Funding to support Challis Parent and Early Learning Centre to boost school readiness

An early learning centre in the West Australian suburb of Armadale will receive $1.56 million in funding through an Early Years Partnership (EYP) to improve the school readiness of children and parents living in the area.

The operational funding will be directed to Challis Parent and Early Learning Centre and will contribute to the ongoing provision of a range of early learning programs for zero to four-year-olds.

Programs offered at the centre include playgroup, zero to three-year-old development groups, such as Move and Groove and Stay and Play, and access to a child health nurse and developmental services.

“This is a great example of an initiative under the Early Years Partnership that is community-led and works to ensure children are ready for their transition to school,” WA Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton said.

“The Challis Parent and Early Learning Centre also plays a key role in supporting parents as they navigate this critical stage of their children’s development. I am pleased that this funding will enable the centre to continue their fantastic work in the Armadale community.”

The commitment is one of 24 priority projects identified for investment by the EYP, which is a collaboration between the State Government, Minderoo Foundation, The Kids Research Institute Australia and the local community.

The EYP aims to improve the development, health and learning of children aged from birth to four years of age across its partner communities of Armadale, Central Great Southern, Derby and Bidyadanga.

Each community has led the development of their own Community Plan, identifying key priorities to improve children’s wellbeing and school readiness. The communities are supported to develop evidence-based solutions which are implemented at the local level.

The 24 priority projects identified across the four EYP communities will deliver improved access to early learning, early identification and intervention for developmental delay and critical family supports that help children’s development and school readiness.