Winter 2020 Registration Information for St. Louis Park

St Louis Park Location (4740 Park Glen Road, St Louis Park, MN 55416)
**Registration for the St. Louis Park Winter 2020 Programs will open at 7am on November 11th. You will receive an email with application instructions for each program**

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

Literacy Tutoring (Ages 3-18+)

Various days starting Sunday, January 12th and the last day of tutoring Saturday, March 21st. 

Description: One-on-one Literacy Tutoring for individuals with Down syndrome ages 3 & up. The 10-week session meets once-a-week for up to 45 minutes at a mutually agreed upon time by the student and the tutor. The Literacy Tutoring Program improves: Sight word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension, articulation, self-esteem, speech clarity, and fine motor skills. 

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

Music (Ages 13 – 18+)

Wednesdays 7:30 - 8:15pm, January 15th – February 5th 

Description:Music class is led by musical theater pros Nancy and Aaron Houseman. Music is open to participants and friends/family members of participants who love to sing. We will include a few songs to learn and potentially perform at GiGi’s and other locations (e.g. senior living and schools). Anyone who loves to sing and become even better performers will enjoy this program. 

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

Math Tutoring (Ages 3-18+)

Various days starting Sunday, January 12th and the last day of tutoring Saturday, March 21st. 

Description: One-on-one Math Tutoring for individuals with Down syndrome ages 3 & up. The 10-week session meets once-a-week for up to 45 minutes at a mutually agreed upon time by the student and the tutor. The Math Tutoring Program improves: range of math skills, self-esteem, confidence, critical thinking, problem solving skills, independence and autonomy, and fine motor skills. 

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

 

Young Athletes (Ages 2.5 – 7)

Three options: 

Mondays 5:45 - 6:30pm, January 13th – March 16th  

Wednesdays 6:15 – 7pm, January 15th – March 18th  

Saturdays 9 - 9:45am, January 18th – March 21st 

Description: Young Athletes TM is an innovative sports play program for all children with or without intellectual disabilities. The focus is on fun activities that are important to mental and physical growth. Children ages 2.5-7 enjoy games and activities that develop motor and hand-eye coordination. Young Athletes is an early introduction to sports and to the world of Special Olympics. Siblings are welcome to register, as long as they are within the age range. 

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

 

Social Skills (Ages 10-12)

Tuesdays 5:15 – 6pm, January 14th – March 3rd, no class February 18th 

Description: Class is led by Rheanne Lewis, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Social learning is provided through play with a focus on a variety of skills: social communication, emotions, eye contact, and big and small problem-solving skills. 

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

 

Social Skills (Ages 13-17)

Tuesdays 6:15 – 7:15pm, January 14th – March 3rd, no class February 18th 

Description: Class is led by Rheanne Lewis, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist. This program will focus on techniques to help build confidence and communication skills. Each class will build on the previous week’s skill sets.  

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

 

Yoga (Ages 4-18+)

Wednesdays 5-5:45pm, January 15th – February 19th 

Description: Students will strengthen their muscles through a program called Super Stretch. Yoga encourages movement while enhancing flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. Yoga also improves concentration and a sense of calmness and relaxation. Parents and siblings are encouraged to attend along with the younger participants. You may sign up for one or more sessions of Yoga.  

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

 

Cooking Club (Ages 9-12)

Mondays 6-7:30pm, February 24th – March 9th 

Description: Cooking club is led by Andrew Doherty, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Participants will focus for three classes on nutrition, basic kitchen safety, and knife skills. We will also cook a delicious meal and eat together in a social group setting. Volunteers will include our 18+ members that are graduates of the Empowerment and Independent Center of Excellence (aka EPIC). 

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

 

Cooking Club (Ages 13-17)

Mondays 6-7:30pm, January 27th – February 10th 

Description: Cooking club is led by Andrew Doherty, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Participants will focus for three classes on nutrition, basic kitchen safety, and knife skills. We will also cook a delicious meal and eat together in a social group setting. Volunteers will include our 18+ members that are graduates of the Empowerment and Independent Center of Excellence (aka EPIC). 

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

 

Empowerment and Independence Center of Excellence a.k.a. EPIC (Ages 18+)

Thursdays 6-8pm, January 16th – March 19th, no class February 13th or 20th. 

Description: This class will be led by Rheanne Lewis, Speech Language Pathologist, and Andrew Doherty, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Each week participants will learn about nutrition, as well as life skills, and cook a healthy meal to eat together. Participants should plan to eat dinner during the program each week. 

Program Goals: 

  • Communication: Target skills will include conversation starters, perspective taking, teamwork and problem solving. 
  • Nutrition: Learn about the importance of eating healthy food, portion size, and meal planning. 
  • Healthy Eating: Prepare easy and healthy meals and snacks. Learn about healthy eating habits and good kitchen hygiene.                                        
  • Creating Goals: Learn the importance of creating goals for yourself through creating SMART goals and tracking progress. These goals will be set from the first session for communication, health or fitness and track their progress. 

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

SELF for Adults (18+)

Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm January 15th – March 18th 

Description: This class is taught and led by Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. Adult students will learn about healthy relationships, safe and appropriate boundaries, personal safety, private and public, dating and crushes, human reproduction, pregnancy prevention, risks associated with sexual activity, and gender and sexual orientation. 

REGISTRATION OPENS ON NOVEMBER 11th. 

 

Open Play (All Ages)

Most Fridays 10 – 11:30am, no registration required 

Description: Open Play helps promote positive beginnings for new families with a child with Down syndrome, creates awareness opportunities for peers and friends, as well as support and networking for current families. Open to families with children of all ages, siblings and their friends!  

MONTHLY PROGRAMS – NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

2 & Under (Ages 0-2)

First Saturdays starting October 5th – 10-11am.
Description: 2 & Under is the perfect program for children two and under to meet new friends, learn and grow, while parents have an opportunity to socialize and network with one another. Siblings are always welcome to attend!

 

LMNOP (Ages 0-3)

Third Saturdays starting September 21st – 10-11am.
Description: Language, Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) guides parents and children through learning basic sign language and how to incorporate music and movement into daily activities. Recommended for children 0-36 months old. Siblings are always welcome to attend!

 

Leaps and Bounds (Ages 3-6)

Second Saturdays starting October 12th – 10-11am.
Description: Leaps and Bounds will help promote social, emotional and gross motor development through a variety of activities including interactive play, sharing, cooperative games and physical activity.

 

Kids Club (Ages 7-12)

Third Fridays starting September 20th - 6:30 – 8pm.
Description: Kids Club helps to promote friendships, social skills and peer interactions through creative and social activities. Friends and siblings within the age range are welcome to join!

 

Teen Tastic (Ages 13-17)

Second Fridays starting October 11th - 6:30 – 8:30pm.
Description: Teen Tastic promotes friendships, social interaction and communication through a variety of social activities, outings and games for teens. Friends and siblings within the age range are welcome to join!

 

Fantastic Friends (Ages 18+)

First Fridays starting October 4th - 6 - 8pm.
Description: Fantastic Friends is a fun night out to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community. Friends and siblings 18+ are welcome to join!

 

PJ’s and Books (All ages)

Fourth Saturdays during school year 10-11am.
Description: Join a children’s author, as they share their book. Every registered family will receive a FREE copy of the author’s book! (Registration is done monthly through the calendar on our website.)

 

Somali Moms’ Group (All ages)

Saturdays, 4 - 6pm (Check Calendar for which Saturdays)
Description: Somali Moms of children with Down syndrome of all ages are encouraged to attend! We’ll have time to network and socialize while the kids have plenty of time to play! Light refreshments will be provided.

 

Spanish Speaking Group (All ages)

Saturdays 1:30 – 4:30pm (Check calendar for which Saturdays)
Description: Spanish Speaking Group provides support, friendship, networking, and socialization for Spanish-speaking families at the Playhouse. All families are invited. A different family shares food each month with the group.

 

Minneapolis West Metro Family Group (All ages)

Fourth Sundays 5 - 6:30pm (Check calendar for which Sundays).
Description: Minneapolis West Metro Family Group provides support, friendship, networking, and socialization for families at the Playhouse. All families are invited.