GiGi's Playhouse Orange County
PROGRAMS
GiGi's Amina Grace Speech & Language Program
GiGi's Amina Grace Speech & Language Program is a 1:1 speech program provided by a full time employee trained in speech pathology. This program helps increase speech and communication for individuals with Down syndrome. This Program is not yet offered at GiGi's Playhouse Orange County.
The speech of individuals with Down syndrome becomes more intelligible so they are able to be more involved in the community and more productive members of society.
Literacy Tutoring
The GiGi's Playhouse 1:1 Literacy Tutoring Program 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. 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.
Benefits:
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Greater independence and autonomy
Greater inclusion in general education classrooms
More active role in schools and community
Broader communication and speech abilities
Greater social interaction and friendships
Accelerated articulation development
GiGi's Kitchen Adult
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! We hope to launch GiGi's Kitchen Adult in 2024.
The Goals for GiGi’s Kitchen:
Increase healthy eating habits by developing a positive relationship with food, understanding the importance of a balanced diet, recognizing hunger cues and other body signals, and introduction to concepts of nutrition.
Increase kitchen safety awareness by practicing safe food handling techniques and recognizing common kitchen dangers to avoid accidents and injuries.
Increase food preparation skills, with a focus on the fine motor, cognitive, math, and literacy skills required to use utensils and kitchen equipment, learn cooking techniques, measure ingredients, and follow recipes.
Increase self-confidence and social skills through activities that promote responsibility, good manners, and peer to peer interaction, including participation in clean-up and bonding over meals.
Increase quality of life by sharing learned skills at mealtime, creating memories, establishing meaningful relationships, and applying knowledge of nutrition and wellness for a healthy lifestyle.
GiGiFIT Teen
GiGiFIT Teen introduces the key movements (MMPT Principles) of foundational exercises, hip strengthening exercises, and vestibular/balance exercises. The goal of this program is to: Provide individuals with Down syndrome with a road map for purposeful, specific, and successful movement across their lifetime! GiGiFIT Teen is not yet offered at GiGi's Playhouse Orange County.
Improve Physical Therapy Goals: Strength, Endurance, Joint Stability, Balance, Coordination, Sequencing, Independent Practice, Lifetime of Participation
Improve Fitness: Strength, Endurance, Power, Stamina
Improve Balance and Coordination: Joint Stability, Posture, Movement Control
CONTACT
GiGi's Playhouse Orange County
25282 McIntyre Street
Laguna Hills, California 92653
Kim Horner
Phone: 9493675606