By: Jamie Hepburn, Gigi’s Playhouse Children with Down syndrome are capable learners who are excited and eager to learn. They just need to be given the opportunity to excel. They may learn at a slower pace, but are more than capable of learning. They are strong visual learners. This means 
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By: Sara Van Deurzen, Site Coordinator, Gigi’s Playhouse As a site coordinator for a local Down Syndrome Achievement Center, my eyes and my heart are re-opened every day. Since being here, I have become more aware of the amazing individuals and their families who routinely walk through our doors and 
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By: Andrea Rivera de Vega, Bilingual Outreach Specialist, Penfield Children’s Center Crafting with your kids is a great way to make memories that last. The holidays present a unique time for engaging in activities that celebrate the season and allow you to spend quality time together. These projects use recycled 
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By: Stephanie Shabangu, Penfield Children’s Center According to fiveforfamilies.org, there are “5 strengths” that can help families weather the trials and tribulations of life. These “strengths” include assisting kids in understanding their feelings, learning to parent as children grow and change, building connections with others, working on inner strength and 
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By: Rebecca Michelsen, M.Ed., MCHES, Manager of Community Outreach & Family Programs The holidays are upon us and so is the lure of new toys and gadgets. While it’s fun to buy your little ones a few new surprises, it’s important to remember that even with toys, safety comes first. 
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By: Stephanie Shabangu, Penfield Children’s Center While it’s great to get kids outside every season, the long, cold wintry months can force us to spend more time inside than we’d like. The snow and ice can be fun for awhile, but once fingers get cold and feet get wet, it’s 
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By: Tina Yang, Early Head Start Teacher, Penfield Children’s Center For early learners, sorting activities are a great way to help children learn about colors. These five lessons also teach about shapes, textures and help increase fine motor skills. Bean bags and color cards: Fill a small bin with solid 
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By: Mel Hendrickson, BSN, RN, Director of Health Services, Penfield Children’s Center In order for children to reach their full potential, it’s important for them to have strong bones. Good bone health throughout childhood actually impacts the health of your child’s bones in the future. In fact, bone density is 
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By: Amy S. Emmer-Sheldon, MD, Aurora Health Care Fall is the best time for your family to get your annual flu shots, although they can be given any time during the flu season. I encourage you to schedule influenza shots for your family — the nasal spray (under the brand 
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By: Kari Walters, LPC-IT, Kohl’s Building Blocks Program at Penfield Children’s Center According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 7 children ages 2-8 years old have a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder. Believing that a child’s behavior is simply part of the child’s personality or 
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