A better start for children in Perth's south-east

Parents in the Armadale area will now find it easier to take their toddlers for vital checks from a full-time child health nurse, as well as access playgroups and parenting programs and other important child health services.

  • Early intervention boost with new Child and Parent Centre

  • 16 centres opening across WA

Parents in the Armadale area will now find it easier to take their toddlers for vital checks from a full-time child health nurse, as well as access playgroups and parenting programs and other important child health services.

Officially opening a Child and Parent Centre today, Education Minister Peter Collier praised the Challis Parenting and Early Learning Centre for its pioneering programs that helped inspire the State Government's 16 Child and Parent Centres.

"Parents and young children in this community have experienced the benefits of having co-ordinated, early childhood education and health services under one roof for several years now," Mr Collier said.  

The Child and Parent Centre - Challis, operated by Parkerville Children and Youth Care, will include a health clinic and nurse, and a clinical psychologist offering one-on-one counselling.

"The centre also includes training premises for Curtin University's health science programs, giving students of psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work and nursing, practical experience while providing valuable services," the Minister said.

Mr Collier also today announced the amalgamation of Challis Early Childhood Centre and Challis Primary School, which has unanimous support from board members representing both schools.

The Minister said teaching and nurturing young children during their first years of life significantly influenced their success at school and later in life. 

"Over five years, the Liberal National Government is investing $48.7million in these Child and Parent Centres. We are committed to giving all children a fair start in life," he said.

Fact File

  • Departments of Education; Health; and Local Government and Communities; and Department for Child Protection and Family Support are working together in partnership with non-Government organisations to deliver services at Child and Parent Centres

  • $1.36million centre built with $616,800 State Government and $750,000

  • Australian Government funding

  • List of centres available at http://www.education.wa.edu.au/

Minister's office - 6552 6300