Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Hippy Group Meets Twice In December

The HIPPY (Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters) monthly meeting for December was held in the Delight High School Cafeteria, and Clark County Youth Development Center in Gurdon.

Greetings were extended by Mrs. Fadie Gentry, home visitor for the Delight and Antoine communities. A get-acquainted period followed.

An overview of the HIPPY program was given by the director, Delores Hodge. Hodge showed a video entitled, 'I Am Your Child, The First Years Last Forever.'

The purpose of the video was to help parents to understand the importance of their role in their child's early years (0-3), through nurturing the child's emotional and intellectual growth.

Vinita Giles, an R.N., Baptist Home Health Network in Arkadelphia, was the guest speaker for the Delight group meeting. Giles explained the importance of the immunization program, and all of the shots that are required before a child enters school. She told where parents could locate additional information for health screening for children.

Vanilla Hannah, a counselor at Goza Middle School in Arkadelphia, was the speaker for the Gurdon parents.

Hannah spoke on 'Child Abuse and Discipline.' Hannah pointed out characteristics in recognizing symptoms of child abuse in children. She stated that parents should spend more time with their children and the importance of listening to children and their problems. She said that parents should always correct unacceptable behavior in children.

A question and answer period was provided after each discussion. Refreshments consisting of punch, cookies, cake, chips and dips were served to those in attendance.

Local merchants provided door prizes to parents attending the meetings.