Young Athletes

with Scott Quaife

Next session: January 28th, 2026

Free More Info

In partnership with Special Olympics, Young Athletes is designed to promote the development of an active lifestyle through play for children between the ages of 4 and 7. Self-advocates will engage in a variety of activities and games alongside their peers targeted towards gross motor and social skill development. The first and final sessions are required.NOTE: please sign up to indicate that you are interested in the Young Athletes program. There are limited spots available in order for every child to receive sufficient support and instruction, and there will be a maximum of 6 children per class this season. Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis, and based on commitment to the scheduled times and meeting of age and documentation criteria.

A waiting list will be created when enrollment is full for future opportunities.

World Down Syndrome Day Celebration (Kansas City)

Next session: March 21st, 2026

Free More Info

World Down Syndrome Day is Saturday, March 21st and we are hosting a party for all of our families in midtown Kansas City! This event posting will be updated in January with more details. Stay tuned to our social media and email announcements. SAVE-the-DATE for now because you don't want to miss this event!

Preschool Rhythm & Play at Rough & Bumble

with Alyssa Jones

Next session: February 20th, 2026

$5 More Info

Preschool Rhythm & Play @ Rough & Bumble

Address: 413 Delaware St, Leavenworth, KS 66048

Friday, February 20th from 9:30–10:45 AM

A lively blend of music, movement, and sensory exploration for ages 3–5

Preschool Rhythm & Play invites young children to move, groove, and explore in a fun, developmentally supportive environment. We will have a private room to start our class for our introductions, music, and rhythm.

Midway through class, children transition into sensory play breakout and explore the equipment at the play cafe.

Designed for all abilities, this class encourages social connection, creativity, and joyful movement—helping preschoolers build important skills while having a blast.

If you have any questions please email alyssa@kcdsi.org

Preschool Rhythm & Play

with Alyssa Jones

Next session: January 31st, 2026

Free More Info

Preschool Rhythm & Play

Saturday, January 31st from 9:30–10:45 AM

A lively blend of music, movement, and sensory exploration for ages 3–5

Preschool Rhythm & Play invites young children to move, groove, and explore in a fun, developmentally supportive environment. Each session begins with upbeat music and simple dance movements that build coordination, balance, and body awareness. Children will sing, stretch, and move their bodies creatively as they follow along with guided rhythm activities.

Midway through class, children transition into sensory play breakout sessions led by an Occupational Therapist and OT Students. These hands-on experiences allow kids to explore textures, materials, and tools that support fine motor development, sensory regulation, and confidence through play.

Designed for all abilities, this class encourages social connection, creativity, and joyful movement—helping preschoolers build important skills while having a blast.

If you have any questions please email alyssa@kcdsi.org

Advocating for your Child’s Medical Care

with Dr.Kristie Marble

Next session: February 11th, 2026

Free More Info

This presentation provides a clear overview of what to expect during well-child visits, including current Down syndrome medical guideline recommendations and the core responsibilities of a primary care provider. Key components such as growth and developmental monitoring, routine screenings, immunizations, and anticipatory guidance will be outlined to highlight what high-quality preventive care should include.

The session will also address common pitfalls and misconceptions that medical providers may have—such as missed developmental concerns, inconsistent follow-up of abnormal findings, or gaps in family education—and will describe how to recognize these issues in practice.

Dr. Kristie Marble is a board-certified Pediatrician and a board-certified Pediatric Hospitalist at Children's Mercy Kansas City. In addition to her hospitalist role, she proudly serves as one of the pediatricians in the Multidisciplinary Down Syndrome Clinic. Her dedication to the Down syndrome community is both professional and deeply personal as it was sparked 17 years ago following the birth of her daughter, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome right after birth. This personal journey inspired her to become an expert in the field and commit herself to educating medical professionals. She is now excited to leverage both her clinical expertise and lived experience to support and educate other parents and families navigating their own paths, in partnership with Down Syndrome Innovations.

New Parent Breakfast

with Alyssa Jones

Next session: February 7th, 2026

Free More Info

Dates: Feb 7th, May 2nd, Aug 1st, Nov 7th (Saturdays Only)

Time: 9am-11am

Location: DSI

Description: Join us for one — or all — of our New Parent Breakfasts!

This welcoming event is designed for new parents and extended family members (prenatal to 2½ years old) to connect with others who have a young child with Down syndrome.

Meet parents at different stages of their journey, learn about the services and support provided by Down Syndrome Innovations, and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly environment. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, exchange resources, and explore our campus.

Each breakfast also includes a facilitated discussion to help families connect, share experiences, and build community.

These family connection events are FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners! Breakfast and childcare are provided, so please RSVP so we have adequate accommodations!

Request Intake for Skill-Building Therapies

with Jack Anderson

Current session: December 8th, 2025 to May 29th, 2026

Price not available More Info

We offer family-centered, strengths-based therapeutic services designed to promote long-term success to people with Down syndrome in their unique home and community life. Our dynamic therapy sessions focus on functional, community-based and home-based skills in the domains of community participation, communication, life transitions, social/emotional, sensory, and activities of daily living. Our therapy team includes an occupational therapist (OT), a speech-language pathologist (SLP), and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Children, teens, and adult self-advocates will work with a therapist on goals that are meaningful to your family.

Completing this registration will inform us you are interested in an intake conversation to discuss your loved one's needs and learn more about how our services can support your family.

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Music and Motion for Babies and Toddlers

with Alyssa Jones

Next session: January 16th, 2026

Free More Info

Dates: Jan 16th, Feb 21st, March 13th, April 11th, May 8th, June 20th, July 17th, Aug 15th, Sept 11th, Oct 17th, Nov 13th, Dec 5th (Alternate Fridays & Saturdays)

Time: 9:30am-11am

Location: DSI -Large Therapy Room

Description: Join us for a joyful and engaging class designed for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers! Music & Motion blends tummy time, music, and movement to support early development in a fun, relaxed setting. Each session includes songs, mini instruments, and gentle guided movement — followed by time to connect with other parents over coffee and snacks.

Whether you’re a new parent or looking to build your village, this is a great space to bond, play, and grow together.

This service is for babies and toddlers with Down syndrome who are 6 months- 3 years old and caregivers. Childcare for siblings is available per advanced request in the registration form.