Kelley Smith Program Coordinator |
Debbi Fletcher Secretary |
Wendy Spann Assessment/Intake |
Office Location:
Districts Served: 178 Children Served |
Office Location:
Districts Served: 180 Children Served |
Office Location:
District Served: 75 Children Served
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Office Location: Lonoke
Districts Served: 177 Children Served |
Office Location:
Districts Served: |
The goal of the WDMESC HIPPY Program is to administer a national curriculum of early childhood, age and developmentally-appropriate readiness skills to three, four and some five year old children; to maintain current information on and serve as a networking agency for families of the children identified as having needs; and to develop, provide, and administer appropriate in-service training for all personnel involved in serving HIPPY children and their families. The program is offered at no-cost to all families. Each child receives books. curriculum, supplies and enrichment materials to complete the weekly lessons.
The HIPPY Program is a three year program responsible for identifying academically or educationally at-risk three, four and five year olds in member school districts and providing skills necessary for kindergarten readiness. Any three or four-year-old is eligible for the program, with those most in need being served first.
The WDMESC HIPPY Program has provided services to the locally identified at-risk children since the 1991-1992 program year. All four-year-old children will enter the kindergarten program at their local schools the following fall, with HIPPY encouraging the necessary family/school bond to promote educational interest and success. Linkage has been established and maintained with other preschool family service providers. An interagency advisory council networks to provide local expertise and community support.
Fourteen member districts and over 791 students participate in the HIPPY program each year. Funding for the program is provided by the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Program, Title I, participating school districts, local colleges & universities, and the local communities served by the program.