DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Families in Houston, Henry and Dale counties will soon have the opportunity to enroll their preschool-aged children in a free home-based school readiness program designed to help prepare them for kindergarten.
According to the Alfred Saliba Family Services Center, enrollment for the HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program opens July 20 for the 2026-2027 program year.
The program serves children ages 2 to 5 and provides parents and caregivers with storybooks, learning materials and guided activities at no cost. HIPPY focuses on helping families build children’s literacy, language, math, science, physical and motor skills through short daily lessons completed at home.
According to the Alfred Saliba Family Services Center, parents are considered a child’s first and most important teacher, and the program is designed to equip families with the tools they need to prepare children for their first day of kindergarten.
“HIPPY puts the tools directly in parents’ hands, at no cost, so they can be the ones to prepare their child for that first day of Kindergarten,” said a HIPPY Plus Parental Involvement Specialist at Alfred Saliba Family Services Center. “When we invest in parents, we’re investing in the whole family — and helping close the achievement gap before it ever starts.”
The 30-week program begins Sept. 10 and follows the local public school calendar through May. Families typically spend just 10 to 15 minutes each day completing activities designed to fit into their normal routines.
According to the program, trained HIPPY Parental Involvement Specialists provide home visits and ongoing support throughout the school year. All curriculum materials, storybooks, activities and supplies are provided free of charge.
HIPPY is funded through the Alfred Saliba Family Services Center, the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama and HIPPY USA.
Eligible families living in Houston, Henry or Dale counties with children ages 2 to 5 can enroll beginning July 20. For more information, call the Alfred Saliba Family Services Center at (334) 792-6255 or visit the center at 301 W. Lafayette St. in Dothan, Monday through Friday.
