---

HIPPY La Perouse, New South Wales

Stronger Families Learning Exchange Bulletin No.5 Autumn 2004 p.28

First glimpse - project responses to a series of questions

The project setting

HIPPY is a home based early intervention program that works with 4 and 5 year old children and their families to prepare them for school. The program involves local families, predominately Indigenous families and community members, from the La Perouse and Matraville Soldier Settlement Primary Schools and the Gujaga Pre School and children from other local schools and pre schools.

Why is the project needed?

The project identified the need to involve parents in education as a way to ensure a good start to school. Involving families and caregivers in early education shows children and families that education can be fun. Children see their parents and caregivers joining in and the process builds the confidence and self esteem of both the children and their families. The program aims to give young children a successful start in school and reduce drop out rates in later years. The family also feel welcome at the school. Understanding their role as educators empowers the parents to continue an active interest in their children's education. This has been shown to provide a good beginning and to help reduce drop out rates.

What are you trying to do in this project?

Families start the program when the children are four years old and the program continues for two years. Indigenous home tutors are employed to assist the parents with the weekly activities. There are regular group meetings for the parents and caregivers. There is also a weekly enrichment hour during which the co-ordinator and tutors facilitate relaxation and reflection activities for the parents.

How are you going about it?

Use of action research

The HIPPY program at La Perouse is utilising an action research model to reflect on the effectiveness of the program. They are documenting the ideas put forward by parents and children about what improvements can be made to ensure the ongoing usefulness of the program to their Indigenous communities.

Last year ten children graduated from the program - seven of the children are Indigenous. All of the children are now attending their second year of school and doing well.

Sherri Longbottom is the Co-ordinator of the HIPPY program at La Perouse with Liz Orr as the SFLEX Training and Support worker.