Early learning boost for children and families

Friday, 11 November 2016

• ​$1.5 million Child and Parent Centre officially opened in East Waikiki
• $48.7 million invested in the Child and Parent Centre initiative
• 21 centres now up and running

Another school-based centre for families and their young children has been opened, rounding out the start of Western Australia's groundbreaking Child and Parent Centre initiative.

Education Minister Peter Collier officially opened the $1.5 million centre this morning, located on the grounds of East Waikiki Primary School.

"The services provided through the Child and Parent Centres are vital.  The wide range of health services and parenting support help families to prepare their children for school," Mr Collier said.

"The Liberal National Government is committed to early learning and support services to give children the best chance to succeed at school."

The Child and Parent Centre - East Waikiki includes a fully equipped child health clinic room, consultants' rooms, group activity room, outdoor play area and kitchen facilities.

"I recognise and value the important role of parents as their children's first teachers, and know parenting at times can be a tough and demanding job," the Minister said.

"By using the services and participating in the programs provided by the centre, parents and their children will become more confident about the start to primary school."

Fact File

• The Child and Parent Centre - East Waikiki is operated by Ngala Community Services in partnership with East Waikiki Primary School
• The departments of Education; Health; Local Government and Communities; and Department for Child Protection and Family Support are working with non-government organisations to deliver services at Child and Parent Centres
• For more information, visit http://www.education.wa.edu.au