HIPPY

HIPPY is a free home-based parenting and early childhood enrichment program, which runs over two years, mainly during school terms. It empowers and supports parents as their child’s first teacher, giving children the best chance of a successful early school experience. A HIPPY Home Tutor visits parents each fortnight to demonstrate a booklet of activities through role-play. Parents then spend a short amount of time each day doing one or two activities with their child.

Learning at Home

HIPPY helps create a learning environment at home to encourage a love of learning. Parents are encouraged to read, play and do fun HIPPY activities with their child at home. In addition to home visits, parents also attend groups once a fortnight, providing a safe, comfortable place for parents to meet other local families, build new friendships and develop new skills.

You and Your Child

HIPPY aims to support families during the crucial early years and understands the important role you play in your child’s learning. Families are enrolled in the program the year before their child begins school, usually around 3½ to 4 years of age. HIPPY increases parents’ confidence, and provides information about child development and the way children learn. It gives parents opportunities to enjoy positive time with their children and allows them to be actively involved in their child’s education.

The Materials

The HIPPY program materials promote early literacy and numeracy skills, and develop concentration, listening, and self-confidence. The first year (Age 4) offers fun, stimulating and varied learning experiences through activities and storybooks. The second year (Age 5) builds on activities from the first year, to strengthen concepts and skills. It also offers learning and development information for parents. To request a sample of the activities included, please click on the icon for your local era, below, for our contact details.

What Does the Research Say?

HIPPY narrows the gap in school readiness between disadvantaged children and the Australian norm. A recent evaluation of HIPPY (2011) highlighted the program’s effectiveness, finding that HIPPY gives vulnerable children a smooth start to school and the basis of a good education. HIPPY was also found to promote positive social and emotional development. To read the evaluation reports, see HIPPY Australia.

Employment Opportunities

Parents participating in HIPPY with their child may have the opportunity to be employed and trained as home tutors. Home tutors receive weekly training and visit parents in their homes on a regular basis, providing support, guidance, activities and educational resources.

Where is HIPPY Available?

HIPPY is an international program with sites throughout Australia. In Western Australia, Ngala is licensed to operate the HIPPY program in the Girrawheen and Rockingham areas. New enrolments are taken from December to February. For more information about the program, enrolment or becoming a Home Tutor, please contact the coordinator for your area. Just click on the icons below to see eligible suburbs, find contact details, and to read our newsletter.

HIPPY Girrawheen and HIPPY Rockingham are funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

through the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence is licensed to operate HIPPY in Australia.

If you live in Girrawheen or the surrounding suburbs of Koondoola, Balga, Westminster or Mirrabooka, please call 0407992604 or  email HIPPYGirrawheen@ngala.com.au. 

HIPPY Girrawheen flyer

HIPPY Girrawheen newsletter

If you live in the Rockingham areas of Shoalwater, Hillman, Cooloongup, Waikiki or Kwinana, please call 0448871129 or email HIPPYRockingham@ngala.com.au. 

HIPPY Rockingham flyer

HIPPY Rockingham newsletter

HIPPY Rockingham Graduation 2012