
Explorers Learning Academy in Mittagong is located in a peaceful rural setting.
The children look out onto the cows and goats and watch trains passing by.
We boast an experienced, long term team, and this is complemented by some younger educators who have bucket loads of enthusiasm and new ideas.
Our cook provides fresh and nutritious meals. Mealtimes are a social occasion for children to relax and enjoy good food in the company of friends.
Our babies are cared for in a beautiful homely environment where they are encouraged to discover their world in their own time A free-flowing mix of indoor-outdoor play means that our learning environments are calm and purposeful.
Our children are true Explorers! In the year before school, our Preschoolers travel in our Explorers bus to visit our local library, and explore nearby bush land, and more.
Our preschool and transition to school programs foster skills and learning that will support and prepare your child to head confidently off to Kindergarten when their journey at Explorers comes to an end.



Here’s what parents and carers are sharing on Google Reviews
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.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Hunt family for your beautiful and thoughtful review of Explorers Learning Academy Bardia 💛
Your kind words truly mean so much to our team. We are so grateful for the trust you place in us each and every day, and it is an absolute privilege to be part of your children’s learning journey. Hearing that our programs, environment, and dedication are making a positive impact reminds us why we do what we do.
We are so lucky to have you as part of the ELA family as a parent and as one of our amazing educators.
#ExplorersLearningAcademy #ELABardia #ThankYouFamilies #Community #EarlyLearning #Grateful
Feb 11
At Explorers Learning Academy, art and craft are so much more than a finished product they’re about the process, the creativity, and the confidence our children build along the way.
We value providing rich opportunities for children to explore a variety of mediums and media from paint, clay, playdough and collage to natural materials and loose parts. These experiences invite children to experiment, problem-solve, express their ideas and make meaning in their own unique ways.
Our thoughtfully planned learning environments empower children to set up their own creative spaces, make choices, and engage in spontaneous art experiences throughout the day. By following children’s interests and offering open-ended resources, we support imagination, independence, and a strong sense of agency in their learning.
Every mark, texture and creation tells a story and we love watching our young artists explore, discover and create with confidence.
#ExplorersLearningAcademy
#CreativeLearners
#ArtInEarlyLearning
#ProcessOverProduct
#ChildLedLearning
#OpenEndedPlay
#LearningThroughArt
#AgencyInLearning
#InspiredEnvironments
#EarlyYearsCreativity
Feb 10
Morning Fitness = The Best Start to the Day!
Every morning, our children get pumped up and ready for the day through our daily fitness program, setting a positive tone for learning, connection and wellbeing.
Today, the children eagerly moved through our outdoor obstacle course, which included:
Balancing stones to build stability and focus
Large weaving and running markers to encourage agility and coordination
A finishing challenge of double-foot jumping into hula hoops
To wrap it up, the children came together for a family-grouped potato sack race, filled with laughter, encouragement and plenty of cheering for one another!
Why daily fitness matters in early childhood:
Regular movement experiences support children’s:
· Gross motor development, strength and coordination
· Balance, spatial awareness and body confidence
· Emotional regulation and readiness to learn
· Social skills such as teamwork, turn taking and encouragement
· Confidence, resilience and a strong sense of wellbeing
Starting the day with physical activity helps children feel energised, focused and connected, supporting both their physical health and their learning throughout the day.
We love seeing the smiles, determination and joy that our morning fitness program brings a strong body helps build a strong mind.
Jan 27
The Power of Singing, Music & Movement.
Our singing, music and movement group times are more than just fun they are powerful moments of learning, connection and joy for our babies and toddlers
Through songs, actions and rhythm, children are supported to:
Develop early language and communication skills
Brain development and memory
Build coordination, balance and body awareness
Express emotions and build confidence in a safe, joyful way
Most importantly, these shared experiences help build beautiful, secure relationships between children and educators. When educators sing, move and connect alongside children, they create moments of trust, attunement and belonging the foundations for lifelong learning
Group times also support children to feel part of a community, learn to take turns, and enjoy learning together, all while feeling seen, supported and celebrated.
We love watching the smiles, giggles and growing confidence that come from these special moments each day
#EarlyLearning #MusicAndMovement #BabiesAndToddlers #Belonging #RelationshipsMatter #LearningThroughPlay
Jan 24
At Explorers Lego play is a powerful learning tool that supports childrens development in so many ways. Building fine motor skills through snapping, stacking and connecting peices to strengthen little hands and fingers. Encouraging problem solving skills through planning, testing and adapting. Early STEM concepts such as balance , patterns, size and structure as well as promting creativity and social skills. We use Lego play to assist children to learn to persist, think critically and feel proud of what they create. It is hands-on learning that grows confidence and a love of learning. ... See MoreSee Less
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Early childhood education builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Routines and structured programs like group time, Jolly Phonics, and social skills activities support children’s development in key areas. Regular routines help children feel secure and understand expectations, while group activities encourage teamwork and communication. Programs like Jolly Phonics foster early literacy skills, setting the stage for future academic success. Investing in these early years ensures children grow confident, socially adept, and ready to learn! #EarlyEducation #LearningThroughPlay #JollyPhonics #SocialSkills #ChildDevelopment ... See MoreSee Less
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Early Childhood Education sets the foundation for lifelong learning and success. In these formative years, children develop critical thinking, language, and social skills that set the foundation for lifelong learning. By providing children with a fun and playful environment for children to learn and grow in we are developing the tools they need to unlock their full potential, while becoming strong, confident and caring citzens of the world. At Explorers we value every child’s learning journey “Every child has the right to an education” United Nations Convention #Earlychildhood ... See MoreSee Less
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Creativity in toddlers flourishes through play, exploration and relationships. At Explorers Learning Academy, we nurture creativity through play-based learning, open-ended resources, art, music, movement and imaginative role play. Guided by the EYLF (Outcome 4), educators scaffold children’s ideas, encourage problem-solving and value children’s voices. In line with ACECQA and the NQS, our thoughtfully designed environments, flexible routines and responsive teaching support curiosity, experimentation and confident, creative learning every day. Partnerships with families further strengthen creative expression and belonging for children. ... See MoreSee Less
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