ABOUT HIPPY

HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) is a parent involvement and school readiness program that has been operating in the United States since 1984. It teaches parents that they are and should be their children's first teachers. NCJW originated the program in Israel in the 1960s.

Brought to Austin by NCJW, HIPPY has continued to be one our success stories. HIPPY offers home based early childhood education for three, four and five year old children working with their parent(s) as their first teacher.

Since 1991, the HIPPY program has been helping preschoolers in East Austin enter kindergarten ready to learn. Eligible families receive a curriculum of lesson plans that engage the children 15 minutes a day with pre-reading activities. A monthly home visitor ensures that the curriculum is being completed and refers the family to other social services if needed.

HIPPY runs in several East Austin elementary school areas. HIPPY has several funding sources including, AISD, Community in Schools (where the program offices), the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, the Texas Education Agency and other groups including NCJW Austin.

HIPPY provides one of those rare experiences that touch the root of social problems. Parents, who would have never walked into schools before, serve on the PTA and realize that they must be involved in their children's school work. Kindergarten teachers can immediately spot graduates of the program who can move right into the kindergarten curriculum without having to play "catch up" first.

NCJW Austin raises money for HIPPY, assists with administrative activities when needed, and helps to sponsor the annual HIPPY graduation ceremony in May. Between 20 and 40 children graduate per year.