HIPPY - Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters

A program to foster skills and confidence in parents so that they can play an active role in their children's learning to promote school readiness for pre-schoolers.

HIPPY is a home-based parenting and early childhood enrichment program which aims to

• Maximise the chances of a successful early school experience for children and families where there are barriers to optimal school readiness.

• Empower parents to be their children's first educator.
• Foster parent involvement in school and community life.

For some parents, it also offers a supported pathway to employment and local community leadership.
HIPPY is an early childhood enrichment program which runs over 2 years. The first year of the program is for 30 weeks and the second year of the program is for 30 weeks adding up to 60 weeks in total over 2 years.
Children begin HIPPY when they are 4 years of age or about to turn 4. For most children the first year of HIPPY is during their preschool / kindergarten year and the second year of HIPPY is during their first year of school.

More about HIPPY program.

HIPPY Moreland eligibility for 2010 and beyond

Families with:

• a child aged 4 by the 1st May
• a current health care card
• a desire to support their child’s early learning
• a desire to support the transition to school in 2011
• a child who is identified as requiring additional support by their parents and/or other professionals involved with the child (for example kindergarten teacher, Speech Pathologist).

Families living in Fawkner will be given priority. Families living in the North Coburg, Newlands, Merlynston, Hadfield and Glenroy areas may  also be eligible.

Criteria for the HIPPY program may change depending on the needs of the local community.