This week “CityNews” has a guide to expert services, products, entertainment and activities for mums and mums-to-be.

Being a mum can be busy and demanding – and sometimes it’s hard to find the right advice, service or product when the need arises.

This week “CityNews” has compiled this handy guide to expert services, products, entertainment and activities for mums and mums-to-be.

Holistic child care thinks of the whole family

Capital Region Community Services (CRCS) operate early childhood education and care centres in four locations in Bruce and the Belconnen town centre, says Sandra Sheehy-Cox, executive manager education and care. 

“Each centre is staffed by experienced and qualified early childhood educators who are passionate about providing quality care and education,” says Sandra.

“As a community service organisation that has been in the Belconnen region for nearly 50 years, we know the power of community, and our warm and welcoming educators embed that within our early childhood centres.

“Our services offer small, intimate settings that allow for a holistic approach to education and care for your child.”

In addition to their academic curriculum, Sandra says CRCS nurture children’s love of learning, social and emotional growth, creativity and physical well-being, to help them become confident, well-rounded individuals.

“Under the guidance of the chef and their educators, children in our ACT services often participate in the preparation of a healthy morning and afternoon tea as a part of their daily routine,” says Sandra. 

“This hands-on experience not only provides them with practical life skills but also helps to instil a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

“We care about the whole family, not just the children who attend our services. We actively involve parents in their child’s learning journey and encourage open communication and collaboration between educators and families, to create a supportive network that fosters a strong bond between home and the centre.

“We are passionate about providing more than childcare. We can offer additional family support if needed, through our Belconnen Community Centre, Belconnen Youth Centre, therapeutic services, community engagement and more.”

Capital Region Community Services, Belconnen Community Centre, 23 Swanson Court, Belconnen. Call 6264 0200 or visit crcs.com.au

Culturally safe and accessible maternity care

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Service’s midwifery program aims to remove barriers that prevent women from accessing maternity care by providing culturally safe, non-judgemental and flexible care, says CEO Julie Tongs.

“We focus on the clinical, cultural and spiritual needs of Aboriginal clients, families and the community and the midwifery program welcomed 68 babies into the community in 2020 and 2021,” says Ms Tongs.

“The midwifery team offers antenatal and postnatal care, community at home support, baby health checks, breastfeeding support, immunisations, and a range of women’s health services.

“Our midwives work closely with ACT hospitals, and assist in ensuring continuity of care between Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS and hospital services”.

Ms Tongs says Winnunga also has a comprehensive child immunisation program they encourage patients to access.

“This also allows us to follow up on our patients’ progress with postpartum recovery, and to assist them with any needs in relation to caring for their infants,” says Ms Tongs.

“It is vitally important for high-risk clients to have access to Aboriginal specific, culturally appropriate midwifery services, as many choose not to access mainstream services without support.”

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 6284 6222 or visit winnunga.org.au

Giving kids a headstart on their schooling

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre understands that the first five years of a child’s life are crucial for development, says owner Kristen O’Connor.

“Kidstart offers classes for children from five months to five years of age to develop them socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually,” she says.

Operating since 1996 and located in Wanniassa, Kristen says Kidstart offers three distinct and age-appropriate programs to ignite a love of learning.

The first program is for children under the age of three, to attend with an adult, and introduces them to music, stories and stimulating equipment.

The second program is a “Pre-Preschool” program for three and four-year-olds to attend by themselves before starting preschool.

“It has been amazing to see 22 years’ worth kids and their families growing, loving, enjoying and benefiting from the program,” says Kristen.

The third program is Preschool PLUS. It’s designed for children to be involved alongside Preschool. The program is centred on phonics based literacy. 

“We use interactive computer sessions to expose the children to the letter sounds, letter identification and letter formation,” says Kristen.

“We are passionate about developing a love of learning in each and every child.

“By allowing them to thrive in an educational setting and experience the joy in exploring and achieving, we hope learning will be a lifelong passion for all our Kidstart kids.”

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. For enrolment enquiries visit kidstart.com.au