Guiding Our Childrens
Development
with the Australian Early Development
Census Book Launch!
In a momentous occasion last month, Parkerville Children and Youth Care’s Child and Parent Centre Westfield Park was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed the Hon Sabine Winton BA BPS MLA, who holds significant portfolios as the Minister for Early Childhood Education; Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services.
The much-anticipated launch of ‘Guiding Our Children’s Development with the Australian Early Development Census’ book, took place at Parkerville’s Child and Parent Centre located on the Westfield Park Primary School site. This event served as a moment of pride and celebration, marking an important milestone in our unwavering commitment to support child development and empower families in the community.
The book is a valuable resource that provides families with accessible ideas for cost-effective activities that promote child development. Minister Winton displayed keen interest in the objectives of this project, recognising its significance in nurturing the growth and well-being of children whilst strengthening family bonds. With its wide array of activities, this book is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of families, fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for children to flourish. To celebrate the launch of ‘Guiding Our Children’s Development with the Australian Early Development Census’ book, a special morning tea was organised, exclusively inviting the families who were featured in the publication. Minister Winton, along with staff members, parents, and children attended the event. The occasion served as a perfect opportunity to showcase the tremendous impact of this resource. Laughter filled the air as the Minister, parents and staff enjoyed some messy play with the children, engaging in delightful activities like making Lavender Cloud Dough! This hands-on experience further highlighted the practicality and effectiveness of the activities described in the book.
The creation of the ‘Guiding Our Children’s Development with the Australian Early Development Census’ book was a collaborative effort between Parkerville Child and Parent Centre Westfield Park, Westfield Park Primary School, and the City of Armadale. Driven by the aim of Parkerville’s Child and Parent Centres to enhance nurturing home environments for children, the activities in the booklet were guided by the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data to shape the program content.
Recent AEDC data revealed that the Armadale community has a significant number of children who are developmentally at-risk or vulnerable, compared to the Western Australian average. In response to this concerning trend, the Child and Parent Centre collaborated closely with families to increase their understanding of the AEDC and its developmental domains. Workshops on the AEDC were conducted for each playgroup at the Child and Parent Centres and participating primary schools, ensuring that families had a comprehensive grasp of the developmental areas of focus.
With the guidance and support of the Child and Parent Centre staff team, and UWA Social Work students, families actively participated in designing activities that align with the AEDC’s domains. These activities have now been compiled and published in the ‘Guiding Our Children’s Development with the Australian Early Development Census’ book. This community resource serves as a guide for families to use at home, fostering continuous growth and development for their children.
The launch of the ‘Guiding Our Children’s Development with the Australian Early Development Census’ book exemplifies our community’s dedication to prioritising the well-being and development of our children. It highlights the collaborative efforts of Parkerville’s Child and Parent Centre Westfield Park, Westfield Park Primary School, and the City of Armadale, in addressing the developmental needs of our community's children.
Moving forward, we envision this valuable resource to empower families to actively engage with their child's development and cultivate nurturing home environments. By providing families with cost-effective activities that support child development, we aim to pave the way for smooth transitions, sustained engagement, and future success in schooling.
The ‘Guiding Our Children’s Development with the Australian Early Development Census’ book proudly symbolises our commitment to the growth and well-being of our community's children. Through collaborative initiatives and dedicated efforts, we can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families to ensure a brighter future for all.
If you’re interested in obtaining a free copy of ‘Guiding Our Children’s Development with the Australian Early Development Census’ book, please email us at westfieldpark@parkerville.org.au.
For further information about our Child and Parent Centres, visit: parkerville.org.au/what-we-do/parenting-and-family-services/child-and-parent-centres
