A GROUP of Warwick children have celebrated taking their first step toward early learning.

A graduation ceremony for 16 families involved with the Red Cross Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters was held this month at C&K Kindy at Glennie Heights State School.

Red Cross Warwick has been operating the program since 2014, providing a free, home-based program for families with children in the year before they start schooling.

Southern Downs councillor Denise Ingram joined family members and organisers for the HIPPY celebrations.

HIPPY program co-ordinator Carol Turnbull said numbers had grown steadily to the point where there are now 43 families consistently engaged with the program.

She said an early learning program for children aged between three and five was the key to providing successful outcomes for children and their families later in life.

"HIPPY is supported by research that shows that children's most powerful learning comes from their family, and that getting a strong start at school sets children up for life," she said.

The two-year program provides families with stationery items and books to kick-start children's learning experience and prepares them for the transition into prep.

Each family spends about 10-15 minutes a day, a few times a week, doing educational activities together that Ms Turnbull said, "can easily fit into daily life".

Home tutors schedule weekly or fortnightly visits with parents wherever they feel most comfortable; whether it be at home, the park or even a library.

HIPPY is an international program operating throughout Australia since 1969. The program is funded through the Australian Government Department of Social Services and licensed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence.