HOME INSTRUCTION FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL YOUNGSTERS (HIPPY) is awarded $95,000 at the Women’s Fund Awards Luncheon, May 2nd.

Since 2004, the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara has given more than $2.5 million to 33 nonprofit agencies that benefit thousands of women, children and families within the greater Santa Barbara area. This year, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation received $95,000 for the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program.


Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), a developmentally appropriate, substantive early intervention school readiness program helps parents teach their 3-5 year-old children at home, creating experiences for their children that lay the foundation for success in school and later life.

• HIPPY Santa Barbara began in 2001 and will complete it’s tenth year in June, 2011.


• During the school year 2009-2010, HIPPY served 102 families.


• Paraprofessionals meet with parents one hour a week for 30 weeks to train and role-play with lessons.


• There are 30 easy-to-use activity packets for each age of the program. Activities take as little as 15 minutes a day for the parent and child to complete.


• Learning and play are mingled throughout the HIPPY structured curriculum as parents encourage their children to recognize shapes and colors, tell stories, follow direction, solve logical problems and acquire other school readiness skills.


• The HIPPY Santa Barbara Program is affiliated with HIPPY USA, and sponsored by the Santa Barbara School District’s Child Development Program, but receives no funding from either. The School District supports HIPPY by offering office space, administrative and indirect services.


• After completion of the program our families find participating in the traditional elementary school community less intimidating and therefore are more likely to become involved in their child's school.


• In many cases, parents learn basic skills, as well as English along with their child.


• This program is provided at no cost to participating families. Without HIPPY services, these children risk early failure in school.