Baldwin County will be ringing in the new year in January with a program for parents and caregivers of 4-year-old pre-schoolers. Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-School Youngsters, better known as "HIPPY," is slated to begin in several Baldwin County areas Jan. 1.

HIPPY is an international program and is an "approved model for federal home visiting." It meets the Department of Health and Human Services criteria for an "evidenced-based early childhood home visiting service delivery model.”

HIPPY assists states and communities by increasing school readiness of pre-schoolers through home instruction to parents and caregivers of their pre-school children. HIPPY recognizes the parent as the first teacher to their children.

Through weekly visits with home trainers who are members of our own communities, HIPPY's goal is to provide training to parents so they will become confident first teachers and assist their children in meeting their goals.

The skills taught will include basic beginning school readiness activities. The program is free to those who qualify and meet the criteria for participation.

The program is funded to provide instruction to 36 families in the surrounding area and are always accepting donations to provide for more families in the future. To participate, make a donation or receive more information, email Hippy.BaldwinCounty@gmail.com, or call 251-504-1081 or 251-689-1658.