Our Organisation
Kids’ Uni, part of UOW Pulse, provides high-quality early childhood education and care across four long day care services in the Illawarra. For over a decade, each service has been rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard across all areas. This is a reflection not just of compliance, but of a deeply embedded commitment to continuous improvement, relationships, and doing what is right for children and families.
At the heart of Kids’ Uni is a simple belief: that every child deserves to feel safe, known, and valued, and every family deserves access to care that supports both their child’s development and their broader life. The organisation supports a diverse community, including university staff and students as well as families across the Illawarra, with demand consistently exceeding available places, a clear indication of both the need for, and trust in, the service.
Kids’ Uni is recognised for its strong focus on inclusion. Services prioritise access for families experiencing vulnerability, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and children with additional needs. This is supported by a multidisciplinary team, strong partnerships with allied health providers, and a trauma-informed approach that ensures children and families are met with understanding, respect, and care.
The organisation’s approach to learning is grounded in relationships, play, and a strong sense of belonging. Classrooms are led by highly qualified educators, with staffing levels that exceed regulatory requirements to ensure children receive consistent, responsive care. Leaders work alongside educators through mentoring and coaching models, embedding high-quality practice in everyday interactions rather than relying on one-off training.
Kids’ Uni is also known for its deep commitment to cultural safety and reconciliation. Rather than treating this as an add-on, Aboriginal perspectives are embedded into daily practice through programs, environments, and partnerships with local Elders and community. Initiatives such as the integration of Dharawal language across services reflect a genuine commitment to connection to Country and cultural respect, ensuring all children grow up with an understanding of identity, belonging, and community.
Child safety sits at the heart of everything Kids’ Uni does. With strong governance systems, ongoing staff training, and clear accountability at all levels, the organisation has built a culture where safety, transparency, and continuous reflection are prioritised. Families are actively engaged in understanding these practices, building trust and confidence in the care provided.
Beyond the classroom, Kids’ Uni plays an active role in the broader community. The organisation contributes to local networks, partnerships, and sector initiatives focused on improving outcomes for children and families. This includes collaboration with the University of Wollongong and community organisations to strengthen workforce development, research translation, and access to early learning.
Kids’ Uni’s impact extends well beyond its services. By supporting children’s learning, enabling workforce participation, and building inclusive, connected communities, it plays a vital role in the social and economic wellbeing of the Illawarra region.
Educational Programs
Our educational programs are individualised for each child and are aligned with our national curriculum document, the Early Years Learning Framework. Relationship are at the foundation of learning for children and at Kids Uni. We know that children, like adults, cannot learn until they are calm, safe and secure.
We run a play based program because research tells us that children develop neural pathways in their brain up to 20 times more quickly when they are learning through play! We know as adults we learn more quickly when we are engaged in something that we love to do. Literacy, numeracy and other key learning areas are intentionally weaved throughout our daily program based on the children’s interests.
When we are supporting children in their transition to school we focus on dispositions for learning that will support lifelong learning. Children who are resilient, curious, reflective and respectful will be set up to be successful learners. We also focus on supporting children’s social and emotional development so that they can thrive in school classrooms. We work on skills such as turn taking, conflict resolution, problem solving and developing friendships because children with strong social and emotional development will make a smoother transition into kindergarten.
We recognise that families know their child best and so there are many opportunities for families to contribute to our programs. We communicate with families daily and we want to work in partnership with you to develop a program for your child that is responsive and sensitive to each family.
