HIPPY
About the program
HIPPY is a home-based parenting and early childhood enrichment program that works with parents of young children. Parents are empowered and supported to guide their preschool-age children’s early learning experiences and help their children prepare for a successful start to school. The two-year program helps parents to become more confident in their own skills and their ability to have a positive effect on their child’s learning.
Parents participating in HIPPY with their child have the opportunity to be employed and trained as HIPPY home tutors. Home tutors visit parents on a regular basis, providing support, advice, activities and educational resources. With the Brotherhood’s encouragement, they often take up a leadership role in their own communities.
Through HIPPY Australia, the Brotherhood has exclusive licensing rights from HIPPY International to operate the program in Australia and is responsible for supporting community organisations across the nation to deliver HIPPY programs
The Brotherhood delivers four HIPPY programs in Victoria – HIPPY Fitzroy, HIPPY Moonee Valley, HIPPY Dallas Broadmeadows and HIPPY Frankston North. If you would like more information about other HIPPY programs across Australia please visit the HIPPY Australia website.
The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Who is eligible?
Families are eligible for HIPPY if they:
- have a child who is in the year before formal schooling
- can do the HIPPY activities at a regular time each day
- are willing to commit to two years to complete the program.
Parents can become home tutors if they:
- can dedicate around 15 hours per week for the two years it takes for families to complete the program
- are looking for pathways back into the workforce, including qualifying for a Certificate III in Community Services
- are participating in the HIPPY program with their own child.
Features
HIPPY benefits children and families by:
- encouraging a love of learning
- supporting early literacy development
- promoting language and listening skills and developing concentration
- helping to create a learning environment at home
- improving communication between parents and children
- empowering parents to understand their role in developing their child’s readiness to learn
- encouraging parental involvement in school and community life
- increasing self-confidence of parents and children
- linking families with other family and early childhood services
- creating employment and training opportunities.
Partners
We acknowledge the following partners for their valuable contributions to HIPPY Australia:
The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
AXA Asia Pacific Holdings
We acknowledge the following partners for their valuable contributions to HIPPY Moonee Valley and HIPPY Fitzroy:
The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
AXA Asia Pacific Holdings
City of Melbourne
City of Yarra
The Myer Foundation
North Melbourne Community Centre
Readings
Help us improve
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Contact us
Brotherhood of St Laurence
HIPPY Australia
Mezzanine Level
145 Smith Street
Fitzroy Vic. 3065
Phone: (03) 9445 2400
Email: hippyaustralia@nullbsl.org.au
Brotherhood of St Laurence
HIPPY Fitzroy
126 Moor St
Fitzroy Vic. 3065
Phone: (03) 9415 1316
Brotherhood of St Laurence
HIPPY Moonee Valley
49 Buncle Street
North Melbourne Vic. 3051
Phone: (03) 9320 4723
Brotherhood of St Laurence
HIPPY Dallas Broadmeadows
Dallas Neighbourhood House
22 Calivil Street
Dallas Vic. 3047
Phone: (03) 9309 1605
Brotherhood of St Laurence
HIPPY Frankston North
Mahogany Neighbourhood Centre
26 Mahogany Avenue
Frankston North Vic. 3200
Phone: (03) 9786 0724