HIPPY

HIPPY Clarke County

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters

HIPPY Clarke County was established in 2007.  The program is a home-based, school readiness program for parents of three, four and five-year old children.  The mission of the program is to empower parents as the primary educators of their children in the home and foster parent involvement in school and community life to maximize the chances of successful early school experiences.

During the first year of service in 2007-2008, the program served 55 families of 3 and 4 year olds with a staff of 1 coordinator and 5 parent educators.  With the expansion of the program in 2008-2009, the number of families served increased to 86.  Another parent educator was brought onto the team and the curriculum for 5 year olds was also offered.  The program served 84 families during the 2009-2010 program year with a staff of 6 parent educators.

For the 2010-2011 program year, HIPPY Clarke County is sustaining its services for 83 families with 6 parent educators. Services are still offered for the parents of three, four and five year olds.  The expansion of the program from year to year is contingent upon the amount of funding secured.

HIPPY contributors during the 2009-2010 program year were the J.L. Bedsole Foundation, Clarke County Commission, The Crampton Trust, Sybil Smith Foundation, Thomas L. Turner Charitable Foundation, Harrigan Family Foundation, Clarke County Board of Education At-Risk Funds, Thomasville City Schools At-Risk Funds, The Daniel Foundation, United Way, City of Thomasville, Alabama Power Foundation, O'Melia Foundation, W.M. Smith, Jr. Foundation, Walmart  and Senator Marc Keahey.

The HIPPY Clarke County Program has received many awards and recognitions from the state and national offices.  The HIPPY Advisory Committee includes Donice Wood, Director; Jane Sellers, Coordinator; Sharon Jones, CCDF; Dr. Vic Adkison, Thomasville City Schools; Woodie Pugh, Clarke County Schools; Kyle Kallhoff, Clarke County Schools; Asberry Daffin, Boise Paper;  Shannon Odom, Principal, Gillmore Elem.; Kathy Spidle, Principal, Grove Hill Elem.; Mike Bedsole, Principal, Thomasville Elem.; Mary English, Director, Regional Child Advocacy Center; Lou Boykin, Director, Dept. of Human Resources; Velma Rowden, Clarke County Schools; French Downey, Community Advocate; Rhondel Rhone, Clarke County Commission; Susan Jones, Testing Team;

Helen Hicks, Testing Team and Hon. Judge William E. Kimbrough.