Colorado Home-Visiting Programs Earn National Recognition for Strengthening Early Learning at Home
Two HIPPY sites in Colorado honored for excellence in parent-led early childhood education
Denver, CO – Two Colorado Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) sites have been recognized by HIPPY International for their exceptional work in advancing early childhood education. Focus Points Family Resource Center in Denver was named a “Nationally Recognized Site,” meaning it demonstrates impact that exceeds fidelity requirements, and Jefferson County Public Schools meets all required standards for model fidelity, earning the title of a “Nationally Endorsed Site.” These accolades underscore Colorado's commitment to supporting families and preparing children for school success through innovative home-visiting programs.
Both Colorado HIPPY sites are supported by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), with Focus Points as a part of the agency’s Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program, and Jefferson County HIPPY as part of the Expansion Project.
“As a former HIPPY Coordinator from 1993-1996, I experienced firsthand how this program has been an essential part of supporting school readiness for children and supporting families. We are incredibly proud of Focus Points Family Resource Center and Jefferson County Public Schools for achieving national recognition,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, executive director of the CDEC. “These commendations reflect their unwavering commitment to early learning, parent leadership, and family empowerment.”
Parent Possible played a critical role in guiding Colorado HIPPY programs to achieve these national honors.
Executive director of Parent Possible, Brian Conly, said, “These HIPPY programs work so hard to support their community’s parents and children; they deserve the national accolades. Parent Possible is blessed to be a partner in this state-wide HIPPY system.”
HIPPY currently reaches more than 12,000 families in 20 states and the District of Columbia through a 30-week curriculum designed to support early learning at home. The program empowers parents as a child's first teacher, boosting early literacy and numeracy skills through evidence-based practices. Trained peer home visitors, often former HIPPY parents, use role-play to model developmental activities, tailored to each child’s developmental stage and delivered in the family’s home language. Research has consistently shown that home-visiting programs have profound, lasting positive impacts on young children, improving school readiness, strengthening early math skills, and increasing on-time grade promotion. Parents participating in the program report increased confidence, reduced stress, and greater engagement in their child's education.
For more information about HIPPY in Colorado, please visit the Parent Possible website.
###
|
