HIPPY play date held at library

The Cat in the Hat recently made an appearance at the Rector Public Library for a HIPPY play date. The emphasis for the morning was "Reading Awareness and the Importance of Reading to Your Preschool Children."

After reading some treasured books by Dr. Seuss, the children played Hokey Pokey and a color/shape game with the Cat in the Hat. Each child made a surprise Mother's Day card for their mom, and the process of mailing a letter was discussed.

HIPPY, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, is a free home-based program for parents to help prepare their three and four-year-olds for kindergarten. Parents receive free books and lessons weekly to work with their child at home. Monthly play dates allow parents and children to share time with other HIPPY parents and children in the area.

This opportunity also is available for grandparents and babysitters who care for preschool children.

Those interested may enroll a child in the HIPPY program for the fall if the child will be at least three by Aug. 1 or will be too young to start kindergarten this year. Even if a child is already enrolled in a preschool program, such as daycare, Head Start or ABC preschool, the HIPPY program also may be available.

Those who want more information may call the Northeast Arkansas Education Cooperative HIPPY Program at (870) 886-3212.