About UniKidz

Children do not have to go to childcare, but parents do have to go to work. At UniKidz, we understand that better than anyone. That is why we create a place where children can be themselves, just like they can at home.

For a few hours each day, parents entrust us with the care of their children. We make sure they eat and drink healthily. We take them to horse riding, ballet, theatre or swimming lessons. We listen to them and give them the attention they deserve. Every single day, with the same love, dedication and passion.

With heart and soul, we are committed to giving children and young people the space they need to grow, flourish and become the best version of themselves. We support and coach them based on our pedagogical vision. By creating a safe environment and offering a broad range of activities, we encourage children and young people to challenge themselves, discover their individual talents and develop them further.

The story behind UniKidz

UniKidz was founded in 2010 by Svetlana Lalic, a mother of three living in Amsterdam.

Four areas of development

The four areas Svetlana refers to are designed to help children explore their interests and discover and develop their individual talents.

• FitKidz focuses on sports and physical activity, with activities such as swimming lessons, padel, kickboxing and basketball.
• MindKidz is all about thinking, creating and exploring, through activities such as drone race, science and creating your own game.
• SoulKidz focuses on culture and self-expression through activities such as yoga, theatre and dance.
• SkillsKidz helps children develop practical skills through activities such as cooking, interior design and photography.

All of these activities are offered in ten-week programmes led by professional instructors. They are included in our all-in package, which means there are no additional costs.

Svetlana became a mother while building her career in sales and marketing at Ricoh International in Amstelveen. Because of her work, she relied on existing childcare providers. “I was genuinely shocked when I picked up my daughter fifteen minutes before closing time and found her already wearing her coat, with the chairs stacked on the tables. They may seem like small things, but no one who works with us should ever make a child feel like they are no longer welcome. At UniKidz, children always come first.”

Based on her own experiences, Svetlana became convinced that childcare could be different. She developed a concept that combines professional childcare and pedagogy with specialist expertise designed to inspire and challenge children. That is why the UniKidz team consists not only of pedagogical professionals, but also of specialists with backgrounds in areas such as sports, theatre, dance, creativity and outdoor activities.

At UniKidz, children have the freedom to explore their interests and discover where their talents lie. One day, they might take part in a DJ lesson, work on an interior design project or step onto the stage during a theatre workshop. Another day, they might head outdoors, learn to sail or paddleboard, participate in a sports clinic or immerse themselves in a creative masterclass.

By introducing children to a wide variety of disciplines and experiences, we give them the opportunity to discover what excites them and where their interests lie. Through play, exploration and new experiences, they are given the space to develop in their own way.

We also support parents in practical ways. Through UniKidz, children can participate in activities that would normally take place during evenings or weekends. From sports and creative development to other enriching experiences that match their interests, we make these opportunities part of their time with us.

This creates more space for parents while giving children even more opportunities to discover, experience and learn. What makes UniKidz different is our belief that childcare should be much more than simply a place where children are looked after. It should be a place where they can grow, explore new experiences and make their world a little bigger every day. Not because they have to, but because they are curious. With fun, freedom and personal attention at the heart of everything we do.