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.
🌿 Introducing Our Bush Tucker Garden! 🌿
At Explorers Learning Academy Bardia, we are proud to share the launch of our very own Bush Tucker Garden – a project deeply rooted in our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) goals and a reflection of our commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in our daily program.
This meaningful addition to our outdoor space has been a shared journey with our children, who actively participated in selecting native plants, digging holes, planting, and watering. These hands-on experiences fostered connection to Country, care for the land, and appreciation for First Nations cultures – all through the lens of play-based learning.
We’re excited to see our Bush Tucker Garden grow and thrive with the children, families, and educators all nurturing it together 🌱💧
#BushTuckerGarden #RAPinAction #EYLF #NQS #IndigenousPerspectives #ExplorersLearningAcademy #Bardia #EarlyLearning
Jul 1
Last night our amazing educators participated in a professional development evening focused on enhancing supervision practices. Together, the team reflected on and unpacked current supervision strategies, aligning them with the ACECQA 6 Steps to Active Supervision.
The interactive session provided an opportunity to explore real-life scenarios, including environmental and medical emergencies, allowing educators to strengthen their awareness and responsiveness. It was a highly engaging evening, with strong collaboration and insightful discussions that showcased the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and best practice in early childhood education.
#professionaldevelopment #everdayisalearningday #teamwork #qualityeducation #bardia #explorerslearningacademybardia
Jul 1
Celebrating Eric Carle’s Legacy
Did you know that yesterday was Eric Carle’s birthday? What a perfect moment to highlight the wonderful “literature in action” activities we’ve been enjoying here at Bardia—especially those inspired by one of our all-time favorites, The Very Hungry Caterpillar! 🐛🍎🍓
From storytelling circles to creative arts and crafts, our children have been diving into the colorful, imaginative world that Eric Carle gifted us—exploring not just The Very Hungry Caterpillar, but also The Tiny Seed, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, The Grouchy Ladybug, and so many more.
Eric Carle has lit a spark in generations of young readers, and we’re proud to continue nurturing that love for books through play, discovery, and creativity.
Just imagine a world without his stories—thankfully, we don’t have to.
#EricCarle #TheVeryHungryCaterpillar #LiteratureInAction #EarlyYearsMagic #ChildcareJoy #Bardia #StorytimeFun
Jun 27
Making Insects with Crepe Paper 🐜
Today the children gathered around the table and explored their creativity by making insects using crepe paper and assorted materials such as pipe cleaners and googly eyes. Lilah carefully wrapped black crepe paper around a base and added pipe cleaners to create a spider. Aaish formed a caterpillar, while Anayara and Bivan crafted dragonflies. The children displayed a strong sense of pride and excitement as they added their creations to the insect tree they had collaboratively painted earlier in the week. This activity fostered fine motor skills, creativity, and cognitive connections between art and science. It also encouraged storytelling and peer
collaboration.
#insectweek #creativity #handsonlearning #bardia #explorerslearningacademybardia
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
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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
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
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
0 CommentsComment on Facebook