A milestone year for early learning program

A PROGRAM that has helped hundreds of local families become confident first teachers to their children is celebrating a major milestone.

The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) will this month celebrate 25 years in the region. Geelong became the second HIPPY site in Australia in 2000, after the program’s successful launch in Fitzroy in 1998.

The free, two-year home-based early learning program is available for children from around the age of three. The program supports children to build strong social, emotional and literacy foundations to help them make the successful transition to school.

HIPPY now operates in 15 countries and across 100 sites nationally, including programs delivered by Meli in the Surf Coast and Colac regions.

For many families, the impact of the program has been transformative.

Mum of three Sarah Poole took part in the program in 2020 and said it reshaped the way she supported her children’s learning.

“I was looking to support my own children’s emotional development,” she said.

“I started to learn how he liked to be taught. It’s had a lasting effect because I can see the value in the play-based learning – that’s the approach I have with my kids now.

“It affects my relationship with them in a positive way.”

Motivated by her experience, Ms Poole later trained as a HIPPY mentor, which led her to study early childhood education. She now works as a best start facilitator with the City of Greater Geelong.

Meli chief executive Robyn Hayles said the program’s longevity reflects its deep community value.

“HIPPY is an incredible program that has supported hundreds of parents over the past 25 years in Geelong,” she said.

“We know learning through play is one of the most important ways children learn and develop. We are proud to have delivered such an important program to Geelong, Colac and the Surf Coast, and hope to do so for many years to come.”

To learn more about HIPPY, head to meli.org.au