Childcare and kindergarten in Dandenong, designed for joyful learning.
Located on the corner of Princes Highway and Jones Road, just across from Dandenong Junction Shopping Centre, Explorers Early Learning Dandenong offers long day care and funded kindergarten for children aged 6 weeks to school age.
Here, childhood is full of wonder. Children feel known, supported and free to learn through curiosity, connection and joy.
Guided by our Learning for Life curriculum and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our early learning centre in Dandenong is designed to nurture confidence, connection and belonging through meaningful, play-based learning.
With thoughtfully designed indoor spaces, engaging outdoor play areas, a central Piazza, fresh meals prepared daily and nature-rich experiences including Bush Kinder and Explorers Somerville excursions, children have space to explore, imagine and grow in ways that feel safe, joyful and connected.
Whether you’re looking for childcare in Dandenong, a nurturing babies program, a supportive toddler program, or a funded kindergarten program within long day care, our team is here to support your family every step of the way.
Our 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers within the flexibility of long day care.
Children are encouraged to follow their ideas, ask questions and express themselves through open-ended, inquiry-based learning.
Our Dandenong childcare centre supports busy families with early education and care in a warm, nurturing environment.
Fresh, balanced meals are prepared daily by our in-house chef, with allergies, intolerances and cultural dietary needs carefully supported.
Children enjoy regular outdoor learning experiences that build confidence, resilience and connection to the natural world.
Our environments are thoughtfully designed to help children feel safe, settled and connected throughout their day.
A Place Where Childhood Feels Safe and Welcomed
At Explorers Dandenong, every day is an opportunity for children to wonder, investigate, create and belong.
Our educators take the time to truly know each child: their interests, their strengths, their friendships and the small moments that help them feel secure. Through strong relationships and thoughtfully designed learning environments, children are supported to grow with confidence.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that children are capable, curious learners. We create space for children to lead their own learning, while our educators gently guide, extend and deepen their thinking.
From sensory-rich nursery environments to toddler and kindergarten rooms designed for deeper inquiry, our Dandenong day care centre supports children as they learn through play, connection and discovery.
Because early learning should feel meaningful. And at the heart of all our learning, there is joy.
What you'll find here
Why families choose Explorers Dandenong.
Reggio Emilia inspired
Our Learning for Life curriculum is child-led and play-based, shaped around what each child is curious about right now.
Integrated kindergarten
Three- and four-year-old kinder runs on-site, led by qualified Kindergarten Teachers. No separate drop-off, no extra fees.
Fresh food, every day
Our chefs prepare a nutritionist-designed menu in-house, using fresh local produce. Allergies and cultural needs catered for.
Indoor / outdoor flow
Children choose where they learn: open verandas, gardens, and dedicated outdoor classrooms are part of every day.
Family Hub
Accept offers, reconfirm your waitlist, and message the team, from your phone, whenever it suits you.
Programs
Programs for every stage of early learning.
From your baby's first days to the year before school, every classroom runs our Learning for Life curriculum: child-led, play-based, and grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework.
Choosing the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At Explorers, child safety and wellbeing are embedded into every part of our practice, from secure entry systems and supervision procedures to the respectful, trusting relationships we build with every child. Our educators are trained in First Aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis management, and our safety practices are supported by clear policies, regular risk assessments and a strong culture of care. Most importantly, we create environments where children feel emotionally safe, deeply supported and genuinely known.
At Explorers Dandenong, learning extends beyond the classroom. Children may take part in Bush Kinder, local excursions, incursions, music, movement, visual arts and community experiences that help them connect with the world around them.
“My son started at this centre when he was around 8 months old, and we have been so happy with the experience. It has been beautiful to see how much he has grown and developed. The educators are very caring, patient and loving, and you can truly feel that they care about the children. My son always looks happy and comfortable, and it gives me peace of mind knowing he is surrounded by such wonderful people. I’m very grateful for all the love and support the team provides 😊”
“We absolutely love Explorers Early Learning! The educators are caring, professional, and truly passionate about what they do. From day one, they made our family feel welcome and supported.
The centre is always clean, safe, and well-organised, with plenty of engaging learning activities that help children grow socially and academically. We really appreciate the regular updates and communication about our child’s development and daily experiences.
Most importantly, our child is always happy and excited to attend, which gives us great peace of mind. We highly recommend Explorers Dandenong to any parent looking for a nurturing and high-quality early learning centre! 🌟”
“The team at Explorers Dandenong are the best in the business. Their professionalism, kindness and most of all love for everyone sets the bench mark for the industry. It is easy to see the educators are happy and well supported by management. The entire team is approachable no matter what.
We recently retuned to the centre after moving away from the area because I absolutely trust the team with my child and no other centre compares. The morning my child returned he was greeted with so much love and warmth. The team isn’t just management and educators like it can be at other centres, they are family.
If you are looking for a centre for your love to go to, I urge you to visit Explorers Dandenong and meet with the amazing team. You will not regret it.”
“We have trusted Explorers to be our daughter’s second family for almost two years now and we are so happy that we chose Explorers Dandenong!
Centre management are always so warm and welcoming and go above and beyond for us.
All of the carers look after her with such care and she just loves going to daycare.
She receives enriching learning experiences and educators identify and cultivate her strengths whilst also setting goals for areas where she is in need of some help to develop further.
Every time we go in we are greeted with enthusiasm and a smile.
We are so grateful to Explorers Dandenong for being our village!”
“We couldn’t be happier with this kindergarten. It’s such a well-structured, organised environment where everything runs smoothly and professionally. The staff are absolutely incredible — they truly go above and beyond for the children and families every single day.
From the moment you walk in, you can feel that it’s like a whole other family. The centre is always clean, well maintained, and welcoming. Most importantly, it’s such a happy, positive place for the kids to learn and grow.
I honestly wouldn’t want my son attending anywhere else. We’re so grateful for everything they do. 💛”
Use our Child Care Subsidy calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket childcare costs and understand how much support your family may be eligible to receive.
Can't find what you're after? Our Family Support Team is happy to help, give us a call or browse all FAQs.
Where is the centre located?
Explorers Dandenong is conveniently located on Princes Highway, making it easily accessible for local families and commuters.
Is there onsite or off-street parking for pickups and drop-offs?
Yes! We have a dedicated pickup and drop-off area along with easy and secure parking options in our area.
How can you get there by public transport?
We’re easy to reach! You can take the train to Dandenong Station and hop on a bus to Princes Highway to get to our centre.
What age groups do you cater for?
Explorers Dandenong provides early education and care for children aged 6 weeks to school age, including babies, toddlers and funded 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten.
Do you offer funded kindergarten?
Yes. Explorers Dandenong offers funded 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten within long day care. Our kindergarten programs are delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers and supported by our broader Learning for Life curriculum.
What Child Care Subsidy am I entitled to?
The Child Care Subsidy is based on your family’s income, activity level and care requirements. You can use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket costs, or speak with our team about how CCS may apply to your family.
Is there a waitlist?
Availability can vary depending on the age group and time of year. Places in nursery and kindergarten programs can fill quickly, so we encourage families to register their interest early and speak with our Dandenong childcare team about current availability.
What safety measures are in place?
Our Dandenong childcare centre has secure entry systems, supervision procedures, regular risk assessments and clear medical management protocols. Outdoor play areas are secure, age-appropriate and supervised by experienced educators. Educators are trained in First Aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis management, and child safety is embedded into our everyday practice.
Do children at Dandenong take part in Explorers Somerville experiences?
Children at Explorers Dandenong engage in experiences connected to Explorers Somerville, our nature-based learning precinct designed to deepen children’s connection to nature, sustainability, creativity and Country. Learn more about Explorers Somerville.
Yes. Children at Explorers Dandenong take part in outdoor play and sustainability experiences. Our educators help children explore recycling, eco-friendly materials and natural play elements in ways that feel practical, joyful and age-appropriate.
What are the qualifications and experience levels of the educators at Explorers Dandenong?
More than just having extensive training, our teachers have a strong passion for teaching young children. They establish a welcoming, stimulating environment where kids feel encouraged, supported, and eager to learn.
Do you provide meals?
Yes. Children are provided with fresh, healthy meals prepared daily by our in-house chef. We cater for allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences and individual dietary needs.
How does Explorers Dandenong accommodate children with dietary restrictions or allergies?
We have an in-house chef who prepares fresh meals daily and can take care of any special requests related to allergies or specific dietary restrictions. Just let us know and we’ll make sure your child gets delicious meals that meet their needs.
In what ways are families encouraged to participate in their child's learning journey at Explorers Dandenong?
There are many opportunities to get involved in your child’s journey from special events to interactive learning experiences. We love building strong connections with families, so we take every chance we get to keep you updated and involved.
What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children, especially during outdoor activities?
Your child’s safety is our top priority. Our outdoor play areas are fully secure, with age-appropriate equipment and constant supervision from our experienced educators, so children can explore and play with confidence.
Booking a tour
What to expect when you visit.
30 minutes, in person, with the Centre Director. Bring your child if you can, they often tell us more than we can.
1
Pick a time
Tours run during the day in 30-minute slots so you can see the classrooms in flow, not staged.
2
Walk the centre with us
The Centre Director shows you each classroom, talks through routines, and answers your questions.
3
Register your interest
If it feels right, we'll save your details and walk you through the waitlist. No commitment.
Inside the centre
A walk through Explorers Dandenong.
The classrooms, gardens, and spaces your child will get to know.
Ready when you are
Come and see Explorers Dandenong for yourself.
Pick a tour time that fits: mornings, afternoons, or after work. We'll send you a calendar invite and a private Family Hub link, no password needed.
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