Suffolk Park Integrated Children's Centre
The $1.39 million purpose-built integrated childcare facility is located at 49 Bottlebrush Crescent, Suffolk Park and houses Byron Shire Early Intervention Service, Byron Bay Preschool and Byron Toy Library.
Byron Shire Early Intervention Service is located within the facility and provides essential ongoing services to families with the Shire. The new facility will provide a motivational environment for the intervention service and will assist in the delivery of specific intervention programs.
In addition the new the new centre provides 29 preschool places and a wonderful gathering point for young families in the Toy Library.
The land was originally obtained as part of the Suffolk Park residential development and identified to provide community services which contributed to the social well being of the community. The need for additional support children services and development of the Suffolk Park Centre was a key recommendation identified in Council’s Social Plan 2004-2009.
The new centre meets all energy and efficiency requirements of the Building Code of Australia and has been designed to maximise natural lighting and cooling features. Building features include covered breezeways, high ceilings and bi-fold doors to capture and direct the coastal breezes throughout the centre. The careful design of building and roof by the architect has meant there is no need for air-conditioning within the centre.
Other sustainable features include water tanks for irrigation, covered balconies, environmentally friendly insulation, energy efficient lighting and soft fall playground matting made from recycled materials.
The project has been funded through Section 94 developer contributions, grants and capital contributions from Byron Bay Preschool, Department of Education and Training via Byron Shire Early Intervention and Council loans.
Byron Shire Early Intervention Service Ph: 02 6685 3023
Byron Shire Early Intervention Service provides physical therapy and specialist teaching services to children from birth to school entry age that have a significant delay or disability in areas of development.
The service aims to assist each child through movement, language, learning and play in order to develop their skills and reach their full potential, and to support families to achieve their desired goals.
Byron Bay Preschool Ph: 02 6685 6082
Byron Bay Preschool welcomes 3 to 5 year old children and their families into a stimulating and caring environment. Managed by a parent committee, their aim is to provide a secure, safe and happy environment which is child-centred and to facilitate growth and learning through a variety of experiences.
Byron Toy Library Ph: 0424 729 942
The toy library is community run and provides a lending service of toys and games for babies and children 0-6 years. Open every Monday and Thursday 10.00am – 1.00pm. An annual membership fee applies. Volunteers are always welcome.