7 April 2026
Why Outdoor Learning Spaces Matter in Early Childhood Education
Outdoor play spaces in early childhood education are vital for growth and learning across all ages.
Read more →Reggio Emilia inspired · Across Victoria
Early learning, childcare and kindergarten across Victoria
Nurturing children's curiosity and exploration of the world.
Explorers Early Learning is a leading early learning provider with centres located across Victoria. We offer Reggio Emilia inspired childcare and kindergarten from six weeks to school age.
4.8on Google from over 1,000 family reviews · Family-owned since 2004
A legacy of joy
The story behind Explorers
Hear founder Lynda Salvo on how Explorers began — and the belief in joyful, child-led early learning that still shapes every centre today.
Search for your local early learning centre
Find childcare in Melbourne and across Victoria
Find a Centre
Search your nearest Centre and book a tour.
Scroll to see more centres.
- Explorers Armadale
117A Kooyong Road, Armadale, VIC 3143
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:30pm
- Explorers Ashwood
205 High Street Road, Ashwood, VIC 3147
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 6:00am – 6:30pm
- Explorers Beaconsfield
2 Pink Hill Blvd, Beaconsfield, VIC 3807
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Boronia
265 Boronia Road, Boronia, VIC 3155
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Brighton East
761-763 Nepean Highway, Brighton East, VIC 3187
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Clyde North
15S Australorp Drive, Clyde North, VIC 3978
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Croydon
84-86 Hull Road, Croydon, VIC 3136
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Dandenong
159 Princes Hwy, Dandenong, VIC 3175
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Essendon
30-32 Lincoln Road, Essendon, VIC 3040
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Frankston North
2-8 Ballarto Road, Frankston North, VIC 3200
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Fraser Rise
1 Shears Drive, Fraser Rise, VIC 3336
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Greenvale
990 Mickleham Road, Greenvale, VIC 3059
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Keysborough
197 Hutton Rd, Keysborough, VIC 3173
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Mornington
102 Strachans Road, Mornington, VIC 3931
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Mt Cottrell
1106 Leakes Rd, Mt Cottrell, VIC 3024
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 6:00am – 6:30pm
- Explorers Nunawading
86-88 Springvale Road, Nunawading, VIC 3131
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 6:30am – 6:30pm
- Explorers Shepparton North
6 Samaria Boulevard, Shepparton North, VIC 3631
- 6 weeks to school age
Coming soon
- Explorers Surrey Hills Elgar Road
221 Elgar Road, Surrey Hills, VIC 3127
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 6:00am – 6:30pm
- Explorers Surrey Hills Stanley Terrace
1 Stanley Terrace, Surrey Hills, VIC 3127
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 6:30am – 6:30pm
- Explorers Tarneit
80 Homebush Drive, Tarneit, VIC 3029
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 6:30am – 6:30pm
- Explorers Wallan
101-103 Stanley St, Wallan, VIC 3756
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Werribee
28 Scotsburn Grove, Werribee, VIC 3030
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 6:30am – 6:30pm
- Explorers Williams Landing
2 Fogarty Street, Williams Landing, VIC 3027
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Explorers Williamstown
130 Ferguson Street, Williamstown, VIC 3016
- 6 weeks to school age
- Funded kindergarten
- Mon–Fri · 7:00am – 6:00pm
Why families choose Explorers for childcare in Melbourne
Families choose Explorers because our approach balances the practical things parents rely on with the deeper things children need to thrive: safety, trust, belonging, time, space and joy.
4.8
Rated 4.8 on Google from over 1,000 family reviews across our Victorian centres
Learning for Life Curriculum
Our unique Learning for Life curriculum tailors learning experiences to support children's development from our babies through to 4 year old kindergarten.
Reggio Emilia Inspired Approach
The Reggio Emilia philosophy guides our curriculum and learning principles. Our child-led, play-based program stimulates children's learning, exploration, and social connection.
Integrated Kindergarten
Our three and four-year-old integrated Kindergarten Programs are led by qualified and experienced Kindergarten Teachers within long day care hours.
Indoor/Outdoor Program
We actively encourage children's independence by inviting them to choose between indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Nutritional Menu
Our delicious and healthy menu is prepared daily by our in house chefs using fresh, locally sourced produce.
Explorers App
Manage your enrolment, reconfirm your waitlist, accept offers, and ask for help, 24/7.
Enrichment Program
Our Framework of Joy Enrichment Program complements our early learning curriculum, encompassing areas of visual arts, musical theatre, physical education and language.
Family Owned
We are proud to be Australian owned and locally operated by a Melbourne family.
Sustainable Practices
Our One World, One Planet program focuses on sustainable practices, recycling, gardening, caring for animals and empathising with all living things.
Early learning for every stage of childhood
Every child's early learning journey is different. At Explorers, our programs are designed to support children from 6 weeks to school age through calm routines, secure relationships and rich learning experiences that grow with them.
Babies Program
From 6 weeks
Gentle care, secure attachments, responsive routines and sensory-rich environments that help babies feel safe and connected.
Toddlers Program
Approx. 15 months to 3 years
Opportunities for movement, language, independence, social connection and play-based discovery.
Kindergarten Program
3 and 4 year old kindergarten
Funded 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten delivered within long day care hours by qualified kindergarten teachers.
Start your journey with Explorers
Tour an open centre, then plan your next step.
Whether you're newly pregnant or starting next term, the journey begins the same way, and we keep you in the loop the whole time.
- 1
Find an open centre
Search by suburb or postcode and choose the Explorers centre that feels right for your family.
- 2
Book a tour
Visit the centres you're considering, meet the team, and talk through what your child needs to thrive.
- 3
Plan your next step
After your visit, enquire about the days you need and our Family Support Team will guide you through availability and enrolment.
Beyond the classroom
Nature, Bush Kinder and learning beyond the classroom
Nature plays an important role in how children learn at Explorers. Across our centres, children are encouraged to notice the world around them, care for living things, ask questions, move their bodies and build a deeper connection with place. Our Bush Kinder experiences, outdoor learning environments, environmental awareness and cultural awareness incursions help children see themselves as part of a wider world.
These experiences support curiosity, resilience, empathy and ecological sensibility, while giving children time to wonder, investigate and return to ideas over time. This connection to nature is woven through everyday learning, from gardening and seasonal observation to caring for animals, exploring loose parts and using outdoor spaces as places for storytelling, problem-solving and collaboration.
Our philosophy
A Reggio Emilia inspired approach to childcare
At Explorers, we are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which honours children as capable, creative and full of potential. Rather than seeing learning as something adults simply deliver, our educators create environments where children can explore ideas, test theories, ask questions and express their thinking in many different ways.
This means your child's learning may be visible through drawing, building, movement, dramatic play, music, language, nature exploration, digital invitations or collaborative projects. These “hundred languages” give children many ways to communicate who they are and what they are discovering.
Our story
About Explorers Early Learning
Explorers Early Learning is a family-owned, Melbourne-based early learning provider with centres across Victoria. We offer long day care and funded kindergarten for children from 6 weeks to school age.
Our story is grounded in a simple belief: childhood should feel safe, joyful and full of possibility. Through our Learning for Life curriculum, Reggio Emilia inspiration and strong partnerships with families, we support children to build confidence, curiosity, independence and a lifelong love of learning.
Every Explorers centre is shaped by its local community, but the heart of our approach remains consistent: children are known, educators are intentional, families are welcomed, and learning grows through relationships.
Trusted by families across Victoria
For many families, trust is built through the small moments: the educator who knows how your child likes to be comforted, the warm greeting at drop-off, the update that helps you feel connected, the familiar routine that helps your child feel secure. Families across Victoria choose Explorers for our caring educators, engaging learning environments, nutritious meals, kindergarten programs and strong sense of community.
“We feel so lucky to have been part of the Explorers community for the past 3.5 years. The Educators are AMAZING and we feel so comforted knowing our kids are in such caring and safe hands.”
Lucie
Brighton East
“We have had both of our children enrolled at Explorers Armadale. Our eldest has just finished the entire program to begin Primary School and she is thriving.”
Mimi & Alex
Armadale
“The Educators and management team have been welcoming and amazing from the moment we walked through the door. My son has built strong relationships with the team and has developed so much since he started.”
Bela
Beaconsfield
Fees & subsidy
Childcare fees, CCS and the 3 Day Guarantee
Childcare costs can vary depending on your centre, days of care, your family's Child Care Subsidy eligibility and any additional support you may receive. Explorers does not publish centre fees online, because the most helpful fee guidance is usually specific to your family and your preferred centre.
Eligible families may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket costs through the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy. From 5 January 2026, the 3 Day Guarantee gives CCS-eligible families access to at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. This is equivalent to 3 days per week in many long day care settings.
The 3 Day Guarantee does not guarantee availability at a centre, so families still need to enquire, secure a place and confirm their individual fee estimate. Our team can talk you through what this may mean for your family and help you understand your next steps.
Estimate your subsidy using our Child Care Subsidy calculator, or contact us for centre-specific fee guidance.
Visit us
Find the right Explorers centre for your family
The best way to understand what makes Explorers special is to experience it for yourself.
Visit your local Explorers centre, meet our educators and explore the learning environments where children feel safe, known and inspired. From our Piazza and outdoor spaces to the way children's learning is documented and celebrated, every detail is designed to support belonging, curiosity and joy.
If you're looking for trusted childcare or kindergarten in Melbourne, we'd love to welcome you.
Careers
Join Our Team
Our Educators and employees play a vital role in the learning and development of each child within our centres. We are always looking for people who are passionate about shaping the lives and minds of young children.
Frequently Asked Questions: Childcare in Melbourne
Answers to the questions families ask most when choosing childcare and kindergarten in Melbourne.
What is included at Explorers?
Across Explorers centres, families can generally expect the following inclusions, with any centre-specific details confirmed during the enquiry or tour process:
- Long day care and early learning from 6 weeks to school age
- Funded 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs
- Qualified educators and kindergarten teachers
- Nutritious meals prepared daily by centre chefs
- Daily communication and learning updates through Storypark
- Indoor and outdoor learning environments designed for play, connection and exploration
- Bush Kinder, nature-based learning and environmental awareness experiences
- Cultural awareness incursions and enrichment opportunities
- Support with transitions, routines and settling into care
How do I enquire or book a tour?
Starting childcare should feel clear and supported. Our team can help you understand centre availability, book a tour and talk through the information needed to begin your enrolment journey.
- Find your nearest Explorers centre by suburb or postcode.
- Book a tour to meet the team and explore the learning environments.
- Ask about availability, preferred days and centre-specific fee guidance.
- Complete the required enrolment information, including parent or guardian details, child details, emergency contacts, medical information, immunisation details and any court orders or care arrangements where relevant.
- Work with the centre team to support your child's orientation and transition into care.
Find a centre or book a tour to begin your Explorers journey.
What quality standards do your centres hold?
Explorers centres operate under the National Quality Framework, which sets standards for early childhood education and care in Australia.
How do I apply for the Child Care Subsidy?
Families apply for the Child Care Subsidy through myGov and Centrelink. Your eligibility and subsidy percentage are assessed by Services Australia. Explorers can help you understand what information you may need, and you can use our Child Care Subsidy calculator as a starting point for estimating out-of-pocket costs.
What qualifications do your educators have?
Our teams include qualified early childhood educators and bachelor-qualified kindergarten teachers who support children across babies, toddlers and kindergarten. Educators also undertake ongoing professional development to support safety, wellbeing, learning and compliance.
What is the minimum and maximum age of children in your care?
Explorers provides childcare and early learning from 6 weeks to school age. This includes babies, toddlers, 3-year-old kindergarten and 4-year-old kindergarten.
Are meals provided, and what dietary considerations are taken?
Yes. Explorers provides nutritious meals prepared at our centres. Families should share allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences and dietary requirements with their centre team so children can be supported safely and respectfully.
How do you ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in your care?
Children's safety and wellbeing are central to every part of our day. Our educators build strong relationships with children, follow child safety and supervision procedures, maintain secure environments, communicate with families and create routines that help children feel safe, known and supported.
Do all Explorers centres offer Bush Kinder?
Yes. Bush Kinder and nature-based learning are important parts of the Explorers experience. Families should speak with their local centre about how Bush Kinder, outdoor learning, environmental awareness and cultural learning are delivered at that location.
Explorers Blog
Family resources, early learning ideas, and practical guides from Explorers.
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