
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.
One of our preschool children was lucky enough to visit Uluru and explore the Northern Territory during the school holidays, and we couldn’t wait to bring their adventure into our learning program!
At Explorers Learning Academy Bardia, family input is so important. The experiences children have with their families and in our community help shape meaningful, child-led learning opportunities at our centre.
Inspired by this special trip, the children explored the cultural significance of Uluru, Indigenous symbols and language, and discovered the beautiful colours of the Red Centre through visual resources and discussions. Using clay, they carefully created their own Uluru models before painting them in the rich earthy tones of Australia’s iconic landscape for a room display.
Thank you to our families for sharing your children’s adventures with us. These experiences help us create authentic, engaging and culturally responsive learning opportunities that celebrate children’s identities, interests and connections to the world around them.
#ExplorersLearningAcademyBardia #ChildLedLearning #FamilyPartnerships #Uluru #NorthernTerritory #IndigenousPerspectives #AboriginalEducation #BelongingBeingBecoming #EYLF #PlayBasedLearning #CommunityConnections #LearningThroughPlay #PreschoolAdventures #CultureAndConnection
Jul 21
✨ National Pyjama Week is Coming to Explorers Learning Academy Bardia! ✨
20th July – 24th July
Grab your favourite pair of PJs and join us as we snuggle up for a very important cause!
This year, Explorers Learning Academy Bardia is proudly hosting National Pyjama Week, a charity initiative that raises vital funds to support children living in foster care across Australia. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and empowered to dream big, and together we can help make a difference.
Throughout the week, children and educators are invited to come dressed in their favourite pyjamas and enjoy a fun-filled week of learning, kindness and community spirit.
We are asking families, if they are able, to bring along a gold coin donation (or any donation big or small) to contribute to this wonderful cause. Every dollar raised helps provide educational resources, tutoring and support programs for children in foster care, giving them the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
At Explorers Learning Academy Bardia, we believe in fostering compassionate and socially responsible citizens from a young age. Participating in meaningful community initiatives such as National Pyjama Week allows our children to learn about kindness, empathy and the importance of helping others.
So, pop on your cosiest PJs, bring your biggest smiles and let’s come together to support kids with BIG dreams!
#NationalPyjamaWeek #KidsWithBigDreams #ExplorersLearningAcademyBardia #CommunityKindness #SupportingFosterChildren #MakingADifference #WearYourPJs #CharityDrive
Jul 20
NAIDOC Week at Explorers Continues.
What a wonderful week of learning, creating, and connecting as we celebrated NAIDOC Week together!
❤️💛🖤
Our littlest explorers embraced this special week through hands-on experiences, including sensory hand painting, creative nature-inspired crafts, and exploring the beauty of the world around us. We talked about caring for our environment, respecting the land, and the importance of looking after nature for future generations.
We also enjoyed singing traditional songs, sharing stories, and learning about the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These meaningful experiences encouraged curiosity, respect, inclusion, and a deeper connection to Country.
By celebrating the world’s oldest continuing cultures, we are helping our children grow into compassionate, respectful, and inclusive members of our community.
“Our rich and diverse cultures are what make us stronger when we walk together with respect, understanding, and kindness.”
❤️💛🖤 Happy NAIDOC Week! 🖤💛❤️
#NAIDOCWeek #NAIDOC2026 #LittleSetExplorers #EarlyLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LearningThroughPlay #AboriginalCulture #TorresStraitIslander #FirstNations #RespectCountry #CaringForCountry #ConnectionToCountry #CulturalLearning #IndigenousEducation #InclusionMatters #BelongingBeingBecoming #NaturePlay #CommunityConnections #GrowingTogether #RespectUnderstandingKindness #FutureGenerations #CuriousLearners #LittleExplorers #ECEC #ChildcareAustralia #explorerslearningacademybardia #bardia
Jul 9
Yesterday, our centre proudly began celebrating NAIDOC Week, taking time to reflect on this year’s theme and what it means to our children, educators, families and the wider community.
Throughout our rooms, we explored the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through meaningful experiences, discussions, artwork and storytelling. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to honour the world’s oldest continuing cultures, acknowledge the strength, resilience and wisdom of First Nations peoples, and inspire our children to grow with respect, curiosity and a deep appreciation for Country, culture and community.
Our morning became even more special when we were visited by some beautiful local laughing kookaburras. Their unexpected visit brought so much excitement and wonder to the children, naturally leading us into sharing Dreaming stories about the kookaburra and other native Australian animals. It was a beautiful reminder of the connection between nature, storytelling and the traditions that have been shared across generations for thousands of years.
As educators, we are committed to creating opportunities for children to learn about Australia’s First Peoples in meaningful, respectful and authentic ways, helping to nurture the next generation of compassionate and culturally aware citizens.
“Culture is not just about the past—it lives in our stories, our connection to Country, and in every generation that chooses to listen, learn and walk together.”
💛❤️🖤
#NAIDOCWeek #TheNextGeneration #StrengthVisionLegacy #FirstNations #AboriginalCulture #DreamingStories #LearningThroughPlay #ConnectionToCountry #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Community #Respect #ExplorersLearningAcademy
Jul 6
At Explorers Learning Academy, we believe every child’s voice matters, no matter how young they are. This week, our children under 18 months shared their preferences through their smiles, gestures, sounds, facial expressions, and interactions. Our educators took the time to observe, listen, and reflect using our Children’s Voice template, ensuring these moments help shape our program, learning spaces, and daily experiences. By valuing children’s communication, we support the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), fostering a strong sense of belonging, identity, and agency. When children feel heard and respected, they build confidence, develop trusting relationships, and become active participants in their learning. Together with families, we create an environment where every child’s voice is valued and celebrated. ... See MoreSee Less
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We are looking for a Part Time Cert 3 and a Trainee in Early Childhood for our Mittagong centre!
Apply by emailing careers@explorerslearningacademy.com.au
Or apply through seek.
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Early Childhood Educators Certificate 3 Job in Mittagong, Southern Highlands & Tablelands NSW - SEEK
au.seek.com
Rewarding early childhood role - Employee discounts, flexible work, and great team culture. Apply now!0 CommentsComment on Facebook
When children take the lead in their learning, magic happens! At Explorers, We are contsantly tuning into child-led interests and needs allowing us to create projects that genuinely excite and inspire our little learners. By building on what sparks their curiosity, we foster confidence, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of discovery.
Last week, our Baby Room has been exploring the wonderful world of emotions, while our Toddlers dived underwater to build an amazing room aquarium full of sea creatures. Meanwhile, our Preschoolers brought their camping dreams to life outdoors with tents, sleeping bags, chairs, and fishing nets! Watching their ideas turn into real-world play is what child-led learning is all about. ... See MoreSee Less
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Community engagement in early childhood like regular library visits, plays a vital role in a child’s social and cognitive development. These experiences expand their world beyond the family unit, teaching them how to navigate social spaces, interact with diverse groups of people, and build a sense of belonging. Storytimes at the library, for instance, don’t just foster early literacy; they also teach crucial self-regulation skills like active listening and taking turns in a group setting. By actively participating in community life, young children develop empathy, boost their communication skills, and build a foundational understanding of citizenship that helps them feel safe, valued, and connected to the world around them. ... See MoreSee Less
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