Organisations join forces to give kids a good start
FAMILY support organisations in the Rose City are joining forces with Goodstart Early Learning centres as part of a new program aimed at enriching early childhood on the Southern Downs.
The EChO (Enhanced Children Outcome) program is a new Goodstart initiative, aimed at linking local community organisations with the Rose City's two centres.
Percy St Goodstart centre director Megan Dabis said the five-year project would be used to enrich children's outcomes and establish strong community links.
"In our small community here in Warwick we can start to involve the community in our centres," she said.
"This is not just about good start, it's about bringing the community of Warwick together."
The program was launched on Friday, with a range of associated organisations present including Red Cross, BUSHkids and Pathways to Resilience.
Wood St centre director Kim Ramalli said the centres would inform parents of support services available to them locally.
"A lot of parents don't know what support we have here," she said.
"All of the services present here today we have involved in the program."
Southern Downs MP Lawrence Springborg and Deputy Mayor Cr Ross Bartley were among the guests at the launch, both presenting strong views of support.
"It's a really good idea to encourage early childhood learning," Mr Springborg said.
"Those early stages - the first few years of a child's life - are just absolutely crucial."
