The Dudley Park Child and Parent Centre have launched a new program to help improve literacy and connection among young children in the Peel region.
The 1000 Books before Kindy project encourages families to read with their babies and small children.
It was launched in conjunction with Anglicare WA at the centre's fifth birthday celebrations on Friday, November 29.
Mandurah MP David Templeman and Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams dressed up as character favourites Cat in the Hat and Thing One to give all children at the event a free Dr Seuss book to get a head start on their 1000 books mission.
As well as the book giveaway, there was also plenty of party fun and cake.
Reading with your child has such a positive impact as it promotes brain development and imagination.
- Anglicare WA regional manager Vik Jeyakumar
Anglicare WA regional manager Vik Jeyakumar said it was never too early to start reading to children.
"Reading with your child has such a positive impact as it promotes brain development and imagination, teaches your child about language and emotions, and strengthens your relationship," he said.
"This new initiative encouraging children to read 1000 Books before Kindy to your child will prepare them for a lifetime of learning and a love of reading."
Centre manager Justine Hansen encouraged all Mandurah families to get involved in the program.
"All families are welcome to participate in the program and each child's name will be recorded in a log book and put on the 1000 Books Reading tree at the Child and Parent Centre," she said.
"While 1000 books sounds like a lot, it's as simple as reading one book a day with your child."
Since opening in 2014, the Dudley Park Child and Parent Centre has supported almost 10,000 local families through providing early parenting programs, supported and dad playgroups and the creative STEM based program, The Explorers.
For more information about the Dudley Park Child and Parent Centre, call 9537 5603.
