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. 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
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! Can’t 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 ‘Schoolie’ 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 ‘big school’ so they will not just ‘be fine’ at school but excel! Thanks again Explorers for looking after my Scarlett. Highly recommend.
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Building healthy brains is crucial for early child development. At Explorers children get to practice skills (on repeat), to build strong relationships, and learn to keep trying. Social and Emotional Learning can't be done sitting with paper and pen, it is developed by 'doing' through play, with friends and with caring educators. Children must have opportunities that support building relationships, self-esteem and resilience.
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Supporting dental care in the early years within the childcare environment, especially alongside peers, promotes lifelong healthy habits in a fun and social way. When children brush teeth or learn about oral hygiene with their friends, it normalises the routine and makes it more engaging. Educators can model positive behaviour and teach the importance of healthy food choices, brushing techniques, and regular dental visits through play-based learning and group discussions. This shared experience helps reduce fear around dental care and encourages children to look after their own hygiene. It also fosters a sense of responsibility, independence, and self-help skills. According to the EYLF, supporting children’s physical wellbeing is key to overall development, and this includes oral health. Creating a culture of healthy smiles in early childhood settings lays a strong foundation for good hygiene, self-esteem, and long-term health outcomes. Early education makes a lasting difference in children’s dental habits.
#dentalcare #earlyeducation #mittagong #explorerssouthernhighlands
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Serve and return is a vital interaction between a child and caregiver that supports healthy brain development in the early years. When a child “serves” by babbling, gesturing, or expressing emotion, and an adult “returns” with a warm, responsive reaction, it builds strong neural connections. These back-and-forth exchanges help form the foundation for language, social skills, and emotional regulation. Repeated positive interactions strengthen the child’s sense of safety, connection, and confidence. According to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), responsive relationships are essential for wellbeing and learning. Serve and return lays the groundwork for lifelong development and resilience.
#mittagong #serveandlearn #explorerssouthernhighlands
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Wishing the best of luck to our wonderful Educator Tori.
Tori has shown dedication and passion to her studies and the early childhood sector and we couldn’t be more proud of her!
Good luck tonight Tori 🤩
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This week, our children ventured out to the front yard to soak up the beauty of the changing winter leaves. Armed with clipboards and oil pastels, they observed the rich colours, unique shapes, and gentle movements of the trees around them.
As they drew, the children engaged in thoughtful conversations with their educators—describing what they could see, feel, and imagine. From “look at the red tips!” to “this leaf looks like fire,” their words were just as vibrant as their artwork.
This spontaneouss, nature-inspired art experience supported:
Creativity and self-expression
Observational skills and descriptive language
Connection to the natural world
Jun 24
🌿 Connecting to Nature Through Play! 🌿
This week, our little learners have been immersed in the beauty of the natural world—mixing, molding, and imagining in the mud kitchen, creating unique nature-based crafts, and thoughtfully caring for our gardens and environment.
We also explored our creativity through oil pastel drawings of trees, observing their shapes, colours, and textures. These rich, sensory experiences helped us express our connection to nature through art and conversation.
These meaningful moments support the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), particularly:
✨ Outcome 2 – Children are connected with and contribute to their world
🎨 Outcome 4 – Children are confident and involved learners
💬 Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators
Our week also reflected principles of the National Quality Standard (NQS), including:
🌱 Quality Area 1 – Educational Program and Practice
🌿 Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
We’re so proud of the way our children are learning to explore, respect, and celebrate the natural world—one muddy hand and colourful drawing at a time! 🌳🎨🪵
#NaturePlay #EYLF #NQS #MudKitchenFun #OutdoorLearning #OilPastelArt #SustainabilityInEarlyYears #ChildLedLearning #HandsOnHeartsIn
Jun 20
Today, 11th June, is International Day of Play! It’s a day to celebrate the power of play and make sure that every child is able to fulfil their right to play!
Unicef.org
Jun 11
Full time Room Leader position available for our 0-2 room. You will have a Diploma qualification and experience in this role is desirable but not essential. Send your resume to careers@explorerslearningacademy.com.au
Jun 5
Supporting dental care in the early years within the childcare environment, especially alongside peers, promotes lifelong healthy habits in a fun and social way. When children brush teeth or learn about oral hygiene with their friends, it normalises the routine and makes it more engaging. Educators can model positive behaviour and teach the importance of healthy food choices, brushing techniques, and regular dental visits through play-based learning and group discussions. This shared experience helps reduce fear around dental care and encourages children to look after their own hygiene. It also fosters a sense of responsibility, independence, and self-help skills. According to the EYLF, supporting children’s physical wellbeing is key to overall development, and this includes oral health. Creating a culture of healthy smiles in early childhood settings lays a strong foundation for good hygiene, self-esteem, and long-term health outcomes. Early education makes a lasting difference in children’s dental habits.
#dentalcare #earlyeducation #mittagong #explorerssouthernhighlands
Jun 18
Serve and return is a vital interaction between a child and caregiver that supports healthy brain development in the early years. When a child “serves” by babbling, gesturing, or expressing emotion, and an adult “returns” with a warm, responsive reaction, it builds strong neural connections. These back-and-forth exchanges help form the foundation for language, social skills, and emotional regulation. Repeated positive interactions strengthen the child’s sense of safety, connection, and confidence. According to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), responsive relationships are essential for wellbeing and learning. Serve and return lays the groundwork for lifelong development and resilience.
#mittagong #serveandlearn #explorerssouthernhighlands
Jun 18
Today, 11th June, is International Day of Play! It’s a day to celebrate the power of play and make sure that every child is able to fulfil their right to play!
Unicef.org
Jun 11
Today we had a visit from three wonderful paramedics who showed us through an ambulance and told us all about being a paramedic! We had such a fantastic day and learnt so much❤️#explorerssouthernhighlands #mittagong
Jun 5
This week, our children ventured out to the front yard to soak up the beauty of the changing winter leaves. Armed with clipboards and oil pastels, they observed the rich colours, unique shapes, and gentle movements of the trees around them.
As they drew, the children engaged in thoughtful conversations with their educators—describing what they could see, feel, and imagine. From “look at the red tips!” to “this leaf looks like fire,” their words were just as vibrant as their artwork.
This spontaneouss, nature-inspired art experience supported:
Creativity and self-expression
Observational skills and descriptive language
Connection to the natural world ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Building healthy brains is crucial for early child development.
At Explorers children get to practice skills (on repeat), to build strong relationships, and learn to keep trying. Social and Emotional Learning can't be done sitting with paper and pen, it is developed by 'doing' through play, with friends and with caring educators. Children must have opportunities that support building relationships, self-esteem and resilience. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌿 Connecting to Nature Through Play! 🌿
This week, our little learners have been immersed in the beauty of the natural world—mixing, molding, and imagining in the mud kitchen, creating unique nature-based crafts, and thoughtfully caring for our gardens and environment.
We also explored our creativity through oil pastel drawings of trees, observing their shapes, colours, and textures. These rich, sensory experiences helped us express our connection to nature through art and conversation.
These meaningful moments support the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), particularly:
✨ Outcome 2 – Children are connected with and contribute to their world
🎨 Outcome 4 – Children are confident and involved learners
💬 Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators
Our week also reflected principles of the National Quality Standard (NQS), including:
🌱 Quality Area 1 – Educational Program and Practice
🌿 Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
We’re so proud of the way our children are learning to explore, respect, and celebrate the natural world—one muddy hand and colourful drawing at a time! 🌳🎨🪵
#NaturePlay #EYLF #NQS #MudKitchenFun #OutdoorLearning #OilPastelArt #SustainabilityInEarlyYears #ChildLedLearning #HandsOnHeartsIn ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today, 11th June, is International Day of Play! It’s a day to celebrate the power of play and make sure that every child is able to fulfil their right to play!
Unicef.org ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook