THE HIPPY MODEL

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters Home-based, parent involved early learning Provides solutions that strengthen families and create an environment for success Practical option to assist families to overcome barriers resulting from low income, limited education or isolation

Mission HIPPY programs empower parents as primary educators of their children in the home and foster parent involvement in school and community life to maximize the chances of successful early school experiences. HIPPY USA supports the development and operation of programs in communities across the United States through ongoing program development and technical assistance informed by research and public policy.

HIPPY Rationale The HIPPY model is based on the tenets that: All children can learn All parents want what’s best for their children

HIPPY Model 1. Developmentally appropriate curriculum for 3, 4 and 5 year olds 2. Role play as the method of instruction 3. Home visitors from the community supervised by a professional coordinator 4. Home visits and group meetings

Program Goals 1. To promote young children’s cognitive and social development so that they can acquire the specific skills necessary for success in the early school years and beyond 2. To provide parents and/or primary caregivers with the training and support to become actively involved in the education of their children - establishing the home as a positive and supportive learning environment

Program Goals 3. To encourage parents’ active involvement in the school and community activities, enabling them to become effective advocates for their children and communities 4. To promote parents and /or primary caregivers’ interests and actions in advancing their own education, professional training and experiences, and personal development

Defining Characteristics Home visitors have unique knowledge of the community Home visitors meet parents “where they are” to help parents to gain confidence in their ability to educate their child

Support Parents-Support Families Literacy Parent Education Parent Involvement / Empowerment Parental Advocacy

Literacy Teach/model expressive reading Library field trips Library cards (child and parent) Celebrity “read-a-longs” Book Fairs Family literacy nights / book parties

Parent Education Early Childhood terminology and concepts Group Meetings – School and Community Issues – Parenting + Life Skills – How to Help with Homework – Job Readiness Skills Job or College Fairs / Counseling

Parent Involvement = Empowerment Curriculum demands active participation Parents see correlation between their involvement and their child’s skill development Monthly group meetings connect parents to school and other resources in the community Parents learn the language of the schools

Parent Empowerment Become “real” partners in child’s education Feel successful in their parental role Use skills to help older children Utilize talents and expertise Take on leadership roles in community Are positive role models

Parents as Advocates Know early childhood concepts/terminology Know their child’s strengths and abilities Know school requirements Know school protocols and procedures Vital member of the home-school-community partnership

Program Implementation HIPPY programs are operated by a variety of institutions and agencies, including: School districts Center-based preschool programs Departments of Health Housing Authorities Child welfare agencies and other community based organizations

Implementation Partners AmeriCorps Even Start Head Start and Early Head Start Healthy Families America Parent Child Home Program Parents as Teachers TANF Local agencies and funding streams

Program Facts In the Program Year, HIPPY served over 16,000 children in 26 states plus the District of Columbia 70% of families are served in English; 30% in Spanish HIPPY serves various populations, including Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, Somalian and White

Impact on Children Increased performance in reading and language School readiness Improved academic achievement Positive changes in behaviors

For more information: HIPPY USA 220 East 23 rd Street Suite 300 New York, NY (212) A Love of Learning Begins at Home!