Literacy Tutoring

Program Overview

GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center's mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. The GiGi's Playhouse Literacy Program uses a methodology with documented success based on the research of professionals in the field. Trained tutors work at the level of the child, continually challenging and encouraging them utilizing custom flashcards and books as well as computer resources and games. This literacy education includes not only direct instruction with the child, but educating their parents, teachers and other therapists as well.

Benefits

• Increased self-esteem
• Increased confidence
• Fine motor development
• Dispelled stereotypes and misconceptions
• Greater inclusion in general education classrooms
• More active role in schools and community
• Broader communication and speech abilities
• Greater social interaction and friendships
• Articulation development
• Multi-Disciplinary Resources

The GiGi's Literacy program incorporates a plethora of resources for teaching reading skills including; computer games, pocket word charts, phonics and alphabet resources, manipulatives and more.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

At GiGi's Playhouse Lancaster's Grand Opening 4 years ago, Isabella was an adorable little preschooler. She was still working on learning basic skills, like communication, play, and gross motor skills. We thought GiGi's was going to be fun for her to go to and play in the Playhouse. We had no idea the impact that consistent weekly and monthly purposeful programming would have on Isabella's development! She loves GiGi's. GiGi's has become her second home. She has become stronger and more confident. Through 1:1 tutoring in reading and math, she has developed more confidence in reading, matching, selecting, writing, counting and answering questions. Isabella has been able to start reading and has taken the help she recieves at GiGi's Literacy tutoring and is able to apply that at school, helping her succeed even more! She has developed friendships with peers with and without Down syndrome. She has formed relationships with so many volunteers that genuinely care about her and love her. GiGi's has changed her life!