TAFE NSW Wollongong Children’s Centre

Located within the TAFE NSW Wollongong campus, our Children's Centre offers a vibrant, nature-rich environment where children can explore, play and learn. Our expansive outdoor space features real grass, a sandpit and a shaded "rainforest" hideaway for adventurous and imaginative play.

Inside, we provide two dedicated learning spaces: the Early Learning Room for infants and toddlers (6 weeks–3 years) and the Preschool Room for children aged 3–6. Each room is designed to nurture curiosity, creativity and growth in a warm and supportive setting.

If you're interested in joining our team of early childhood educators, see below.

Location: R Block
Foleys Lane
Wollongong NSW 2500

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15am – 5:15pm, open 48 weeks per year

Ages: 6 weeks to 6 years

Number of children: 46

National Quality Standard (NQS) rating: Meeting

Our dedicated educators, many with us for over 20 years, create a warm, family-like community where every child feels at home. With a team that speaks languages including Italian, Serbian, Slovenian, Dhivehi and others, we celebrate cultural diversity and inclusivity every day.

We believe in play-based learning experiences, where exploration takes centre stage. This could be water play on hot days, muddy adventures, or safe-risky play that builds confidence. 

We have a large natural outdoor environment which is shared with many insects, lizards and birds. Children are active participants in caring for our veggie patch and other garden spaces.

Families contribute fruit for morning tea, while we provide milk, and children bring their own lunch and afternoon snack, ensuring a familiar, comforting mealtime routine.

As part of the TAFE NSW community, we also embrace diversity and inclusion. We celebrate cultural events including Chinese New Year, Harmony Week, Vegie Month, Eid (Eid al-Fitr), National Reconciliation Week and National NAIDOC Week.

A calm and playful start

Each day at our Children’s Centre blends structured routines with play-based learning experiences. We start in a relaxed family group indoors, before heading outside for play.

Care and connection for every child

As more educators arrive, all children head outdoors. Meals – morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea – are enjoyed in individual rooms, where children connect and share stories. After lunch, preschoolers rest or sleep, while babies and toddlers follow personalised sleep routines.

Winding down and wrapping up

Afternoons offer quieter activities, like reading and playdough, for non-sleepers. Later, we reunite in family groups outdoors before transitioning inside as the day winds down. With a mix of group time and individual learning, every child thrives in our warm, nurturing environment.

“The entire team at TAFE NSW Wollongong Children’s Centre are incredibly compassionate (and patient) human beings who find wonderfully creative ways to engage children in learning activities that foster holistic health and wellbeing.” 

Parent of a preschooler

“I couldn’t recommend TAFE NSW Wollongong Children’s Centre more. The educators are wonderful and my daughter is loved and cared for. If we could keep all our kids at this centre I would! Thanks again, guys!”

Parent of an infant 

“Very inclusive, caring and kind. All educators have attention to detail for the whole family.”

Parent of a preschooler

Kickstart the enrolment process by giving us a call on 02 7921 1540, sharing your email by submitting an enquiry below, or filling out the Application for Care Form and sending it to us.

Once we receive it, we’ll confirm receipt and add you to our waiting list. When spots open up, we carefully review all applications and reach out to families with available days.

To submit your application, you will need to provide:

• Birth certificate 
• Medicare card 
• Health care/Pension card (if you have one) 
• Immunisation record (must be through Medicare, blue books are not accepted). 

Please note: Children must meet government immunisation requirements or have an approved exemption to be eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS). 

There are five steps to complete enrolment:

1. Apply for Child Care Subsidy (if eligible) – To be confirmed between the Early Childhood Director (ECD) and parents/guardians.
2. Agree on care arrangements – The ECD and parent/guardian confirm the child’s care details.
3. Submit enrolment – The ECD submits an enrolment notice to Centrelink via HubHello.
4. Confirm enrolment – The parents/guardians verify the enrolment with Centrelink.
5. Secure enrolment –  If you accept an offer, we’ll send a formal letter detailing the next steps. This includes submitting a birth certificate, proof of immunisation and a security deposit to secure your childcare placement.

Once the enrolment is completed and approved your entitlements can be calculated, and payments made. If there are no vacancies, we can add you to the waiting list. 

Under Family Assistance Law, all children attending an early learning centre must have an enrolment notice, regardless of CCS eligibility. For eligible families, Centrelink/Services Australia can only process CCS claims once the correct enrolment is in place. 

For any questions, please email us or call us on 02 7921 1540.

If you still have questions, please call us directly on 02 7921 1540 or email us below.

We look forward to welcoming your family to our Children’s Centre.