Supporting families to support their children

This morning I enjoyed visiting the Cockburn Family and Children Centre in Coolbellup that offers a range of resources for local children and parents.

The Meerilinga Foundation manages the spacious centre that is well equipped to serve as a hub for the local community where families can connect with each other and with support services.

We all know the important role early childhood learning plays in laying the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing.

In recognition of this, the centre provides two early development services, the Early Learning Program and Move and Groove Playgroup.

These programs help young children to develop language, literacy and motor skills, while creating opportunities for them and their parents to socialise.

I was impressed by the centre’s focus on getting the whole family involved in child care.

Their Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren Playgroup encourages grandparents to come together and share ideas and experiences, while spending time with their grandkids.

Reaching into the community is vital and the centre collaborates with local networks such as child health nurses, local libraries and their dedicated volunteers to raise awareness about its services.

I would like to thank the people who made this visit possible, in particular Louise Macfarlane, Lesley Moreschi and Jenny Harper.

If you would like more information about the Centre you can find out more here.