Posts Tagged ‘Down syndrome’
Volunteer Spotlight: Jasmin, Dona, and Alina
This month we recognize Jasmin, Dona & Alina – the trio of co-leads who lead our Kids Club Program – the GiGi’s Playhouse signature programfor ages 8-12 (currently scheduled biweekly on Saturdays 12:00–1:30pm). Initially starting the program last summer with friend Linda as the original 3rd Co-Lead, the current trio has continued the quality &…
Read MoreDown Syndrome Friendly Medical Services in Tampa and Surrounding Areas
Hello, our GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa community! We are here to offer some resources that are Down syndrome friendly in/ near Tampa! Everyone is human, so everyone needs support: whether it’s going to the dentist, going for a doctor’s checkup, and more. Check out some resources below! Pediatricians: Dentists: Orthodontists: Therapists: Take care of yourself and others and reach out to…
Read MoreParticipant Best of All: Sammy Cully
This month, we are proud to celebrate Sammy and the many ways she has reached her Best of All at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa. Sammy is a regular participant in several of GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa’s signature programs, including GiGi’s Kitchen Adult, GiGiFIT Adult, and Fantastic Friends. Her love of social connection and routine truly shines, especially…
Read MoreMake Valentine’s Day Fun (Yet Manageable) for Children with Down Syndrome
Hello, our GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa community! We are here to give you some insights and tips on how to make Valentine’s Day fun and manageable for your child with Down syndrome. Valentine’s Day isn’t only a day for couples, but rather a celebration of all kinds of love. However, for some children, the experience can feel overwhelming, or they may even feel excluded by the way the holiday is marketed. …
Read MoreIEPs Made Simple: What Parents Should Advocate For
What are IEPs? IEP stands for Individualized Education Program, which legally outlines how and what type of school curriculum a student can partake in, and when they will receive instruction. What do IEPs include? IEPS includes levels of academic placements, measurable annual goals, and special education services and other accommodations such as homework pace and behavior intervention plan if needed. Why do…
Read MoreParticipant Best of All: Ari
Ari is an amazing kindergartener whose joy for learning shines every time she proudly shows off her growing skills to her parents – and we at GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa love celebrating each step alongside Ari! One of Ari’s recent Best of All moments occurred in our 1-on-1 Math tutoring this past Fall. We watched her…
Read MoreBetter Sleep, Brighter Days: Supporting Individuals with Down syndrome
Every parent knows how much a good night’s sleep can change the day. When our children sleep well, they’re more focused, happier, and ready to take on the world. In the Down syndrome community, sleep is a much bigger challenge than most people realize. One common but often overlooked health concern is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition…
Read MoreParticipant Best of All: Jimmie Warren Jr.
Jimmie Warren Jr. has been a continual fun-loving, helpful and determined presence across all the adult programs he has recently participated in. Whether it is during Saturday programs in GiGiFIT Adult and GiGi’s Kitchen Adult, or in the long-running Thursday evening Fantastic Friends Program. Jimmie is consistently one of the first participants to arrive (often…
Read MoreShining Bright with Structure: Holiday Tips for a Joyful Christmas Season
Hello, our GiGi’s Playhouse Community! We are here to give you some insight and tips on how to keep structure during the Christmas season. The holiday season is a time filled with excitement like bright lights, cheerful music, and gatherings of all sizes. But for individuals with Down syndrome, all the changes in routine, new…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Emma Brkljacic
This month we spotlight our absolutely incredible Fall intern Emma Brkljacic for all the positive & meaningful impact she has made across multiple GiGi’s Playhouse Tampa programs & enhancements made to the day-to-day operations at the Tampa Playhouse. Since beginning her internship as Health Coordinator in August, Emma has supplied versatility, creativity and dedication to…
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