Hippy Program Seeks to Equip Kids for Kindergarten

The Hippy Program helps kids ages two to four prepare for kindergarten, according to Gayle Slape.

Anna Bella Roberts and Slape appeared on KHOZ's "Around The Table" to discuss the program. Slape said hippy stands for "Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters. The goal is to assist parents in preparing their kids for the milestone. Slape added that teachers are "excited" when students who've gone through the program enter their class because the kids are prepared to learn.

She went on to highlight how this program differs from other approaches. While other approaches focus on counting, letters and writing one's name, Slape said that the Hippy program seeks to give them experience in other subjects.

This program also helps kids who are already in kindergarten. Slape said that it others the "extra benefit of both programs." At the same time, if they're only in the Hippy program, they are brought into groups with other families to interact with others.

Slape explained that Hippy began in Israel in the sixties. It's active in other states and has run in Arkansas since the early nineties. This particular segment of Hippy, she later said, serves "five counties and 16 school districts." 

Hippy is free to families and lasts for 30 weeks. Slape said there are a few ways to qaulify for the program.

Anyone wanting more information can contact a representative of Hippy; Hippy is available by phone at 870-302-3090. More was discussed on the broadcast.

The full interview with Slape and Roberts is available on the "Around The Table" Facebook Page.