How to Start Up a HIPPY Program

How to Start a Program in Your County HIPPY Locations Questions?

HIPPY is not a mail-order kit

HIPPY is a structured home-community model focused on parent-child centered learning. It may be operated through existing agencies and organizations that have the space, fiscal, and personnel support to administer the program. 

Establishing a HIPPY program means:

  • forming a local group of interested advisors;
  • selecting an implementing agency;
  • raising funds; working with HIPPY US and the Florida HIPPY T&TA Center;
  • preparing and submitting an application;
  • training a program coordinator;
  • and becoming a part of a growing national network of HIPPY programs. 

Staffing Requirements 

Each program has one full-time, professional coordinator who is responsible for all aspects of program implementation and management. This includes recruitment, training and supervision of home visitors, administrative tasks, working with the advisory committee and fund raising. Coordinators have backgrounds in early childhood education, elementary education, adult education, social work and community development. Home visitors, who are members of the participating communities and themselves parents in the program, conduct the home visits. They work either part-time with a caseload of 10- 15 children or full-time with a caseload of 25 children. Becoming a home visitor is often a first job and a first step out of dependency. 

Implementation 

HIPPY is one discrete component of a comprehensive approach to supporting families. As such HIPPY is operated within the context of larger organizations that offer an array of services for families. Successful HIPPY settings include schools, public housing, family support centers and community-based agencies. 

Cost 

Costs are approximately $1500-$2000 per child, per year over two years. This is based on an average program size of 60 children in the first year and 120 children in the second year, a full-time coordinator and one home visitor for 12 children. Costs include staff salaries (the largest and most variable component); curriculum materials; fees for training and technical assistance, program development, and license and affiliation; and other direct costs. The average program costs to the implementing agency or organization are approximately $1,837 per child per year. This range is based on an average program size of 60 families in the first year and 120 families in the second year, a full-time coordinator, and one paraprofessional for each group of 12 families. Costs include staff salaries, curriculum materials, fees for training and technical assistance, program development and other direct costs. 

Program Funding

 While funding is frequently the greatest obstacle to starting and maintaining a HIPPY program, programs around the country have been successful in securing support from public and private sources at local, state and national levels. Funding has been provided through early childhood education initiatives including Title I (Chapter 1), Even Start, Head Start, job training programs (particularly JTPA), public housing initiatives, a myriad of prevention and early intervention programs (such as child abuse prevention, teen pregnancy prevention, and crime prevention) and foundations, businesses and civic organizations. 

Getting Started 

The development of a HIPPY program combines strong grassroots community collaboration, securing funding, and ongoing dialogue with HIPPY. The HIPPY USA Start-Up Manual provides a step-by-step guide to beginning a program. It includes information on conducting a community needs assessment, developing and convening an advisory group, submitting an application, preparing a budget, and hiring staff. HIPPY US' Guide to Fund Raising describes potential funding sources and provides "cut and paste" proposal elements. A variety of outreach and public relations materials are also available.

For More Information 

If you would like additional information, visit HIPPY to get more information about starting a program.