The evidence-based programs (EBP) that are offered through the FC include: Parents as Teachers (PAT),
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), SafeCare®, Incredible Years, Early Childhood
Mental Health Consultation (ECMH), Positive Solutions Groups, WINGS -Integrated Residential Substance Disorder Treatment, and therapeutic family and child services. These EBP services have strong research that indicates; 1) children reach their developmental potential and arrive at school ready for success; 2) children experience environments that are safe, stable and supportive; and 3) adults are knowledgeable, responsive and interact in a way that promotes strong relationships with their infants, toddlers and young children.

HIPPY utilizes 12 AmeriCorps members to provide 30 weeks of home education visits using the research informed curriculum to teach parents of children, ages 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, how to facilitate early learning and literacy. In between home education visits parents engage their child 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week to complete learning activities. Parents are encouraged to praise and give specific reinforcements that promote their child’s cooperation and strengthen the relationship. Family Connects HIPPY team is the only one in the state that supports families in multiple languages with culturally responsive members (6-8 different languages).

In addition to supporting families; FC HIPPY is one of two programs that was selected to pilot a mixed age HIPPY curriculum to home childcare providers (licensed and FFN-Friend, Family, Neighbor). HIPPY USA and Colorado HIPPY partnered with Colorado Department of Human Services to look at training that would address workforce development in childcare and HIPPY was one of the choices.

2020-2021 People Served by Area of Weld County

• Carbon Valley (Berthoud, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Longmont, Mead, Northglenn, Thornton): 24
• County Seat (Evans, Garden City, Greeley): 240
• Outback (Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer): 0
• Poudre River Corridor (Severance, Windsor): 10
• South County (Brighton, Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie): 8
• Thompson River Valley (Johnstown, Milliken): 8
• US-85 Corridor South (Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Kersey): 8
• US-85 Corridor North (Eaton, Ault, Pierce, Nunn): 10
• Outside Weld County: 2

Find out more about this program:
2019-2020
2020-2021

We have so many success stories to tell, however one in particular stands out. The "Perez" family moved to Greeley in January of 2020 and when they enrolled their three-year-old daughter in the HIPPY program. Their home visitor had only met with the mother a few times in person before the pandemic struck. At that point everything changed, and the visits switched to virtual. The HIPPY program serves families primarily during the school year so this family only had twelve visits (normally it would be 32) before stopping the end of May. During the summer break, Brenda, the home visitor received a call from the Perez family's father. He explained that he did not know who else to call but was in need of some help. His wife had contracted COVID and was in the hospital. He was not working either due to a shut-down at his employment. He had his two children (3 years and 6 months old) and did not have any means to get food or supplies. Brenda immediately stepped up and began making calls to our community partners. In a matter of a day, she supported the father in obtaining diapers, formula, and food. She also connected the parent to local agencies like United Way to help with rent assistance and other ongoing needs. Mr. Perez was grateful for the support and the family continues to be involved with the HIPPY program.