Check out the early parenting centre we're building in Hastings

Having a baby or child under four years of age is a special time for families. But it can also be a stressful time.

For some, support from loved ones, their local doctor, and a maternal and child health service will be enough.

Others will experience more persistent challenges. That's where EPCs can help.

EPCs support parents or carers with children up to four years old. The centres help build parenting skills, providing support with:

• sleep, settling or feeding
• bonding and attachment
• infant and child behavioural concerns
• strengthening parenting capacity and skills.

EPCs provide four main services:

• day-stay services – intensive day programs providing early parenting support
• residential services – parents can stay at the centre for several days to build parenting skills and capacity
• telehealth services – parents receive support over the telephone, either stand-alone or complementary to other EPC services
• home-based services – tailored services providing practical supports to help families nurture and care for their child independently.

EPCs also provide wrap-around support to families with more complex needs or vulnerabilities. This includes care planning, referrals and community support.

The EPC we're building in Hastings one of eleven new or upgraded facilities being delivered through the Victorian Government's early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program.

• upgrades to two existing EPCs in Footscray and Noble Park
• nine new EPCs in growing areas across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Once complete, the network of centres will support more than 5,000 extra Victorian families each year.

Find out more about the early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program.