Western Australian Child and Parent Centres are a fantastic free resource for families with young children, designed to help give kids the best possible start to life. Located at or near local primary schools, these welcoming hubs are all about connecting families, building community, and making it easier to access early learning and health services in one convenient place. There are 22 centres across WA, each shaped around the needs of its local community, so no two look exactly the same, but all offer a warm, family‑friendly environment for children from birth to eight years old and their caregivers.
The centres are run through the Department of Education in partnership with community organisations such as The Smith Family, MercyCare, Ngala, Parkerville Children and Youth Care, Anglicare WA and others. Many sites also have a child health nurse based on‑site or making regular visits, along with access to other professionals like speech pathologists, physiotherapists and counsellors. This means you can often combine playtime for your child with check‑ups, support and advice for you, all in one visit.
Programs at Child and Parent Centres focus heavily on play‑based early learning and supporting children’s development. Families can join playgroups and parent–child sessions that encourage talking, reading, singing and playing together, as well as activities that build fine and gross motor skills. Many centres offer specific early learning programs and literacy activities designed to help children transition smoothly into kindy and school. You’ll also find practical information and ideas for supporting your child at home, from reading with your child to preparing simple, healthy meals.
A big part of what makes these centres special is the way they support parents and carers as well as children. Alongside playgroups, there are often parent workshops and information sessions on topics such as the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), protective behaviours, first aid, budgeting and money management, child development, Ngala parenting workshops and more. Some centres run multicultural programs, Aboriginal playgroups and community‑building sessions that bring families together over shared activities or lunch. These are a great way to meet other parents, reduce isolation and feel more connected to your local school community.
Health and wellbeing support is another key feature. Depending on the site, families may be able to access maternal and child health services, antenatal classes, speech therapy support, developmental checks and referrals to extra support if needed. Having these services based at or visiting the centre regularly helps remove some of the barriers to getting help, particularly for families who might not otherwise know where to start.
The centres themselves are welcoming spaces, usually with cosy indoor play areas and inviting outdoor environments. Many include nature play elements, sand and water play, role‑play kitchens, dress‑ups and imaginative play areas. These environments are set up to encourage children to explore, learn and socialise in a relaxed, safe setting, while parents chat with staff or connect with each other over a tea or coffee. During school holidays you’ll often find special free play sessions and seasonal activities running, which can be a lifesaver when you have little ones at home.
Because each Child and Parent Centre responds to its local community, the exact mix of programs, session times and services will vary between locations and can change over time. It’s a good idea to check what’s currently on offer at your nearest centre – from baby groups and rhyme time for under twos, to kindy‑aged play sessions, school holiday activities and specialised support groups. Many sessions are free or low cost, making them an accessible option for most families.
In Perth and the broader metro area, families are particularly spoilt for choice. Metro Child and Parent Centres include Arbor Grove (Ellenbrook), Banksia Grove, Brookman (Langford), Calista, Dudley Park (Mandurah), East Maddington, East Waikiki (Cooloongup), Gosnells, Roseworth (Girrawheen), Swan (Stratton), Warriapendi (Balga), Westfield Park (Camillo) and Westminster. All of these are based on local primary school sites, making it easy to get to know your future school community and easing the transition into kindy and pre‑primary.
Because each Child and Parent Centre responds to its local community, the exact mix of programs, session times and services will vary between locations and can change over time. It’s a good idea to check what’s currently on offer at your nearest centre – from baby groups and rhyme time for under twos, to kindy‑aged play sessions, school holiday activities, specialised support groups and parent workshops. Many sessions are free or low cost, making them an accessible option for most families.
If you’re looking to meet other families, support your child’s early learning, or connect with health and parenting services close to home, a visit to your local Western Australian Child and Parent Centre is a great place to begin. You can explore what’s available, chat with friendly staff about your family’s needs, and find programs that suit your child’s age and stage.
Western Australian Child and Parent Centres
Address: Multiple locations across Western Australia – centres are located at or near local primary schools.
Opening Hours: Hours vary by centre; contact your local Child and Parent Centre or check online for current session times.
Official Website: https://childandparentcentres.wa.edu.au/
Find more kids activity classes
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Holly Clark is mum of one, a self-confessed coffee addict and a baker of sweet treats. She studied Professional Writing and Editing, is a published author, and currently works in customer service when she’s not wrangling kids.
