Needs From: Belmont Office of Community-Engaged Learning and Service

The GiGi's Playhouse 1:1 Literacy Tutoring Programs uses a methodology with documented success based on research by professionals in the field. The ability to read opens doors for individuals with Down syndrome in the workplace, schools and the community.  Developing reading skills also leads to improvements in speech and language development, auditory perceptual skills and working memory function.  Our goal is to foster a love for reading and provide an opportunity to develop and master skills, all while building a positive relationship with our volunteer tutors.  

The GiGi's Playhouse 1:1 Math Tutoring Program: Building math skills for individuals with Down syndrome increases independence in their school, in the community, and in the workplace.  The aim of this program is to help promote a positive experience of learning mathematics with a sound foundation of basic number understanding.  

Our program is built based on the ways in which individuals with Down syndrome learn best.  Knowing that our participants vary greatly in their abilities and challenges in comprehensive math, we combine multiple approaches that utilize multi-sensory teaching. Graduated levels of purposeful progressions lead to an increase of skills and self-confidence. These methods are aligned with topics taught in the classroom, to provide a comprehensive and cohesive program. 

Trained tutors work at the level of the child, continually challenging and encouraging him/her to reach their Best of All.  Students can start in our program as early as age 3 or any year after that. It's never too late to start!  Weekly lessons last 45-60 minutes for 10-15 weeks at a time.  Family members attend each tutoring session and leave with practical activities to continue the learning at home.

We have various free therapeutic-based programs based on the different ages of our participants. 

Some Example of Programs That We Provide:

Fantastic Friends: (18+) The Fantastic Friends Adult Program meets weekly to provide opportunities for socialization and community involvement, while creating a fun and memorable experience for its participants. Participants work on vocational, communication, and social skills to boost confidence and encourage independence. 

Yoga: Teens and Adults (13+) and Yoga: Kids (8-12): This program promotes healthy habits for a lifetime of wellness through a proactive and routine that integrates physical, mental, and emotional development. This program helps participants develop personal awareness and learn specific strategies to maintain focus and manage emotions and impulses. 

LMNOP: Language, Music, N' Our Peeps (0-3): This program is an interactive and engaging program for young children with Down syndrome and their families. It guides parents and children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities. 

Teentastic (13-18): Focuses on building social skills with friends 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 (all age groups): Our GiGi’s Kitchen programs are 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!