Children love to Explore and at Explorers Early Learning Centres we love to help children find out more about their world.
We believe that a holistic approach to learning supports the whole child. Β Here at Explorers Learning Academy we help every child as they step onto a lifelong path of learning.
Bardia
1 Arthur Allen Drive, Bardia 2565
(02) 9131 6439 | 0419 781 785
bardia@explorerslearningacademy.com.au
Mittagong
27 Belmore Street, Mittagong, NSW
(02) 4880 1768 | 0437 941 520
mittagong@explorerslearningacademy.com.au
Mittagong West
36 Etheridge Street, Mittagong NSW
(02) 02 4872 2280 | 0457 460 711
Mittwest@explorerslearningacademy.com.au
Fully Inclusive Fees
Transparent Communication
Commitment to sustainability and the environment
Dedicated Stable Staff
Safety First
What’s On
Here’s what parents and carers are sharing on Google Reviews
We especially appreciated the educators, manager and director. Our daughter makes caring friendships and loves her classroom teachers. Thank you Explorers for giving our daughter so much of positive experience.
I am so happy with all the admin support as well, especially during his transition to kindy by providing documents needed by primary school. Sam was so amazing and helpful a lot! Canβt thank her enough and all the team in Bardia Explores. Keep up the good work!! X
Explorer's learning academy was/is the complete opposite for us. Huge yard - amazing for kids to be outside exploring, running around and testing their own abilities. The educators are honestly beautiful, and all so lovely. Special credit to Sam who really brought my son out of his shell! I noticed a big change in him as soon as he started at explorer's. He made friends, brought home art and craft "masterpieces", brought home a lot more sand, dirt, bark and grass (means he had fun!), but also came home happily telling me about his day! I wholeheartedly believe that Explorer's assisted in his transition to kindy greatly, and I'm so relieved and glad that we made the decision to move them to this centre.
Our family appreciate the girls at Explorer's so much, and while there have been some staff that have left (as would all other centres) my kids have taken no time in adjusting to a new educator here and there, nor has it affected their happiness and eagerness to attend. My daughter's favourite tends to rotate between many educators, which tells me she's fond of more than just a few of the girls. Shout out to Kasey, Simone and Cristina for loving on my sensitive princess of a baby girl and making her ease into the centre without an issue in the beginning. I'm confident that when Baby #3 is ready to start, he will be well looked after and adored also!
I was quite nervous leaving my daughter for the first time at 4 years old, but all the staff were very welcoming, warm and just really lovely. Highly recommended! Wouldn't go anywhere else!
The teachers are so lovely, and so passionate about the work they are doing with these little minds. We only have 1 year left now before big school and I am excited to see the new things Scarlett will pick up as a βSchoolieβ next year. My kid adores her teachers. Talks about how great they are all the time.
She will really miss coming here when she graduates. Another thing I really appreciate about these wonderful ladies is that they want to send my girl out into the world completely prepared for what comes next. They are dedicated to making sure these kids are equipped to handle the transition to βbig schoolβ so they will not just βbe fineβ at school but excel! Thanks again Explorers for looking after my Scarlett. Highly recommend.
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We are searching for a fabulous energetic Certificate 3 educator! Please send your resume to careers@explorerslearningacademy.com.au or apply via the seek link below
au.seek.com/job/95483013?ref=direct-share-hirer-jobs-list
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A message from Eleanor
To strengthen & enhance our child safe culture, business operations & organizational governance, I have made the decision to appoint Liz Romeijn as our Quality & Compliance Lead & Jessica Baden to the role of Head of Operations & People. Liz will carry out her new role in conjunction with her current Centre Manager position at Mittagong West.
The Quality & Compliance Lead is a pivotal role that will be instrumental in implementing & maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance & safeguarding across Explorers. Reporting to Business Operations & the Approved Provider, Liz will be the primary point of contact for all child protection & safeguarding matters.
Jessica, in addition to her current HR role, will coordinate the day-to-day operational performance of our centres, promote a child safe culture, ensure compliance, drive occupancy, mentor & support centre managers and develop and support educator growth & retention. Please join me in congratulating both ladies on these appointments.
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This week we have been celebrating Aboriginal Language Week by exploring traditional symbols such as rain and bush tucker, connecting deeply with Indigenous culture and storytelling. The children have loved bringing these concepts to life by making their own talking stick, learning how it represents respect, active listening, and sharing stories within the circle.
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We are looking for a wonderful educator with a Certificate 3 to join our Southern Highlands team Full Time.
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NEED AN EXTRA DAY OF CARE? WEβVE GOT YOU COVERED!
At Explorers Learning Academy, we understand that life can get busy and sometimes families need a little extra flexibility!
β¨ CASUAL DAYS ARE AVAILABLE! β¨
Whether you have work commitments, appointments, a change in your weekly routine, or simply need an additional day of care, weβre here to support you and your family.
Give your little explorer an extra day of learning, laughter, friendships and adventure in our nurturing environment!
Casual bookings are subject to availability.
Simply speak with our friendly team to enquire about available days and arrange an additional booking.
Because at Explorers Learning Academy, every day is an opportunity to explore, discover and grow!
Explorers Learning Academy β Where Little Explorers Thrive!
#ExplorersLearningAcademy #CasualDays #FlexibleChildcare #EarlyLearning #ChildcareSupport #LittleExplorers #LearningThroughPlay
Nov 3
πποΈ The Benefits of Chalk Drawing for Toddlers! βοΈ
Sometimes the simplest activities bring the biggest benefits! π Chalk drawing is a fun, creative and engaging way for toddlers to explore, learn and develop through play.
Here are just a few wonderful benefits of chalk drawing:
π¨ Encourages creativity and imagination β Little ones can express themselves freely through colours, lines, shapes and pictures.
β Develops fine motor skills β Holding and moving chalk helps strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers, supporting future writing skills.
π§ Builds early learning skills β Toddlers can explore colours, shapes, patterns, letters and numbers in a playful, hands-on way.
πββοΈ Supports gross motor development β Drawing on large outdoor surfaces encourages children to squat, stretch, reach and move their bodies.
π Develops hand-eye coordination β Connecting their movements with the marks they make helps build coordination and control.
π¬ Encourages language and communication β Talking about their drawings, colours and creations helps expand vocabulary and communication skills.
πΏ Promotes outdoor exploration β Chalk drawing gives children an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, explore different surfaces and learn through sensory experiences.
π Builds confidence and independence β There is no right or wrong way to create! Every mark and masterpiece is an opportunity to explore, experiment and feel proud.
β¨ Most importantly, itβs all about the process, not the finished product! Give toddlers the freedom to explore, make their own choices and enjoy the experience of creating.
A little chalk, a big space and lots of imagination can create endless learning opportunities! ποΈπ
#ToddlerActivities #LearningThroughPlay #ChalkDrawing #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FineMotorSkills #OutdoorPlay #CreativeKids #PlayBasedLearning
Oct 25
πΏ 2027 Re-enrolments are now open! πΏ
Itβs time to start planning for 2027, and weβre asking all families to please complete and return their re-enrolment forms by 30 September. Returning your form helps us secure your childβs place, plan room transitions, staffing and programs, and prepare for another wonderful year of learning at Explorers Learning Academy.
For our families whose children are heading off to big school in 2027, please also make sure you provide your childβs final day/end date on the form.
A little reminder that learning doesnβt stop in January! Our educational program, school readiness experiences, incursions, outdoor adventures and everyday learning continue throughout January. Explorers only closes for public holidays, so children transitioning to school are very welcome to remain enrolled with us right up until their school journey begins.
This can provide children with consistency, familiar routines, friendships and meaningful learning experiences during those final weeks before school.
Please return your form by 30 September to help us prepare for 2027.
We are so grateful to continue sharing your childβs learning journey with you small steps today, big adventures tomorrow!
Sep 17
π΄ββ οΈπ¦ Ahoy Explorers β Weβre Getting Ready to Talk Like a Pirate! π¦π΄ββ οΈ
Our preschoolers have been busy preparing for Talk Like a Pirate Day this Friday! As part of the excitement, the children have been working collaboratively to create their very own colourful parrot piΓ±ata, painting, designing and carefully adding colourful feathers to bring their creation to life.
But Talk Like a Pirate Day is about much more than pirate fun. It is an annual fundraising day supporting Childhood Cancer Support, helping provide practical and emotional support to children with cancer and their families.
Through participating, we can introduce our children to important ideas of kindness, empathy, helping others and being part of a community, while still enjoying all the imaginative language, creativity and play that comes with a pirate-themed day.
π΄ββ οΈ This Friday, children are invited to come dressed as a pirate! Pirate hats, stripes, eye patches, bandanas or a full pirate outfit β we canβt wait to see our crew!
π° Families who would like to support the cause can donate directly through the official Talk Like a Pirate Day fundraising page:
π https://fundraise.ccs.org.au/event/talk-like-a-pirate-day/home
Weβre looking forward to a swashbuckling day of fun, learning and, most importantly, coming together to help support children and families affected by childhood cancer.
#TalkLikeAPirateDay #ChildhoodCancerSupport #ExplorersLearningAcademy #PiratesForAPurpose #CommunityConnections #LearningThroughPlay #PreschoolLearning #KindnessInAction
Sep 16
This week we have been celebrating Aboriginal Language Week by exploring traditional symbols such as rain and bush tucker, connecting deeply with Indigenous culture and storytelling. The children have loved bringing these concepts to life by making their own talking stick, learning how it represents respect, active listening, and sharing stories within the circle.
Oct 23
This week at Explorers Learning Academy, we welcomed our wonderful grandparents to join us for a special morning tea and fun activities! π These meaningful moments bring generations together, helping children build strong relationships, develop a sense of belonging, and feel connected to their wider community. Sharing stories, laughter and experiences allows children to learn from their grandparents while creating treasured memories together. This experience links to the EYLF Outcome 1, as children develop a strong sense of identity, and Outcome 2, as they connect with and contribute to their world.
Oct 19
This week our Explorers children have been expanding their knowledge and learning new things. In our toddler room they have been learning about Skeletons and counting, which turned into our friends turning their teachers into mummies! Super Spooky. In our baby room, they have also been learning about counting using books and activities as a catalyst for their learning. In our preschool room, they have been learning about recycling and taking care of our ocean and the animals that live in them.
Oct 16
π± Springtime at Explorers Learning Academy! πΌ
Spring is a wonderful time to explore, discover and connect with nature! Our children have been busy planting in the garden and using recycled materials to create a beautiful fence garden for their plants. πΏπ»
Through these hands-on experiences, children are discovering the wonders of the natural world, developing a sense of responsibility and learning how small actions can make a big difference. By caring for their plants and reusing materials, we are nurturing a love for our environment and encouraging sustainable practices from an early age.
These experiences link to the EYLF Outcomes 2 and 4, supporting children to connect with and contribute to their world, while developing curiosity, confidence and a sense of wonder through hands-on learning. π
Together, we are growing little gardeners and caring hearts, one plant at a time! ππ±
Oct 12
π±π» LITTLE HANDS, BIG GROWTH! π»π±
Our Garden Is Growing at Explorers Learning Academy!
There is something truly magical about watching little hands nurture nature!
Our beautiful vegetable garden is thriving, and our little explorers have been busy becoming gardeners, environmental champions and curious investigators!
From planting seeds and watering our garden beds to discovering the first signs of fruit and vegetables growing, our children are learning firsthand where our food comes from and the importance of caring for our natural environment.
LOOK WHAT'S GROWING IN OUR GARDEN!
Our little gardeners have been excitedly observing the growth of:
π Strawberries β Watching our delicious strawberries turn from green to red!
π₯ Carrots β Discovering how vegetables grow beneath the soil.
π½ Corn β Watching the tall green stalks grow towards the sunshine.
π Tomatoes β Observing our little green tomatoes as they grow and begin to ripen.
π₯ Cucumbers β Exploring climbing vines, curling tendrils and beautiful yellow flowers.
π Watermelons β Watching their spreading vines and learning how these delicious fruits develop.
π§ Spring onions β Exploring their long green leaves, wonderful smells and how they grow.
πΏ Herbs, including rosemary β Using our senses to discover different textures and fragrances.
β»οΈ OUR LITTLE COMPOSTING CHAMPIONS!
Our learning doesn't stop in the garden!
Our children have also been exploring the wonderful world of composting and sustainability!
Together, we have been collecting:
π Dry leaves and brown garden materials
πΏ Green leaves and garden clippings
πͺ΅ Small twigs and natural materials
π Fruit and vegetable scraps
π¦ Small pieces of suitable cardboard
Our little explorers have been investigating how these materials can break down over time and return valuable nutrients to the soil, helping our garden continue to grow!
Through these meaningful, hands-on experiences, children are developing an understanding of reducing waste, recycling natural resources and caring for our planet.
MORE THAN JUST A GARDEN!
Our garden is a living classroom where children are developing:
π Responsibility β Caring for living things and understanding their needs.
π Scientific inquiry β Observing, questioning, predicting and investigating plant growth.
π€ Teamwork β Working together to collect compost materials, water plants and care for our garden.
π Environmental awareness β Learning that even our smallest actions can make a big difference.
π₯¦ Healthy eating habits β Building connections with fresh produce and discovering where nutritious foods come from.
β³ Patience and persistence β Understanding that growing food takes time ...
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NEED AN EXTRA DAY OF CARE? WEβVE GOT YOU COVERED!
At Explorers Learning Academy, we understand that life can get busy and sometimes families need a little extra flexibility!
β¨ CASUAL DAYS ARE AVAILABLE! β¨
Whether you have work commitments, appointments, a change in your weekly routine, or simply need an additional day of care, weβre here to support you and your family.
Give your little explorer an extra day of learning, laughter, friendships and adventure in our nurturing environment!
Casual bookings are subject to availability.
Simply speak with our friendly team to enquire about available days and arrange an additional booking.
Because at Explorers Learning Academy, every day is an opportunity to explore, discover and grow!
Explorers Learning Academy β Where Little Explorers Thrive!
#ExplorersLearningAcademy #CasualDays #FlexibleChildcare #EarlyLearning #ChildcareSupport #LittleExplorers #LearningThroughPlay ...
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Enrolling now for 2027~ contact us for a tour π ...
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A message from Eleanor
To strengthen & enhance our child safe culture, business operations & organizational governance, I have made the decision to appoint Liz Romeijn as our Quality & Compliance Lead & Jessica Baden to the role of Head of Operations & People. Liz will carry out her new role in conjunction with her current Centre Manager position at Mittagong West.
The Quality & Compliance Lead is a pivotal role that will be instrumental in implementing & maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance & safeguarding across Explorers. Reporting to Business Operations & the Approved Provider, Liz will be the primary point of contact for all child protection & safeguarding matters.
Jessica, in addition to her current HR role, will coordinate the day-to-day operational performance of our centres, promote a child safe culture, ensure compliance, drive occupancy, mentor & support centre managers and develop and support educator growth & retention. Please join me in congratulating both ladies on these appointments. ...
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