HIPPY Ottawa

The Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program is an international program designed to provide parents (especially new immigrants and low-income families) with the tools, skills and confidence to prepare their children for success in primary school and beyond.   The program empowers parents through the use of activity packets, home visits and group meetings or events.

In Ottawa HIPPY is based at the Vanier Community Services Centre (VCSC), with a satellite located in Ottawa South at the Andrew Fleck Early Years Center. HIPPY Ottawa expects to serve a total of 84 families this year.

CFUW-Ottawa contributes to the HIPPY program in two ways.  Members provide administrative assistance weekly in the office and help organize events for the HIPPY families throughout the school year.

CFUW-Ottawa helps in the HIPPY office Tuesday afternoons, organizing curriculum and other teaching materials. This help is greatly appreciated by the Home Visitors as it frees them up to spend more time with families. Hours are flexible and a weekly commitment is not required.

The events held throughout the school year are an opportunity for the HIPPY families to meet each other and participate in an atmosphere that is social and informative with a focus on Canadian culture.

At these events CFUW-Ottawa volunteers help the HIPPY Ottawa Co-ordinator and the home visitors by registering families and children, keeping track of enthusiastic children, and generally providing assistance to parents and HIPPY Ottawa staff.

If you are interested in volunteering for this important Club project, either at an event or in the office click here for more information.