Our Mittagong West service has a large garden for our children to explore, play and run in.
With natural space that is shaded by large trees that give the kookaburras and cockatoos a place to safely watch our children garden in the veggie beds and care for our resident rabbit and chickens.
Our cook prides herself on cooking nutritious meals with a menu that is approved by Munch and Move; so we know it ticks all the boxes, but it’s always oh so tasty too!
Our babies through to our preschoolers are busy bees, always having educational and fun activities to learn through play. The design of the service allows all ages to share experiences together, making meaningful friendships as the children and grow in their space.
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.
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
Jul 8
Starting solids is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development! Its not just about foods, its about discovery, play and learning new skills. Most babies are ready to begin solids at around 6 months old, however each child is different. Signs that your baby is ready, include: sitting up, with good head control. Showing interest in food (watching you eat or reaching for food). Losing the tongue thrust reflex (not automatically pushing food out). It is recomended that you begin with simple, soft foods like: mashed vegetables such as sweet potato and carrot. Soft fruits such as banana, avocado and pear and iron rich foods such as lentils and pureed meats. At Explorers we provide nutritionally balanced meals for children, catering also to our newest eaters! #startingsolids #mittagong #explorerssouthernhighlands #babiesdevelopment
Jul 2
What better way to celebrate Eric Carle`s birthday, than to explore the children`s fascination with bugs, we have been learning all about the creepy crawlies that live all around us!
The Hungry Caterpillar is wonderful basis for learning, giving us the foundations to further explore the world of bugs, lifecycles, caring for the natural world and being safe outside.
#EricCarle #TheVeryHungryCaterpillar #LiteratureInAction #mittagong #StorytimeFun #explorerssouthernhighlands
Jun 27
"Language development from birth to five years is crucial as it lays the foundation for communication, literacy, learning, and social-emotional development. During these early years, children`s brains are rapidly developing, and they absorb language through interactions with adults and their environment. Strong language skills support later reading and writing abilities and help children express their thoughts, needs, and emotions.
We as educators along with parents play a vital role by creating rich language experiences. This includes talking with children often, using descriptive words, reading books daily, singing songs, and engaging in meaningful conversations. At Explorers our educators are trained to respond to children`s cues, ask open-ended questions, and encourage storytelling which helps expand vocabulary and comprehension. We promote play-based and project-based learning as well as group interactions which further promotes language growth. By offering a language-rich environment both at home and in care, adults help children develop strong communication skills that support lifelong learning and relationship building."
Jun 26
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 ... See MoreSee Less
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Starting solids is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development! Its not just about foods, its about discovery, play and learning new skills. Most babies are ready to begin solids at around 6 months old, however each child is different. Signs that your baby is ready, include: sitting up, with good head control. Showing interest in food (watching you eat or reaching for food). Losing the tongue thrust reflex (not automatically pushing food out). It is recomended that you begin with simple, soft foods like: mashed vegetables such as sweet potato and carrot. Soft fruits such as banana, avocado and pear and iron rich foods such as lentils and pureed meats. At Explorers we provide nutritionally balanced meals for children, catering also to our newest eaters! #startingsolids #mittagong #explorerssouthernhighlands #babiesdevelopment ... See MoreSee Less
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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. ... See MoreSee Less
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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 ... See MoreSee Less
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