HIPPY programme?

what is it????

oh yes I have heard of that, did not know the name. One of the mums from kindy did it. She went & worked with parents to get their kids ready school. I remember it sounded quite good when she was telling me about it. I never did it as I had 1 at school already.

Well we had the interview last week so will find out if we get to do the HIPPY programme after the holidays. But I highly doubt we will get in :( I don’t think DS is “at risk” enough. I really didn’t think about my responses when she was filling out the application, and about the type of person they are trying to help ... So thinking about it now my (honest) answers would not be what she was looking for. For example – does he have any books – yes heaps. Do I have any trouble getting him to kindy – blank look while asking if she meant driving him up the road? (she explained that for some people its not that simple with no access to cars etc). I was also in the highest income bracket on just my part time wages alone (which was very low by the way). And my degree plus post grad education will work against me for sure. The only saving grace I have is my uneducated hubby!! Lol.

Someone like me probably doesn’t need help getting my son ready for school (as far as they are concerned, I’m sure).

Its not fair that these programmes are out there for some “disadvantaged” people, and some of us who are really trying to do the right thing (my son is not good with writing etc and I want to learn how to help him – this was not taught during my time at uni studying science!) there is nothing like this available. And I am the sort of person who would see the programme through to the end and turn up to meetings, do the work with DS each day etc too!! Oh well. We’ll see in a couple of weeks, but not holding my breath!

Don't get me wrong I do think they are targeting the right group. I just wish these sorts of things were open to people like me too, who are also interested in getting some help. I'm sure he will do fine (because I will make sure!). But he is a typical boy who is not in the least bit interested in writing, where all the girls in my coffee group his age can write their name already. Even my two year old DD has been holding the pencil correctly since 14 months but he still doesn't.

And just being smart myself doesn't mean I know how to teach him - I'm not qualified in ECE!

Living in Gisborne- low socio-economic town with high maori poulation we get in reguardless of criteria cos they must have more places available per poulation, or maybe more spaces cos less "at risk" families use the service.