic

Visit the calendar linked here to see additional details and to register to attend programming.

If you register for a program, please do everything in your power to attend. We know things come up and life happens, but please keep in mind that our volunteers have taken the time to plan, coordinate, and be here for the program plus funds have been allocated for materials and supplies based on the number of registrations. They (and we) are super sad when you don’t attend.

Volunteer at GiGi’s

VIRTUAL New Volunteer Orientation

Join us as our National Office holds two virtual New Volunteer Orientations on July 6th and July 22nd!

Click HERE to see the national calendar and register to attend the orientation of your choice. 

GiGi’s is a volunteer-run organization. New volunteers must attend an orientation to learn more about GiGi’s, Down syndrome, and the volunteer process. Come learn about all of the GiGi’s Playhouse programs and events and how you can get involved.

With over 3,900 volunteer hours at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities in 2019, we cannot do what we do without our amazing volunteers and we make training a priority!

If you have not completed the Volunteer Interest Form via our website yet, please do so prior to attending the orientation. 

GiGi’s At Home Programs

GiGi’s at Home offers live virtual programs and programs on demand with participants from around the world!  Yes, around the WORLD!

Click HERE to explore the site and view current program offerings.

GiGi’s at Home On Demand is our way of bringing 150+ purposeful programs to you at a time that is convenient for you. You will have access to program recordings, lesson plans, and activities to use when you are ready.

GiGi’s at Home Live is our way of bringing 28+ purposeful programs to you every week at a specific time. This allows you to interact with our volunteer program leaders and fellow participants engaging in purposeful activities designed for your loved one’s age group.