Empowering Aboriginal Families Through Early Childhood Education 

Since the introduction of the Aboriginal HIPPY Canada program in 2002, the Aboriginal HIPPY Canada program has empowered over 1000 parents and children with a culturally relevant curriculum to maximize the education and holistic potential of aboriginal children. The Aboriginal HIPPY Canada program provides the missing link in the current education system for Aboriginal families in Canada.

Aboriginal Needs in Canada

Despite decades of reform and legislation, many of Canada’s First Nations citizens continue to live in poverty. A lack of education and economic opportunities has led to a vicious cycle whereby Aboriginal children bear the brunt of their parents’ suffering from the days of residential schools.

The Aboriginal HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) brand of early childhood education holds the key to breaking this cycle, by introducing learning and education into homes early, and creating an environment and dialogue that supports First Nations culture and heritage. More than anything else, HIPPY Canada supports Aboriginal mothers in becoming their child’s first and most important teacher, thereby building a strong educational foundation.

The program has shown demonstrated success through its family-centric approach, as mothers become the primary educators, providing their children with basic literacy, numeracy, and a culturally relevant curriculum.

Aboriginal HIPPY Canada helps change the world view of Aboriginal people from being one of carrying forward a residential school legacy to one that is positive and consistent with Aboriginal values and culture.

Why Support Aboriginal HIPPY?

Aboriginal HIPPY Canada is a 30-week program that is currently offered in a dozen community centres and non-profit organizations across Canada. It was founded in 2002 under the HIPPY Canada umbrella, with the vision:

• To achieve a thriving state of culturally responsive teaching and learning interactions between Aboriginal children age three to five and their parents, caregivers, and extended family that contributes to Aboriginal community strengthening, Nation building and ultimately Aboriginal children ’s on going learning successes in Canada.

To continue the demonstrated success of the program, we need a) funding from new partners to continue running the Aboriginal HIPPY program and b) funding to offer Aboriginal HIPPY at sites across Canada, but lack the sufficient funding to achieve their goals. By making a donation to this campaign, you will be helping young Aboriginal families ensure they have a good educational foundation.

*** All donations over $25 will also receive a tax receipt from HIPPY Canada, a charitable organization (charitable tax number 863188538 RR0001) ***

What Is The Aboriginal HIPPY Program?

Aboriginal HIPPY is a custom curriculum under the HIPPY program (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters), a home-based program that teaches parents to be their preschool children’s first teacher and prepare their 3 – 5 year olds for school.

HIPPY is a three-tiered program that runs for 30 weeks concurrent with the school year:

1. Parents work with a HIPPY home visitor 1 hour a week

2. Parents also work with their child 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week

3. Home visitor brings new materials each week, typically a story book and a packet of instructional activities (the HIPPY Toolbox)

4. Together they review materials and make ample use of role-play

HIPPY Program Outcomes

Several studies from researchers, government, and educators have validated the effectiveness of HIPPY and Aboriginal HIPPY, with results such including:

CHILD

• Strengthened parent-child bond

• Strengthened cultural identity

• Improved academic performance

• Increased enjoyment of school

• More confidence in ability to succeed

• More regular attendance at school

PARENT

• Learning culture in the home

• Increased child and family literacy

• Reduced social isolation

COMMUNITY

• Community development

• Employment opportunities

• Crime prevention

• Increased child and family literacy

Learn more about the impacts and outcomes of the HIPPY program here.

"The Aboriginal HIPPY program is one of the programs offered at the Tsleil-Waututh Child and Family Development Center. We are strong supporters of the aboriginal HIPPY program because it:

1. Facilitates children school readiness
2. Encourages parents to be involved with the children's education
3. Acts as an entry point for people to pursue a career in ECD which builds capacities in community

There's a tremendous benefit to communities and having access to this valuable program which offers sustainable, long-term benefits by preparing children for school; facilitating parental involvement; and building capacity in communities."

- Marc Tatansci LaLonde, Tsleil-Waututh Child and Family Development Center

"The bonding we spent together, from reading stories from the books that HIPPY has provided, the interactions we had and the moments we spent together for home study are lifetime memories that we will cherish and its going to be a beautiful story to tell as she grows older."

- Lourdes, HIPPY Mom, Red Deer

" I am a parent of three-year-old Leah, I have been doing the HIPPY program with all of my children over the years, who are aged 13, 11, 6 & 3.  I enjoy it and my youngest daughter, Leah loves doing her "homework". This is easy, fun and educational. I know when she starts kindergarten she will be happy and well prepared."

- Claudia Dawson, HIPPY Mom

The Impact

Currently, it costs $300 each month to enroll 1 family into the Aboriginal HIPPY program, covering the cost of books, materials, and the Home Visitor for 30 weeks (totalling approx. $2500). On average, 10 families a year enroll in the Aboriginal HIPPY program at each site where the program is offered, currently over a dozen locations.

We rely mostly on government funding to run this program; however, we need new funders to help us sustain this program for the longer term. With your help, we can reach many more families, helping organizations like Vancouver Native Health Society and others across Canada sustain this program. 

How You Can Help   

Make a donation: your donations will help many Aboriginal families in need. 

Spread the word on social media: visit www.aboriginalhippy.ca, tweet or share with your friends using #aboriginalHIPPY. Don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter!

Sponsor our campaign: interested in getting your organization involved? Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who may sponsor a HIPPY program?
2. How many children need to be enrolled the first year and each subsequent year?
3. How many years can a home visitor stay with a HIPPY program?
4. Are programs ever adapted to the local environment?
5. Are the storybooks ever collected back from the families and re-used with other children?
6. What roles can a volunteer organization play?
7. What does HIPPY cost?

Please visit the HIPPY Canada website for all FAQs.