Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a school readiness home instruction program designed for children ages 3, 4, and 5 where parents take an active role as their child's primary educators. The 30-week curriculum guides low literacy parents to create opportunities for their children to acquire basic skills and knowledge needed for future school success.

Programs are implemented at the community level through a community based organization, school district, or a housing development. Trained coordinators and community-based home visitors role play activities with parents and support family participation throughout the program. The HIPPY model seeks to remove barriers to participation such as poverty, education, and other socieoeconomic issues. Funding sources vary across communities and include head start, Title 1, private businesses, and public housing initiatives.

Goal / 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.

Impact

Through 20 years of research, the HIPPY model has proven to be effective in improving school readiness, parent involvement in students' academic lives, school attendance, classroom behavior, and overall academic performance.

Results / Accomplishments

There are currently 129 HIPPY sites in 21 states and the District of Columbia. A number of evaluations have proven the success of HIPPY programs on children's school readiness and performance. An evaluation done in Alabama showed significant improvements on kindergarten readiness tests for ages 3 and 4 (p<.001) after participating in the HIPPY program. A study performed by the RAND corporation found the cost-benefit ratio of the HIPPY program to be 1.80, which means that the program generates a benefit of $1.80 for each dollar invested in the program. In 2011, HIPPY was recognized as one of the first seven evidence-based home models showing significant outcomes in school readiness and positive parenting skills and, consequently, has qualified for funding under the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
HIPPY USA
Topics
Education / Childcare & Early Childhood Education
Education / Student Performance K-12
Organization(s)
HIPPY USA
Date of implementation
1988
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Families
Submitted By
Children Services Council Palm Beach County