Funding for new child care centre in Mount Barker

25/7/97

Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker today announced that funding had been approved for the establishment of a new child care centre in Mount Barker.

Mrs Parker said Family and Children's Services would provide $180,000 to set up a centre to provide long-day care and short-term care for 24 children.

She said the Shire of Plantagenet, together with a community committee, would co-ordinate the operation of the new centre.

"Department planners had identified the Shire of Plantagenet as a high need area," the Minister said.

"Therefore, it is pleasing that a new centre will be established in the Great Southern region.

"Child care provides vital support for working parents and important opportunities for children to play and develop in a safe, secure environment."

Short-term care will be available at the new centre to enable parents to take breaks, attend appointments or meet other commitments.

"Parents can be sure their children will learn valuable social and language skills to contribute to their development," Mrs Parker said.

"This new child care centre demonstrates Family and Children's Services' commitment to providing high quality child care to support families."

Media contact: Kaye Hopkins 9481 7810