Current Programs

Visit the All Ages and your participant's Age Group tab to see all of our FREE Purposeful Programs available!

All Ages

Mom's Night

Moms, Grandmothers, Aunts and Sisters are invited to play, network and connect with one another in a fun and active program.

If you are unable to login and register, we would love for you to join us, please contact your playhouse for assistance. When you are here we will answer all of your questions and support you with your My GiGi's login.

Speech & Language 1:1

The GiGi's Amina Grace One-on-One Speech & Language program provides youth, teens and adults with greatly expanded opportunities to evolve and refine their speech and language skills This program supports the increase of clarity of speech and enunciation, word order and message meaning and comprehension which benefits self-confidence, school and social readiness and Increased independence and overall quality of life. Recommended for All Ages.

Open Play

Promotes positive beginnings for new families, creates awareness opportunities for peers and friends while allowing families to network and support one another. Come ready for fun and a crazy good time! Open to all families of all ages.

Come in whenever we are open to enjoy the toys and books throughout the Playhouse. Schedule a Play Date with other families and meet at the Playhouse during our Open Play dates and times.

Literacy

The One-on-One Literacy tutoring program for individuals with Down syndrome provides instruction based on the interests and inspirations of each student. The Literacy tutoring program supports the increase of sight word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension, articulation, self-esteem, speech clarity and fine motor skills. Our trained tutors provide motivating and purposeful lessons designed to keep our students engaged and learning both during sessions and when extending activities at home. Recommended for ages 3+.

Literacy is an enrollment-based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

More Details and Apply

Literacy support is a supplemental program designed to further assist the participant learn skills which they learn in school. Participants will work with a volunteer one-on-one to work on their reading, vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Math

The One-on-One Math tutoring program uses a multi-sensory, strength-based approach to build confidence and success for our students. The Math tutoring program supports the increase of the range of math skills, self-esteem, confidence, critical thinking, problem solving skills, independence and autonomy, and fine motor skills. Our research-based curriculum encompasses a variety of strategies and techniques to ensure that every student can be successful when learning math. Recommended for ages 3+.

Math is an enrollment based program that is offered 3 sessions per year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend each lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

Math support is a supplemental program designed to further assist the participant learn skills which they learn in school. Participants will work with a volunteer one-on-one to work on their reading, vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Music Makers

Tap into your inner rock star where every voice shines! Music supports the increase of self-confidence, social skills, communication and motor skills.

Our Music In Motion with Miss Angie's Music Class program is recommended for all ages!
Learn about different music styles and instruments. Music in Motion will build self-confidence, strengthen social skills, communication and motor skills through the therapeutic use of music and dance. Our Leader, Miss Angie says: "I am super passionate about MUSIC, and all of the benefits that music brings to our lives. I get really excited about the way music can benefit a child’s early developmental years. That’s why I started my business, 'Miss Angie’s Music!'" Angie trained in early childhood music education with Musikgarten, and began her teaching career in 2010 at Musikgarten of Oak Park with Amy Pappageorge. In 2013 she began her own teaching business, “Miss Angie’s Music.”

Yoga

Helps your child develop healthy habits for a lifetime of wellness and happiness. Yoga gives participants a practice and routine that integrates physical, mental and emotional development. Yoga program will help develop more personal awareness and learn specific strategies to maintain focus and manage emotions and impulses.

This program takes place on the first Wednesday of the month from 5:00-5:30. Make sure to sign up today. Participants may bring their own yoga mats if they like.
In order to participate in this program, the Playhouse must have a current physical form either from school or you can use the GiGi's Playhouse form. The link to the form is below:
http://8pa6i2zwhi520nmq7s560ezsd-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/TinleyPark/files/2020/02/Participation-Waiver-Physician-Approval-Form.pdf

Early Learners (0-4)

LMNOP

Language Music N' Our Peeps (LMNOP) is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities. Recommended for ages pre-natal to 36 months.

LMNOP (Language Music N Our Peeps) This program is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language using music play.

Leaps & Bounds

Leaps & Bounds is a play-based program for children that focuses on success in preschool and kindergarten. Students will participate in fun and engaging activities that provide opportunities for following routines, small group participation, movement and interaction with their environment. Family members are key participants in this program and will encourage their child to reach his or her Best of All throughout each session. Recommended for ages 3-5 year olds.

Join us on the 1st Saturday of every month from 10:00am-11:00am. This program promotes social, emotional, large and small muscle group development. Children will participate in fun and engaging activities that require movement and interaction with their environment. Recommended for ages 3-5 years old, but all young children are welcome.
This program is lead by a retired Special Education Teacher who volunteers her time.

Pre School Prep

Prepares and re-enforces tasks in a structured environment in preparation for Pre-School. Everything from appropriate peer interaction, transition of skills, center based learning to visual learning cues will be addressed. Recommended for ages 24-48 months.

Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!

School Age Learners (5-12)

GiGi's Kitchen Kids

GiGi’s Kitchen Kids is designed to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early exposure to practical cooking skills Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will engage in activities designed to promote healthy eating habits, kitchen safety awareness, food preparation skills, self-confidence, and social skills by applying learned skills as they prepare and enjoy a shared meal/snack! This program is recommended for ages 6-12 year olds.

If you have any food allergies or aversions, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!

Teenagers (13-17)

Teen Tastic

Focuses on building social skills with friends with and without Down syndrome by participating in team-based activities in a casual and fun setting. Skill development includes understanding compromise, turn-taking and problem-solving abilities.

GiGi's Kitchen Teen

GiGi’s Kitchen Teen is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, 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, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen Teen program will build participants' self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness! This program is recommended for ages 13-17.

If you have any food allergies or aversions, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!

Adults

GiGi's Games with Friends

Designed to increase strategic thinking skills through fun and interactive games! Participants will put their literacy, math and fine motor skills to practical use during this exciting program!

Social Skills for Adults

Focuses on social skills needed to function within the community. Target skills will include conversation starters, perspective taking and teamwork/problem solving. Games and other activities will be incorporated to strengthen social interaction and practice skills. Recommended for ages 18+.

Fantastic Friends

A fun purposeful & social gathering for adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community. Supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. Recommended for Adults 18+.

This is our Adult Program, offered to participants ages 18+.
The group meets on the 2nd Friday of every month from 7-9pm. Please check our online calendar for the theme of the month. The group either completes a craft or they play a game to work on their fine motor skills. They will complete different activities to work on their social skills with their peers, and they will eat a meal together.

Friends, Fun & Fitness Adult

Our Friends get together for physical activity and a healthy snack/meal, tailored just for them! Our group of Friends is growing and we want you to join us! Recommended for ages 18+.

Materials you’ll need:

Chair without arms

Our Volunteer Leader, Toni is our group Personal Trainer who owns Tone with Toni Studio. Chair Cardio combines stretches and toning movements performed with the aid of a chair. The movements in this class will be sure to make you feel refreshed and all levels of fitness are welcome to try this class out!
In order to participate in this program, the Playhouse must have a current physical form either from school or you can use the GiGi's Playhouse form. The link to the form is below:
http://8pa6i2zwhi520nmq7s560ezsd-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/TinleyPark/files/2020/02/Participation-Waiver-Physician-Approval-Form.pdf

GiGi's Kitchen Adult

GiGi’s Kitchen Adult is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, 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, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen Adult program will build participants' self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness! This program is recommended for ages 18+.

If you have any food allergies or aversions, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

Achievers

The GiGi’s Achievers program empowers adults with Down syndrome with purposeful activities to ensure continued learning and fulfillment of life. This program teaches and promotes communication, self-awareness, independence, health and wellness through community engagement. Each lesson will provide participants with "hands on” learning experiences in a naturally occurring environment. A participant must be 18+ to attend this program.

Be sure to check out our All Ages programs also!

Help us bring these programs to our playhouse

GiGiFIT Infant

In GiGiFIT Infant we are making movement fun! We introduce the concepts of foundational movements, mobility, visual-vestibular, and reflex integration activities. In a fun environment, we are purposefully progressing on improving areas of fitness through activities in strength, endurance, joint stability, balance, movement control and more. Recommended for infant to pre-walking.

If you have any health issues or need modifications to movements, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

Kids Club

Supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program will also support gross motor skills through active games, fine motor and self-help skills through meal/snack preparation and activities. Recommended for 8-12 year-olds.

GiGiFIT Teen

Introduces the key movements of foundational, hip strengthening and vestibular/balance exercises, we focus on improving areas of fitness through activities in strength, endurance, joint stability, balance, movement control and more. GiGiFIT Teen incorporates age appropriate activities that teens can be successful with and strengthen their bodies purposefully. GiGiFIT promotes wellness through nutrition, pushing through barriers and building self-confidence. Recommended for 13-17 year olds.

If you have any health issues or need modifications to movements, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

GiGiFIT Adult

Introduces the key movements of foundational, hip strengthening, and vestibular/balance exercises, making them successful to implement and practice at any stage of life! Focuses on improving areas of fitness through activities in strength, endurance, joint stability, balance, movement control and more. GiGiFIT promotes wellness through nutrition, pushing through barriers and building self-confidence. Recommended for 18+.

If you have any health issues or need modifications to movements, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

Destination Discovery

Play = Fun + Learning Destination Discovery supports the development of fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills and language through purposeful play and peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also brings families together to share experiences and build relationships. Recommended for All Ages.

Playhouse Pals

Supports the 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. Recommended for 5-8 year olds.

GiGi Professional

Whether it’s an office, retail environment, a design studio or a production space, GiGi’s career internship programs build on the skills learned in GiGi U with practical applications and the achievement of certifications. During each individual with Down syndromes 13-week internship they will purposefully progress through certifications learning and demonstrating strengths and interests in transferable job skills, building their resume for placement in a job or volunteer position in the community. Pre-req: GiGi U. Recommended for Adults 18+.

GiGi U

A comprehensive and progressive learning program tailored specifically for adults with Down syndrome comprised of a 15-week session made up of 3-days per week instructional program. GiGi U is designed for motivated adults with Down syndrome to achieve their highest potential in the real world while developing their abilities in the areas of wellness, communication and career skills with emphasis on job interviewing, communication skills, money management, public speaking, customer service, computer skills, team building and health. Recommended for Adults 18+.

GiGi University is an enrollment based program that is offered in sessions throughout the year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend teach lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

Dance

Introduces basic dance styles, techniques and movements to participants while improving gross motor skills, increasing mental and muscle memory and increasing cardiovascular conditioning, strength, flexibility and coordination.

GiGi Prep

The GiGi Prep program has an emphasis on building communication skills, money management, customer service skills, team building, health and wellness over a 10-week session made up of 2-days per week instructional learning. This program is an application based program with high expectations to motivate adults with Down syndrome. Recommended for Adults 18+.

GiGi Prep is an enrollment based program that is offered in sessions throughout the year. For our enrollment programs we ask that families fill out an application for their desired program. We are asking that you commit to attend teach lesson within the session. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

GiGiFIT Preschoolers

GiGiFIT Preschoolers includes foundational, vestibular and targeted mobility movements, reflex integration and control. We have taken these movements and concepts to the next level in a fast-paced, super fun and socially interactive atmosphere for young children who have recently mastered the ability to walk on their own. Recommended for independent walking to 5 year olds.

If you have any health issues or need modifications to movements, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

GiGiFIT You & I

During GiGiFIT You & I the #1 goal is to foster relationships and develop a positive community among caregivers. The fact that we are adding movement is a bonuswith a focus on sneaky physical therapy to improve joint stability, strength, endurance, balance and coordination. We have introduced the concepts of GiGiFIT Adult and GiGiFIT Infant to caregivers of infants with Down syndrome. Recommended for Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Caregivers and their newborn.

If you have any health issues or need modifications to movements, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

Art Explosion

Provides hands-on experience with multiple art media and provides an outlet for individuals with Down syndrome to express themselves, build confidence and socialize with peers.

Dance Adults

Art Explosion Adult

Provides hands-on experience with multiple art media and provides an outlet for individuals with Down syndrome to express themselves, build confidence and socialize with peers. Recommended for 18+ year olds

Art Explosion Kids

Dance Kids

Music Makers Adult

Tap into your inner rock star where every voice shines! Music supports the increase of self-confidence, social skills, communication and motor skills. Recommended for 18+

Music Early Learners

Tap into your inner rock star where every voice shines! Music supports the increase of self-confidence, social skills, communication and motor skills. Recommended for birth - 4 year olds

Music Makers Kids

Tap into your inner rock star where every voice shines! Music supports the increase of self-confidence, social skills, communication and motor skills. Recommended for 5 - 12 year olds

Music Makers Teen

Tap into your inner rock star where every voice shines! Music supports the increase of self-confidence, social skills, communication and motor skills. Recommended for 13-17 year olds

GiGi's Ambassador

GiGi’s Ambassadors will have exemplary communications skills and be an active member of their community. They fully understand and convey the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse, “To change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.” GiGi’s Ambassadors are self-advocates and well versed in “What GiGi’s Playhouse means to me.”

A GiGi’s Ambassador is a role model and inspiration for all who enter GiGi’s Playhouse. A participant who completes the GiGi’s Ambassador certification will be given opportunities to represent GiGi’s Playhouse both in-house and in the community. They will have opportunities to actively engage in Playhouse Tours, Awareness Booths, be asked to speak at community engagement events, be an active Board of Manager member and interviews about GiGi’s Playhouse

GiGi's Educator Symposium

Educate. Inspire. Believe. - Teaching Strategies for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Where available a Watch Party will be offered as an opportunity to attend with others from the community. If there is not a Watch Party listed, we will see you virtually, you can reach out to your local Playhouse to let them know you are interested.

GiGiFIT Kids for 6-9-year-olds

GiGiFIT Kids for 6-9-year-olds combines key movements from GiGiFIT Teen and advanced progressions of activities from GiGiFIT Toddler to help improve strength, balance, coordination, peer interaction and to build a lifelong love of physical activity. GiGiFIT Kids is not just purposeful play it is our special work-out time to make you stronger, faster, more coordinated and kids say "I love this fun, structured, purposeful movements". Recommended for 6-9-year-olds.

If you have any health issues or need modifications to movements, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

GiGiFIT Kids for 10-12-year-olds

GiGiFIT Kids for 10-12-year-olds combines key movements from GiGiFIT Teen and advanced progressions of activities from GiGiFIT Kids for 6-9-year-olds to help improve strength, balance, coordination, peer interaction and to build a lifelong love of physical activity. GiGiFIT Kids is not just purposeful play it is our special work-out time to make you stronger, faster, more coordinated and kids say "I love this fun, structured, purposeful movements". Recommended for 10-12-year-olds.

If you have any health issues or need modifications to movements, please let our Playhouse staff and leaders know. If you have questions please contact the Playhouse.

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