Challis brings bright futures

Education Minister Peter Collier officially opened the Challis Parenting and Early Learning Centre on September 26.

Operated by Parkerville Children and Youth Care, the centre will include a health clinic, child health nurse and a clinical psychologist offering one-on-one counselling.

It will also run parenting programs, including first aid, and playgroups.

Mr Collier said the Armadale centre and its pioneering programs, had inspired 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,’ he said.

‘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.’

During the opening of the new centre, Mr Collier also announced the amalgamation of Challis Early Childhood Education Centre and Challis Primary School, which had unanimous support from board members representing both schools.

From next year onwards, the two schools will operate as one.

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