Helping children always to be safe

When three-year-olds Liam Gibson, Xavier Duca and Eli Sieberts recite the words “we all have the right to feel safe at all times” in perfect harmony, it is hard for anyone’s heart not to melt.

The three boys, enrolled at the Milligan House Child Care Centre in Bunbury, have been taking part in the centre’s Protective Behaviours Program over the past year.

The aim of the program, in the words the boys have remembered so well is to make children feel safe at all times in any environment.

Now, thanks to a State Government funding boost, educators at the centre are hoping to continue the program well into the future.

The centre will receive more than $14,000 as part of the Regional Community Child Care Development Fund through Royalties for Regions.

Qualified educator Marg Keeler said staff at the centre were excited about the funding.

“The program is something we see being a long-term project for Milligan,” she said.

“And the funding will help us do that. It will not only go towards resources, but training staff along with facilitating parent workshops.”

The specialised program uses a range of books and themes to educate children on areas, including early warning signs of feeling unsafe.

College Community Child Care Centre and the Early Learning Centre in Bunbury along with Harvey Occasional Childcare Centre also received money through the fund.