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.
🌿 2027 Re-enrolments are now open! 🌿
It’s time to start planning for 2027, and we’re asking all families to please complete and return their re-enrolment forms by 30 September. Returning your form helps us secure your child’s 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 child’s final day/end date on the form.
A little reminder that learning doesn’t 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 child’s learning journey with you small steps today, big adventures tomorrow!
Sep 17
🏴☠️🦜 Ahoy Explorers – We’re Getting Ready to Talk Like a Pirate! 🦜🏴☠️
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 piñata, 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.
🏴☠️ This Friday, children are invited to come dressed as a pirate! Pirate hats, stripes, eye patches, bandanas or a full pirate outfit — we can’t wait to see our crew!
💰 Families who would like to support the cause can donate directly through the official Talk Like a Pirate Day fundraising page:
👉 https://fundraise.ccs.org.au/event/talk-like-a-pirate-day/home
We’re 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
✋✏️ LITTLE HANDS, BIG LEARNING! ✏️✋
Today our Emus have been busy strengthening their fine motor skills through hands-on experiences including nuts and bolts, threading and connector activities.
These activities may look like simple play, but there is so much important learning happening!
Twisting nuts and bolts, carefully threading objects and pushing and pulling connectors together helps children develop finger and hand strength, pincer grip, wrist control, bilateral coordination and hand-eye coordination. These are all important foundations for learning to confidently hold and control a pencil, form letters, draw, cut with scissors and eventually write with greater control and endurance.
The learning goes well beyond writing too! These experiences encourage children to:
✨ Concentrate and maintain attention
✨ Problem-solve and think critically
✨ Develop spatial awareness
✨ Coordinate what their eyes see with what their hands do
✨ Practise patience and persistence
✨ Build independence and confidence
✨ Plan, create and adapt their ideas
Our School Readiness Program recognises that preparing children for school isn’t about rushing into worksheets and formal writing. It’s about intentionally building the physical, cognitive, social and emotional foundations children need to become confident and capable learners.
When little hands are twisting, threading, connecting and creating, they are getting stronger and more prepared for all the exciting learning ahead! 💪✏️🧠
“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein
#ExplorersLearningAcademy #SchoolReadiness #FineMotorSkills #LearningThroughPlay #PreWritingSkills #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Emus #ConfidentLearners
Sep 15
LEARNING, GROWING & STAYING READY | FIRST AID & CPR TRAINING
At Explorers Learning Academy Bardia, professional development is more than completing a course it is an important part of our philosophy, our culture and our commitment to providing children with a safe, knowledgeable and high quality early learning environment.
Our team recently participated in First Aid and CPR training, strengthening the practical skills, knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively in an emergency.
Ongoing professional learning gives our educators opportunities to refresh their knowledge, practise essential skills, reflect on their responsibilities and continue developing as early childhood professionals.
We believe that when we invest in our educators, we invest in our children.
Professional development at Explorers is ongoing throughout the year and includes child safety, health and hygiene, inclusion, curriculum and pedagogy, emergency management, leadership, wellbeing and many other areas that support quality practice.
Our goal is not simply to know what to do but to ensure our educators feel confident, capable and prepared to act when children need them most.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” — Benjamin Franklin
A big thank you to our Explorers team for continuing to learn, reflect and grow together.
#ExplorersLearningAcademy #Bardia #FirstAidTraining #CPRTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment #ContinuousLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EducatorDevelopment #ChildSafety #QualityImprovement #LearningTogether
Sep 14
Child-led interests are the primary catalysts for our monthly and weekly programs here at Explorers. Our Babies room have been looking at shapes and our Toddler room have just begun their interest in Halloween as well as our Bodies 5 senses. This week in our Preschool room our friends have been very interested in Safari animlas and after reading the book “ Dear Zoo” our friends decided that they would like to make a letter to a zoo and ask them a question as well. They have been working on their letters all week , while also practicing writing their names. Next week some of our friends will be going to drop of our letters at the post office and adding stamps to their letters. They are all very excited. Proof that a child’s imagination can lead to some amazing and fun ideas. ...
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At Explorers Learning Academy, we value the important role families play in our learning community. Last week, during our Footy Dress-Up Day, we were delighted to welcome one of our families to spend the afternoon with us, sharing their knowledge and teaching the children some fun tips and tricks for passing and throwing. Family involvement helps children feel a strong sense of belonging, connection and pride in their community. It also provides meaningful opportunities for children to learn from familiar adults, build confidence, develop physical skills and celebrate shared interests. This experience supports the EYLF Outcome 2, where children become connected with and contribute to their world, and Outcome 3, as they develop wellbeing and confidence through active play. ...
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We are looking for a fabulous, energetic, child safe focused Educator to join our Mittagong team! Apply through Seek ad below or send your resume to careers@explorerslearningacademy.com.au
au.seek.com/job/94715339?ref=direct-share-hirer-jobs-list ...
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At Explorers, we are committed to supporting our children as they prepare for the exciting transition to big school. Through engaging initiatives like Jolly Phonics and interactive early literacy and numeracy experiences, we build foundational academic skills while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Equally important is empowering children with practical self-care habits, personal hygiene, and independence within daily routines. By prioritising emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social skills, we help every child step confidently into their next educational chapter. A special thank you to Mittagong Public School for giving us the amazing opportunity to connect with their Kindergarten teacher and gain valuable, practical insights to best prepare our children for school success! ...
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