Helping hand for families in Perth's northern suburbs

• Child and Parent Centre - Warriapendi one of 16 in WA

• State Government investing $48.7 million in Child and Parent Centres initiative

Families in the Balga area are getting a helping hand with a new centre providing vital health checks for young children and an introduction to early learning through play.

Officially opening the Child and Parent Centre at Warriapendi Primary School, Education Minister Peter Collier said parenting programs, speech therapy and psychological counselling were among the services available.

"This is the eighth centre the State Government has opened so far in areas where families need some extra help so their children can reach their full potential," Mr Collier said.

"Parents are encouraged to come to the centre and get involved in their young children's learning before they start school."

The Child and Parent Centre - Warriapendi is managed by MercyCare.  The manager has been working closely with the local community since early in 2013.

"Warriapendi Primary School has run multicultural education and care programs for a number of years which have been well received by the diverse Balga community," the Minister said.

"This is one of 16 centres the State Government has established on school sites to help families from the time children are born to starting school and beyond."

Mr Collier said the fully air-conditioned centre included a well-equipped child health clinic, consultant's room, group room and outdoor play area.

Fact File

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

• The Warriapendi centre was refurbished with $675,000 in State Government funding

• More information at http://biggerpicture.education.wa.edu.au

Minister's office - 6552 6300