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HISD’s Family and Community Engagement Department hosted its Fall Festival for the community on Oct. 29 with a special focus on early childhood, bringing together all parents enrolled in the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngster (HIPPY) program.

More than 400 people attended the Fall Festival and enjoyed free games, arts and crafts, food, and educational resources. Parents also had access to numerous free resources offered by community partners and organizations to help guide families in various areas.

HISD police officer Eric Grant, who was selected as HISD’s Employee of the Month in October, educated families on safety issues, including how to remain safe during the upcoming holidays.

HIPPY continues to recruit parents of 3- and 4-year-old children to help them prepare their preschool child for academic success. Instructors visit parents in their homes for an hour a week in a 30-week period during the academic school year and model research-based learning activities designed to help Pre-K children develop skills in reading, math, and science. Interested families can contact the HIPPY office at 713-967-5298.