What Services are available for Maternal & Child Health?
The Maternal and Child Health Service, is a free universal service for families with children from birth to school age, aims to promote healthy outcomes for all children and families. Child Health Centres are staffed by registered nurses with qualifications in child and family health. They provide a range of services in partnership with parents and carers of babies and young children up to the age of 4 years.
Community Child Health Nurses can assess children's health and development as well as provide information about many aspects of parenting, maternal and family health and healthy lifestyles.
There are 310 Child Health Centres across Western Australia. Most child health centres operate an appointment system Monday to Friday, but some are only open part time. You will usually need to make an appointment for your visit. Please ask the nurse for further details. All services are free.
For location and contact details please see the list at: www.health.wa.gov.au/services/category.cfm?Topic_ID=18
or call Health Info on 1300 135 030.
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Princess Margaret Hospital for Children:
Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH)is a 220-bed, internationally recognised paediatric facility that treats children and adolescents from around the state with approximately 250,000 patient visits (inpatient and outpatient) each year.
Location: Roberts Road, Subiaco, Perth
Phone: (08) 9340 8222
www.pmh.health.wa.gov.au
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Do I Need to have My Child Immunised?
Childhood Immunisation is highly recommended but not compulsory and is carried out at various stages of the development of the child. The Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule is a free immunisation program and provides inoculation against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, mumps, measles and rubella. All are available for children and adults. The service is offered through all municipalities and a record of the procedure noted in your public records. For before-school immunisations, generally you take your infant along to any of the public immunisation sessions held at your local council offices, and/or the local council's immunisation nurse will visit your child's school to carry out the immunisation program during the school age stage of their growth.
It is necessary to show proof of all immunisations before entrance is allowed into schools, so bring your child's immunisation records with you when you make an appointment with the school.
The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (the Immunisation Register) is a national online database containing information on the immunisation status of all children living in Australia who are under the age of seven years. Further details regarding the national childhood immunisation scheme can be found at:
www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/about/whatwedo/acir.jsp
Further details on the immunisation schedule can be found at:
http://immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/nips2
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What is the Law regarding Child Car Seats?
It is the law in Australia that all vehicle occupants must wear a seat belt at all times, including children. All child restraints used in Australia must comply with current Australian standards - one of the main features of which is the use of a rear strap to an anchor point. Australian child restraint standards are some of the most stringent in the world and most overseas child restraints do not comply with these standards and cannot legally be used in Australia - this includes restraints from countries such as the UK and USA. It is advisable to hire or purchase a child restraint in Australia rather than bringing your own from overseas.
By law, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that passengers under 16 years old are appropriately restrained. The restraint must be approved, match the child’s size and weight, be fitted correctly to the vehicle and adjusted to fit the child’s body. If you are travelling with small children and do not have appropriate child restraints you can hire child seats and baby capsules. Reputable car hire companies can provide this service as do the Red Cross and Kidsafe WA. See Baby Goods Hire following for list of companies that provide hire of child car seats
The WA Government is currently working towrds implementation of new legislation, expected to be adopted in early 2010. A summary of the proposed changes are:
- Children up to 6 months must be in rear facing restraint
- Children up to 4 years must be in a restraint with an internal 5 point harness
- Children 4 to 7 years must be in booster seat
- Children under 4 not permitted in front seat & under 7 not permitted in front seat unless all rear seats are occupied by children less than 4yrs
- There will be exemptions for children outside weight / size guidelines for existing restraints
For more information on child restraints, please visit www.kidsafewa.com.au/childcarrestraints.html or www.childcarrestraints.com.au
Do we need a Child Restraint in a Taxi?
Children under the age of 1 year old do not have to travel in a child restraint in a taxi, although it would be best to do so. Some taxi companies may be able to provide child restraints if they are given sufficient notice. A surcharge is the norm for the hire of the child seat and you will often have to pay for the taxi to collect the seat from a depot or taxi company's headquarters. Your journey will be metered from the carseat collection point, to wherever you are picked up and then onto your final destination. Check all charges with your taxi company in advance and ensure that you book your vehicle well in advance (at least an hour).
It is more cost effective to take your own restraint with you, if possible. All taxis should have the correct anchor point for fitting the restraint, but it is always advisable to call the taxi company in advance to check. Older children must use a child restraint if one is available. If there isn't one available, the child must wear a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt.
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What Child Care Options are Available?
Finding childcare that suits the needs of your child and family is critical. Your child should feel safe and happy, and experience fulfilling learning and play while under someone else’s care. Childcare in Victoria is delivered in a range of settings. Some children are cared for by relatives, private nannies, and home-based family day care providers. Many children, however, attend childcare centres that are managed by local councils, school councils, non-government agencies, parent committees, private businesses, TAFE colleges and universities. Centre-based services, which may include long day care, kindergarten and occasional care, require a license to operate. Cost of long day care at a Centre is approximately $60 -$80 per day and Centres generally operate from 7am - 6pm.
You can search for childcare providers, either through your local council, or at www.careforkids.com.au.
For further information on family day care, see www.familydaycarewa.com.au/ or www.careforkids.com.au/family-day-care/wa
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Where can I find a Nanny or Au Pair?
Typically an au pair is a young, single person from overseas who wants to come to Australia to learn English and live as a member of a local family. Au pairs can be expected to do a combination of child care and light housework duties in exchange for board and a small allowance. In Australia, au pairs are given a 12 month visa on arrival, placements usually last six to eight months with the longest placements lasting ten months, this leaves a few months at the end of the trip for the au pair to travel. It is important to note that au pairs are not trained nannies and may have little or no training.
To find an au pair or, see:
www.aupairinaustralia.com.au
www.familymatch.com.au
www.careforkids.com.au/search/advanced.asp?ct=2&drop_menu=search
To find a nanny, see
www.careforkids.com.au/search/advanced.asp?ct=3
www.weneedananny.com.au/index.html?gclid=CLrcyvn-p5sCFR0Sagodv3aICw
www.findababysitter.com.au
www.familymatch.com.au
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Where can I find a Babysitter?
See the following websites to search for a babysitter:
www.careforkids.com.au/search/quick.asp?drop_menu=search
www.findababysitter.com.au
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How can I find a Local Playgroup?
Playgroups are for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and their parents or caregivers. They are low cost, run by the families attending and usually local. 54,000 children from 40,000 families go to playgroup in metropolitan and country Victoria each week.
At playgroup, babies are offered play experiences to stimulate their senses, toddlers practise their developing physical, intellectual and language skills, and preschool children practise social skills – important preparation for kindergarten and school. Playgroup can be a lifeline to parents with babies, todders and preschoolers who might not have any other opportunity to get to know local parents going through similar experiences.
For further information on Playgroups in Western Australia and to find a playgroup near you see,
www.playgroupaustralia.com.au
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What is Kindergarten & Pre-Primary?
Although attendance at kindergarten and pre-primary is not compulsory (in accordance with the School Education Act 1999) more that 90% of children in Western Australia attend kindergarten and 95% of children attend a pre-primary program. The Department of Education and Training is committed to providing a place for all eligible children.
There is a place for your child:
- in kindergarten if he or she turns four years old by 30 June in the year they start
- in pre-primary if he or she turns five years old by 30 June in the year they start
To apply for a place for your child in a kindergarten or pre-primary program in a public school you need to complete an ‘Application for Enrolment’ form. These forms are available at your local public school or community kindergarten or can be printed from the Department of Educations website.
When you make an application for your child you need to make sure that:
- your child’s age entitles them to a place
- your child is a permanent residence of Australia or holds a visa with an approved sub-class
For further information on Kindergarten & pre-primary school, see: www.det.wa.edu.au/education/ece/enrolments.html
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Where can I Purchase Baby Goods?
There are countless stores that specialise in offering all the necessary baby goods, such as: Prams, Strollers, Cots, Highchairs, Change tables, Baths, Car Seats, Accessories, Toys, Safety Equipment etc. Some of the major retailers include:
You can also find all the necessary baby goods at the following major chain stores:
The Baby & Kids Market offers a huge range of gorgeous & excellent quality pre-loved baby & kids goods. From prams to cots, toys to books and clothes to shoes; the market has it all. You will also find ‘handpicked’ local designers featuring their unique and stylish baby & kids’ goods. Further details on times and locations see, www.babykidsmarket.com.au
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Where can I Hire Baby Goods?
Following are companies offering hire of all baby goods and accessories, including cots, prams, child restraints, etc:
What Major Attractions are available for Kids?
There are many attractions in and around Perth for you and your kids. Following are some to check out:
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Where can I find out about Family Friendly Attractions & Events?
Perth’s Child – Provides an interactive calendar of child friendly activities and events in and around Perth. www.perthschild.com.au
Kidspot Australia is a pregnancy and parenting resource to help find activities for baby & children, clothing, baby equipment and furniture, birthday party ideas .and supplies, educational resources, plus recipes, kids holiday ideas and forums for mums. Kidspot is all about simplifying the search for kid related fun, activites, sports, and related trappings. www.kidspot.com.au
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What Local Publications are available to Parents?
Perth’s Child Magazine - Perth's Child contains lots of information for parents of children aged 0 - 16, and for expectant parents too. Each monthly issue contains a number of stories dealing with varied parenting topics, along with a family calendar to help plan activities for children. There are also dedicated classified and party sections, along with regular book, music, DVD and movie reviews. A must have resource for parents in Perth. www.perthschild.com.au
From Birth, Baby to Toddler Magazine - is a free publication available to parents, Australia wide via Maternal and Child Heath Centres and selected hospitals. This has proven the most practical way of reaching new parents during the hectic months after the birth of a child. Parents can register to receive future editions of the magazine directly or continue collecting their copy when visiting these venues. The magazine is published quarterly. The informative articles cover important issuessuch as practical advice, general interest and real life stories, making the magazine an integral part of a new parents reference library. www.petalpublishing.com.au
Practical Parenting Magazine - www.practicalparenting.com.au
Mother and Baby Magazine - http://motherandbaby.com.au
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Where Can I Buy Toys?
Main chain toy retailers include:
You can also find children’s toys and games at the following major chain stores:
There are numerous educational toy stores located throughout Perth, to find one close to you see www.yellowpages.com.au – search for “Toys - retail”
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Where Can I find a Toy Library?
A toy library is a place where parents or carers can go to borrow a large variety of educational toys, puzzles and games on a regular basis. Toy libraries aim to support families and encourage them to spend time playing with their children. Quality toys are expensive and children quickly become bored with a toy once its play value has been exhausted. By providing new play materials every week or two, parents can save money and significantly contribute towards the development and education of their children. Toy libraries vary from library to library.
You can find further information on toy libraries and search for one in your area at the Western Australian Association of Toy Libraries website: www.waatl.org.au
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Where can I find information on Party Suppliers?
This website provides extensive information and business listings for party supplies, party ideas, amusements for parties and more:
www.kidspot.com.au/section+18+Birthday-Parties.htm
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Additional Information & Web Reference List:
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