Kids’ Uni Early Intervention Services

24/08/2026

Considering an Early Intervention Unit for 2027? If your child will be starting school in 2028, you may wish to explore whether a Department of Education Early Intervention Unit (EIU) would be a suitable option. Early Intervention Units are specialised educational settings designed to support young children with disability and additional learning needs as they prepare for school. In our local area there are currently two Early Intervention Units:

- Towradgi Public School
- Mount Warrigal Public School

Places are limited and the referral process can take some time. If you think an Early Intervention Unit may be suitable for your child, please discuss this with your keyworker or therapist. We can help you understand the referral process and determine whether this may be an appropriate option for your child. More information is available from the NSW Department of Education: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/early-learning/early-intervention

12/08/2026

How we talk and interact with children matters. Small changes in what we say and how we say it can help children make sense of the world and their feelings. Children learn best when they are in a calm, alert state, and our words can help them get there.

Observe and Comment on Feelings When children are upset, frustrated or worried, it can be helpful to tell them what you notice rather than asking lots of questions.

Instead of:
❓ "What's wrong?"
❓ "Why are you crying?"
❓ "Why are you upset?"

Try:
✅ "You are worried."
✅ "You are feeling a bit cranky."
✅ "You are sad."
✅ "You are disappointed."
✅ "You are frustrated."

Helping children put words to their feelings supports emotional regulation and helps them understand what they are experiencing. You can also add information about what they can do when they feel that way:

✅ "You are worried and you will be safe.
✅ "You are a bit cranky and it's not okay to hit."
✅ "You are sad; it's hard when you can't have what you want."
✅ "You are disappointed and we can work it out together.

"Try Using "And" Instead of "But" The word "but" can sometimes unintentionally make children feel that their emotions are being dismissed.

For example: ❌ "I know you're upset, but it's time to go." Instead, try using "and":

✅ "I know you're upset, and it's time to go."
✅ "That was frustrating, and you can ask for help."
✅ "You had lots of fun, and now it's time to go home."

Using "and" acknowledges children's feelings while also helping them understand that they can experience difficult emotions and still cope with what comes next. Remember, all feelings are okay. When we help children understand and name their feelings, we support their emotional wellbeing, resilience and ability to regulate over time

28/07/2026

We are excited to be launching our School Readiness Groups in Term 3 and look forward to supporting children as they build social connections, confidence and participation skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Our Groups are 1 or 1.5 hour program designed to support autistic and neurodivergent children to develop social connection skills, engage with peers and participate successfully in group experiences. Through play-based activities, children will have opportunities to:

- Develop communication and self-advocacy skills
- Learn to express their wants, needs, likes and dislikes
- Practise following routines and transitions
- Build independence with everyday skills such as toileting, handwashing, managing lunch containers and packing belongings
- Participate in songs, stories, movement activities and group play
- Develop friendships and confidence in social settings

Each child will have individual learning goals, and therapists will work closely with families to ensure these goals are embedded within group activities.

The groups will run throughout term 3 and 4:
20 July – 25 September 2026
12 October – 18 December 2026

We are looking forward to seeing children learn, grow and thrive together through these exciting new group opportunities. 💙

02/07/2026

Please take a moment to complete our Family Feedback on Early Intervention Services survey:
👉 Family Feedback on Early Intervention Services - https://forms.office.com/r/jz53h5x5Bf

Your insights help shape our service.

22/06/2026

Kids' Uni EI are excited to welcome Dr Jaqui Barfoot this September for Connect Play Learn, a practical training on using the PAIR Model in Early Childhood Intervention.

Designed for OTs, speech pathologists, physiotherapists and paediatric practitioners, this workshop focuses on strengthening parent–child interactions and supporting parent‑led goals, core elements of the Early Childhood Best Practice Guidelines.

📅 28 - 29 September 2026
⏰ 9AM - 4PM
💸 Early Bird until 31 August 2026

Aligned with the National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention.

Register now: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1575327

18/06/2026

We're thrilled to share that Kids' Uni has been named a finalist in the Local Business Awards.

This recognition means so much to our team, and we couldn't have achieved it without your support.

Thank you for voting and for being part of our Kids' Uni community.

17/06/2026

Last week to register for Kristi McVee's online session What I Wish Every Parent Knew.

If you missed out last year, now's your chance to join the session, ask your questions, and learn practical tools for having body‑safety conversations that matter. Kristi will guide you through building unshakable trust with kids and spotting red flags early.

📅 24 June - Online

Register now: https://bit.ly/whatiwisheveryparentknew

10/06/2026

Preparing the transition to school? Our School Readiness Program is designed to support autistic and neurodivergent children as they prepare for this next chapter!

What they'll learn:
🌟 Communication and self-advocacy skills
🌟 Expressing wants, needs, likes, and dislikes with confidence
🌟 Following simple routines and transitions
🌟 Independence with toileting and hand washing
🌟 Early numeracy and literacy skills through play-based learning
🌟 Social and emotional development skills
🌟 Understanding and managing emotions
🌟 Building positive social interactions and friendships
🌟 Developing skills to support a successful transition to school

Running in both Term 3 or 4 and spots are limited - please express your interest here - https://bit.ly/4xkkirU

For more info see the flyer below

27/05/2026

We're one month out from Kristi McVee's online session of 'What I Wish Every Parent Knew.'

Secure your tickets for a practical, emotional, and empowering presentation about online safety for your children. The session will take you through tools to have body safety conversations that matter, build unshakable trust with kids, and spot the red flags before it's too late.

Register now - https://bit.ly/whatiwisheveryparentknew

26/05/2026

Last chance to vote for Kids' Uni in the Illawarra Local Business Awards! Voting closes tonight, so make sure to get your vote in.

Help celebrate the incredible team that supports our Illawarra community.

VOTE NOW -

The Local Business Awards - Recognising and celebrating the best in Local Businesses