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and subparagraph (a) shall be given priority over other children who are eligible under this paragraph. d. A child who is younger than 13 years of age from a working family that is economically disadvantaged. e. A child of a parent who transitions from the work program into employment as described in section 445.032, F.S., who is younger than 13 years of age. f. A child who has special needs, has been determined eligible as a student with a disability, has a current individual education plan with a Florida school district, and is not younger than three years of age. A special needs child eligible under this paragraph remains eligible until the child is eligible for admission to kindergarten in a public school under section 1003.21(1)(a)2, F.S. g. A child who otherwise meets one of the eligibility criteria in paragraphs 1 and 2 above and subparagraphs a and b but who is also enrolled concurrently in the federal Head Start Program and the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program.

5.6 THE HOME INSTRUCTION PROGRAM FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL YOUNGSTERS (HIPPY)

Purpose: HIPPY provides home instruction services to at-risk children ages two through five who are TANF-eligible. HIPPY works with families in the home to support parents as their child’s first teacher and to actively prepare their children for success in school. Parents are provided with a set of carefully developed curriculum, books, and materials designed to strengthen their children’s cognitive skills, early literacy skills, social/emotional, and physical development.

Eligibility Criteria: The program restricts the segregated Federal TANF funds for serving needy families who have a minor child who is a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizens, ages two through five years of age, living with a custodial parent or caretaker relative. Eligible participants must be TANF eligible children whose parents meet the following criteria: 1. Legal residents of the state. 2. A family with a minor child living with a custodial parent or relative caretaker. 3. A family with gross income: a. At or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level and eligible to receive Temporary Cash Assistance, or b. At or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level and eligible for TANF non-assistance services.

Restrictions on Amount, Frequency, or Duration of Services or Payments: Restricted to the level of the legislative appropriation in the state budget per fiscal year.

Major Activities: HIPPY provides parents opportunities to help their children with enriching experiences needed for school readiness. The program uses three developmentally appropriate, home-based curricula of pre-academic activities that parents use with their children ages two through five. HIPPY uses role playing as an