Evidence of Effectiveness 

Peer Reviewed, Published Studies on
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters

Is the Whole Greater than the Sum of Its Parts? Impacts on Child Outcomes from a Home-Visiting Parenting Program and its Interaction with Preschool

Journal: Early Childhood Education Journal (2025)
Authors: Pagès, R., Payne, T., & Knopf, H. T.

This statewide longitudinal study used Florida HIPPY data linked with administrative education and child welfare records to examine whether participation in HIPPY predicted children’s school readiness, Part C assignment, and maltreatment outcomes. Researchers used secondary data analyses and regression-based methods across several thousand children and matched comparison peers. The study explored how parent engagement and implementation indicators interacted with preschool participation to influence outcomes.

Most favorable findings: Significant positive effects were found in favor of the HIPPY group on school readiness and lower likelihood of child maltreatment reports. No significant differences were found for Part C assignment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-024-01720-x

Supporting Refugees Participating in the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters in Regional Australia

Journal: Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies (2024)
Authors: Akhlagh, S. B., Mehana, M., & Knaus, M.

This qualitative and mixed-methods study examined refugee families participating in HIPPY in regional Australia. Researchers explored parent perceptions of school transition support, social inclusion, and literacy development. Data included parent interviews, educator observations, and program participation metrics.

Findings: Families reported improved confidence supporting children’s education and stronger school-community connectedness.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2012

HIPPY Mothers’ Family Structure and Process on Their Parenting Efficacy

Journal: Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences (2024)
Author: Asare, L. K.

This study examined relationships between family processes and parenting efficacy among 138 HIPPY mothers. Researchers used survey methods and regression analyses to identify predictors of maternal self-efficacy associated with family organization and control.

Most favorable findings: Significant positive associations were found between healthy family organization patterns and mothers’ parenting efficacy.
https://www.proquest.com/docview/3062745866?accountid=14745&pq-origsite=primo&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals

Early Childhood Education Matters: Comparing Educational Outcomes of Children with and Without HIPPY

Journal: ASEAN Journal of Community Service and Education (2023)
Authors: Obafemi, K. E., Saadu, U. T., Olaniyan, A. O., Sulyman, H. T., Ajayi, O., & Abubakar, O. A.

This comparative study examined literacy outcomes between children who participated in HIPPY and children who did not. Analyses focused on reading achievement and educational performance indicators.

Most favorable findings: Children participating in HIPPY demonstrated significantly stronger literacy outcomes than non-HIPPY peers.

DOI:

Satisfaction of Latina Mothers with Supports Received During HIPPY Program Participation

Journal: School Community Journal (2022)
Authors: Brown, A. L., & Jain, P.

This study focused on Latina mothers participating in HIPPY and examined perceptions of support received through the program. Surveys assessed parent satisfaction, educational engagement, and perceived family benefits.

Most favorable findings: Mothers reported high levels of satisfaction with educational supports and increased confidence supporting their children’s learning.

DOI:

Efficacy of a Peer-Based In-Home Education Program in Improving Social-Emotional Outcomes of Parents and Children

Journal: Infant Mental Health Journal (2022)
Authors: Koop, J., Holliday, D., Mathews, B. L., Namaste, J., Alt, R., & Biel, C. H.

This study evaluated social-emotional outcomes associated with HIPPY participation among parents and children. Researchers used standardized measures of emotional functioning and parent-child interaction.

Most favorable findings: Significant improvements were found in parent and child social-emotional functioning following participation in HIPPY.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/imhj.21999

The Impact of Texas HIPPY on School Readiness and Academic Achievement: Optimal Full Propensity Score Analysis Approach

Journal: Early Childhood Education Journal (2022)
Author: Abdulaziz, N. A.

This longitudinal propensity score matched study examined the impact of Texas HIPPY participation on school readiness and standardized academic achievement through eighth grade. Statewide longitudinal education data were analyzed.

Most favorable findings: Significant positive effects were found in favor of HIPPY participants on kindergarten readiness and reading and math achievement through middle school.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-021-01226-w

HIPPY for Refugee Mothers: Impacts on Wellbeing and Resilience

Journal: International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care (2022)
Authors: Zivot, C., et al.

This mixed-methods study examined wellbeing and resilience among refugee mothers participating in HIPPY. Surveys and interviews assessed psychological wellbeing, resilience, and community integration.

Most favorable findings: Significant gains were reported in maternal wellbeing, resilience, and social connectedness.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-10-2021-0112

Florida HIPPY Parents Successfully Prepare Their Children for Kindergarten

Journal: Early Childhood Research Quarterly (2020)
Authors: Payne, T., Joseph, R. A., Yampolskaya, S., & Vatalaro, A.

Using statewide Florida data and matched comparison groups, this quasi-experimental study examined kindergarten readiness, attendance, and first-grade promotion outcomes among children participating in HIPPY. Approximately 730 children were included in analyses.

Most favorable findings: Significant effects were found in favor of the HIPPY group on likelihood of passing the Kindergarten Readiness Screener and being promoted to first grade on time.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2020.02.004

The Effects of the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters Program on Latino Parenting Using Propensity Score Analysis

Journal: Journal of Social Service Research (2020)
Authors: Nathans, L., Nievar, A., & Tucker, M.

This study used propensity score analysis to evaluate HIPPY’s effects on Latino parenting outcomes, including educational involvement and home learning practices.

Most favorable findings: Significant improvements were found in parent educational involvement and home learning activities.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2019.1656144

Home Visiting Among Inner-City Families: Links to Early Academic Achievement

Journal: Early Education and Development (2018)
Authors: Nievar, A., Brown, A. L., Nathans, L., Chen, Q., & Martinez-Cantu, V.

This study followed primarily low-income Latino children who participated in HIPPY and compared them to similar children who attended prekindergarten only. Longitudinal academic outcomes were examined for approximately 254 children.

Most favorable findings: HIPPY participation was associated with significantly higher early academic achievement scores compared to prekindergarten-only peers.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2018.1506229

For an exhaustive list of all research manuscripts written since 1979, click here: https://homvee.acf.gov/models/home-instruction-parents-preschool-youngsters-hippyr