The Goolburri Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) program values the importance of early childhood learning and development for all cultural identities within our community. HIPPY is a two-year, home-based early learning program that supports both children and their parents or carers to be school-ready, confident and connected.
What is HIPPY?
HIPPY helps parents and carers understand how their child learns while building a strong connection between parent/carer and child. The program teaches families about the language used in schools and at parent-teacher interviews, helping bridge the gap between home and classroom learning.
Over the two years, families follow a structured 60-week curriculum of fun, play-based activities and storybooks aligned with the Australian Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards (NQS). The program is flexible and easy to fit into everyday life, most families spend around 10-15 minutes a day, five days a week doing activities together.
Our Home Tutors visit weekly or fortnightly to support families, working through activity booklets wherever the parent or carer feels most comfortable. Families are also invited to attend regular group meetings to share experiences, learn together and connect with others within the Goolburri community.
Benefits for Children
- Develop a love of learning
- Gain confidence and self-esteem
- Strengthen listening and language skills
- Improve concentration and curiosity
- Be better prepares for school environment
- Strengthen relationships with their parent/carer
Training and Employment Opportunities
HIPPY also creates pathways to training and employment opportunities for parents and carers. Each Goolburri HIPPY site is staffed by a coordinator and a team of home tutors which are normally parents from the local community who are trained and supported in their roles.
Through these part-time roles, parents can:
- Gain practical work experience and training
- Build confidence returning to the workforce
- Learn about early childhood education
- Access accredited training or further study opportunities
- Develop leadership and community engagement skills
Even if not employed as Tutors, HIPPY parents are supported to explore training and employment services to continue their personal growth.
How To Get Started
Children aged 3 years are eligible to start the HIPPY program, a fully funded two-year initiative offered free of charge. Delivered in over 100 communities across Australia, HIPPY is licensed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Goolburri is proud to deliver HIPPY locally within Toowoomba, ensuring the program reflects the strengths, culture and needs of our community. To find out more or register your interest, contact our Goolburri HIPPY coordinator today.
Who Can Access This Program
HIPPY is created for families with children turning three (3) between 1st July and 30th June each financial year and runs for two years.
Fees
This program is fully funded by the government, ensuring eligible families can access support at no cost. Please contact our team for further details.
Location
Goolburri HIPPY is offered across Toowoomba and surrounding areas with sessions held at home in local community spaces.
Contact
2 Hodgson Street, Toowoomba QLD
Mon-Thu 8:30am – 5:00pm
Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Closed weekends and public holidays
Call: 1300 GAHACL
Email: [email protected]
