"This programme has given me so much confidence as my child's first teacher. It's the ONE place each day where my child and I are one on one, connected, engaged (in activities) and feel a sense of purpose. The hassle-free resources HIPPY supply are the most valuable part of the programme. It certainly is helping both my child and I grow personally."
RUTH YOUNG HIPPY PARENT,

Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters

4 year olds and their parents: 20 minutes a day enjoying learning together

What Is HIPPY?

It is a two year programme, starting the year before school and continuing through the first year of school.

How Does It Work?

You meet with a tutor once a week to roleplay activities from the booklet. Every second week, all the parents meet together with the tutors and Coordinator to learn together. Each day you work with your preschooler for 20 minutes on the workbooks and readers.

Who Can Join?

Anyone who wants to have fun helping their preschooler prepare for school, who lives in the Mangere East area and whose child is aged between 3 and a half and 4 and a half years old. You child can attend a preschool or language nest as well as doing HIPPY with you.

Where Is It Held?

If you live in the Mangere area, your tutor will arrange to meet you at your home for your fortnightly hour long appointment, at a time that suits you both.
The group meetings are held at the Mangere East Family Service Centre in Fergusson St

What Does It Cost?

The cost to the parent is time. Twenty to thirty minutes a day doing the activities with your child at home.
$2.25 per week for the materials. We supply everything you will need, including story books, coloured shapes, glue, scissors and crayons as well as tutor time with you each week.
Commitment to complete the programme over two years.

HIPPY Outcomes

• HIPPY children arrive at school ready to learn, and settle into the learning environment


• HIPPY children score better on measures of literacy, numeracy and understanding appropriate school behaviour than their non-HIPPY peers


• HIPPY children retain their competency in reading and numeracy skills


• HIPPY parents are more likely than their peers to engage in positive educational activities with their children


• HIPPY parents are more likely than their peers to become involved in school activities with their children


• HIPPY parents are more likely than their peers to seek further education for themselves