From High School to What’s Next: Navigating Transition Planning with Confidence
Guide to Transition Planning Is your child a high school student with an individualized education plan (IEP)? If so, have you started planning their transition out of high school? According to the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), it is legally required to begin planning for the transition out of...
Summer Game Night Brings Community Together Through Friendship, Fun, and Inclusion
On Wednesday, June 24, GiGi's Playhouse Southern Tier was thrilled to partner once again with Dick's House of Sport and Advocates for Autism, Inc. for our Summer Game Night! Set against the backdrop of a beautiful, cool summer evening, the event brought together participants, families, volunteers, and community members for...
Same Goal, Different Supports: Understanding Accommodations and Modifications
Accommodations and Modifications: What’s the Difference? By Joelie Leopold Accommodations and modifications are commonly used to make learning accessible for all students. Both accommodations and modifications are used to assist individuals with overcoming any barriers created by their disability, enabling them to learn in a general education classroom setting. Understanding...
Believe in our Build: Here We Grow Again!
Have you been following along with my adventures at the Playhouse this week? Did you guess where I was?? I am so excited to announce that all of my photos this week (and Armando’s!) were taken in our NEW EXPANDED PLAYHOUSE SPACE! Located directly next door to the current Playhouse, the new space is currently under construction (hence...
A Note from Literacy Tutor, Jen!
At GiGi's Playhouse we are so lucky to have dedicated tutors for our math and literacy programs. These volunteers help us keep our 1 on 1 programs 100% free and purposeful for our families. Below is a quick read written by one of our tutors, Jen (Carrieri) Weiss. Teaching someone...
Celebrating Joy, Community, and Acceptance: World Down Syndrome Day Dance 2026
On March 21st, our GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier family came together for one of the most meaningful and joyful nights of the year—our World Down Syndrome Day Dance. Held at Traditions at the Glen, the evening was filled with laughter, connection, and celebration of the incredible individuals we are so...
A Family’s Guide To An IEP
As a parent, formulating an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, to support your child may be overwhelming. Many puzzle pieces fit together to make a perfect plan for your child, from meetings to goals. Nonetheless, IEPs are critical for supporting children with specialized needs. Here’s your go-to guide for an...
Acceptance, Generosity, and Kindness: 90-Day Check in from Executive Director
Acceptance, Generosity, and Kindness: These three tenets of Generation G happen to perfectly summarize my first 90 days as the Executive Director at GiGi's Playhouse Southern Tier! From my first day in this new role, I have witnessed and felt each of these traits in countless moments and interactions. Acceptance: I...
GiGi’s 5k 2026: Support the Teams!
The 2026 GiGi's Playhouse 5k's registration is LIVE! Join us as we run, walk, and celebrate inclusion while supporting individuals with Down syndrome and special needs in our community 💛 Every step makes a difference! Join as a competitive 5k runner or as an 1-Mile walker, and be ready to...
Inside Our Free Math & Literacy Tutoring Program
GiGi’s Playhouse is proud to offer 100% free tutoring in Math and Literacy, giving our participants the opportunity to build skills, confidence, and independence in a supportive, one-on-one environment. Our newest tutoring session kicked off this month, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome twenty-six incredible tutors who are...
Participant Best of All: Rory!
We are excited and honored to shine a spotlight on Rory, a joyful and vibrant participant at GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier! Rory truly comes to life when he is surrounded by his friends in Signing with the Stars, and it’s impossible not to smile when you see him in action....
GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier; A Welcome to Our New Executive Director!
We are thrilled to announce that Jan McCauley has joined GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier as our new Executive Director! This role calls for a strategic, business-minded leader who can ensure the long-term sustainability, prominence, and operational excellence of our Playhouse—and Jan brings exactly that vision and experience to our team....