PAKENHAM’S fast growing population welcomed a new child care centre this week.
On Monday 3 February, the council opened the Henry Family Children’s Centre which will offer a kindergarten, maternal and child health and early intervention services.
It will also include two kindergarten rooms, a community room available for hire by the general public, and a natural outdoor play space, also available for hire.
The early intervention services and specialist support including allied health services and speech therapy will be a first for Cardinia shire.
Cardinia council Mayor Graeme Moore said the centre was a great addition to the shire’s existing children’s services.
“This is such an exciting centre to bring to Pakenham and I am sure many parents and community groups have been eagerly waiting for it to open,” Cr Moore said.
“It brings so many vital services together in the one place for young families and features interactive and exciting play spaces to help children explore and learn through play.”
The council’s children’s services co-ordinator Tracey McKay said the play areas provide a great opportunity for unique and stimulating learning.
“The growling grass frog outdoor play space is a real highlight.
“It’s the first of its kind in Cardinia shire and will offer opportunities for exploration, discovery and learning within a natural environment,” Mrs McKay said.
“Playing outdoors helps children develop their gross motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination and promotes physical activity.”
The outdoor play area will provide children with a variety of equipment and they will also have access to vegetable gardens.
Five kindergarten groups will operate this year at the centre, including two four-year-old, two three-year-old and one deferment group.
Maternal and child health services are free for families living in Cardinia shire who have children up to school age.
The services provide support to parents and offer information and advice on child health and development, parenting, maternal health and wellbeing, as well as running group programs.
