Forbes Children’s Centre
Forbes Children's Centre for Early Childhood Development and Parenting
Forbes Children’s Centre for Early Childhood Development and Parenting brings together care, education, health, community development activities and family services for families and their young children.
Forbes is one of many similar centres across the state. Each offers a different range of services tailored to their local setting. These services are offered through strong partnerships and collaboration with non government organisations; local, state and federal government; local community based organisations; private businesses and ‘parent run’/peer to peer support groups.
Forbes offers a range of free:
- parent information workshops and courses;
- parenting groups;
- support groups and services;
- parent and child groups, events and activities;
- SA Government Preschool (kindy);
- community based not-for-profit long day care childcare;
- CaFHS (Child and Family Health Services);
- access to the centre’s Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist for free child screenings and child development support/advice.
- a free creche for many of their parenting workshops and courses.
Parent/child and parenting groups/workshops/courses have no boundaries of service, however the Preschool (kindy) is zoned according to the Department for Education guidelines.
Free general information sessions (including centre tours) are also available regularly or via appointment for anyone looking for early childhood services, or trying to navigate the childcare and preschool system for their child/ren. This service is particularly useful for new parents or those new to South Australia.
Other services available via enquiry include:
- Family and Relationship Counselling;
- Financial Counselling;
- Food relief;
- Family and Domestic Violence support;
- Crisis support;
- Young parent and General Parenting support;
- free, confidential, referral pathways to other services for any parent or carer experiencing circumstances that affect their child’s safety and wellbeing.
A program of happenings (which change each term) is produced each term and distributed widely.
Phone: 8293 9000
Email address: Info.ForbesChildrensCentre854@schools.sa.edu.au
Visit website
Childcare: 7am -6pm
Front reception desk and parenting support programs: 9am - 5pm
Free CaFHS, Speech pathology, and OT services: by appointment
Visiting specialised services (counselling, financial services etc): by appointment
After hours appointments available
Most parenting programs, courses and events are free, however there is a small charge for the 'First Aid for Dads, Mums and Carers' course (fees are waived in some instances)
Some ongoing support sessions/appointments (such as counselling) are offered on a sliding fee scale depending on eligibility and the non government organisation or business offering the service
SA Govt Preschool: $200 per term per child.
Long day care Childcare fees vary depending upon age with subsidies available through the Australian Government if eligible.
Some programs/courses have eligibility criteria:
Early Parenting Group: infants up to age 8 months only
My Time: Parents with a child up to age 16 with a disability, developmental delay or chronic illness
Dads moving towards responsibility course: Dads with a previous history of Family/Domestic Violence will be assessed for suitability at initial contact with Social Worker
Childcare: Children aged between birth to school age
Preschool: Children in the year before they start school
CaFHS: Parents with Preschool aged children, with a focus on 0-3yrs
Playgroups: aged based depending on type
BUBS: Aboriginal children only
Most of our groups and programs have universal access. Other courses offered throughout the year may have eligibility depending on the type of course and the eligibilty set by the organisation we have partnered with to run the group - eg Aboriginal specific courses etc
These change depending on what is being offered at Forbes Children's Centre.
Most are self referral and universal access.
Some programs have referral pathways set by the partnering organisation
Locations
Primary Location
80 Thomas Street, South Plympton SA, Australia
