Mt Cottrell Centre Overview
Explorers Mt Cottrell is located on Goodison Grove, which is just a short drive from Riverdale Village Shopping Centre. Our centre is designed with creativity and independence in mind, so we’ve created a welcoming environment where children can grow, play, and learn from infancy all the way to preschool kindergarten. With beautifully landscaped outdoor play areas, children are encouraged to explore their environment and stay active. We also take on a holistic approach, so we only serve tasty and nutritious meals prepared fresh by our in-house chef.
Our centre Piazza, which draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia concept, fosters a strong feeling of community where kids gather to work together, exchange ideas,
Explorers - Mt Cottrell
55 Goodison Grove, Mt Cottrell VIC 3024
Centre Hours
Monday to Friday
6:30am - 6:30pm
What makes Explorers Mt Cottrell Unique
Explorers Mt Cottrell is not like average childcare centres in Australia. We take on a learning for life philosophy that helps children develop essential life skills. By embracing the Reggio Emilia Approach which focuses on allowing children to learn through play and enquiry, we’re able to let them explore their natural curiosity and feel supported in every step of their journey.
Here’s what we offer:
- Tailored Learning Spaces – From our nursery for babies filled with sensory experiences to vibrant spaces for toddlers and preschoolers, each area is designed to support every stage of your child’s development.
- Engaging Playgrounds – Our outdoor play areas are designed to allow children to roam freely around, make new friends, and experience their surroundings while having fun.
- Holistic Nutrition – Strong bodies lead to stronger minds, so we make sure to serve delicious and nutritious meals prepped fresh everyday by our in-house chef.
- Passionate Educators – Our teachers come with a wealth of experience and are passionate about what they do. They’re responsible for creating fun learning experiences that keep children excited to come back for more.
- Sustainability in Learning – We want to teach children to love and protect the environment at an early age. So we make sure to include environmentally-friendly practices and use sustainable materials in our day-to-day activities.
Curriculum Offered
Learning for Life
Find Out MoreReggio Emilia
Find Out MoreFramework of Joy
Find Out MoreKindergarten
Find Out More
Centre Leadership
Meet Danii - Centre Director
Danii has been the director of our Mt Cottrell ever since the centre opened in 2022. Getting to be a part of those every day, little moments is what inspires Danii the most in her role.
“As a mum of three boys myself, I’ve seen first-hand just how important those early years are. Watching my own children grow and develop their own unique personalities sparked a deep passion in me to support other children on that same journey.”
For Danii, the most important thing for families when they walk into her centre is to feel trust and connection from day one, like they’re part of our Explorers family. Her favourite thing about being a centre director at Explorers is how every day brings new stories, laughs, and little triumphs.
The Explorers value that Danii connects with most is relationships: “Building strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and my team is at the heart of everything we do. When we nurture those bonds, learning and joy naturally follow.”
Danii’s favourite week of the year is Book Week, and she loves putting on plays and performances for the children at the centre.
“Whether I’m a pirate, a princess, or a silly animal, I’m always up for a bit of fun if it means making the day more magical for the kids!”
The centre offers spacious and pristine indoor and outdoor areas, with a continuous focus on practising environment-preserving techniques. Danii, Alicia, and Oz warmly greet visitors with a pleasant demeanour. They are friendly and approachable, making me feel very comfortable asking any parenting-related questions. I was particularly impressed by Emma from the kitchen, who is always happy to share her healthy and delicious recipes.
The educators—Aurora, Taekla, Darshana, and Naz, have become invaluable figures in my children's lives, providing a nurturing environment that instills confidence in their well-being. Their genuine passion for their work is evident in their daily interactions with the children.
The exemplary culture of the centre reflects the leadership of Danii, who operates it like a finely tuned machine. She is approachable, promptly addresses any concerns I raise, and consistently prioritizes the children's welfare above all else. Being a mother herself, she completely understands where a parent is coming from and doesn't dismiss any concern, no matter how small it is.
This place has truly been a blessing for our family, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other parents seeking a nurturing and high-quality childcare environment.
During my last placement Bachelor of early childhood education, I had the privilege of learning from my mentor Lisa, who played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of inclusive and child centred teaching practices. That experienced enriched my professional growth and prepared me to embrace my current role at Explorers with confidence.
I have been fortunate to work under a management team- Dani, Oz, Alicia that is incredibly supportive.Their commitment to upholding high standards in early education inspired me every day.
Thanks
Gurpreet kaur
Explorers Values and Philosophy enlighten me in every way.
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FAQs
Where is the centre located?
We’re conveniently located on Goodison Grove. Our centre is just a short drive from Riverdale Village Shopping Centre so busy families can easily reach us.
Is there onsite or off-street parking for pickups and drop-offs?
Yes, we have both onsite and off-street parking available to make mornings hassle-free for when you pick up or drop off your children.
How can you get there by public transport?
Getting to Explorers Mt Cottrell is easy! Several bus routes service the area, making it convenient for families who rely on public transport. The closest train station is Tarneit Station. From there, you can take a short bus ride towards Riverdale Village Shopping Centre, then walk just a few minutes to our centre on Goodison Grove.
How does Explorers Mt Cottrell integrate sustainability into its indoor and outdoor learning environments?
We make sure that sustainability is a part of our everyday activities. We use eco-friendly materials in our centres and teach little ones how to care for their environment through activities like recycling or gardening.
What are the qualifications and experience levels of the educators at Explorers Mt Cottrell?
We make sure that our teachers aren’t just qualified for the role, but also exhibit a passion for early childhood education. Each member of our teaching staff has a warm and nurturing personality that creates an inviting atmosphere for learning.
How does Explorers Mt Cottrell accommodate children with dietary restrictions or allergies?
We take food allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. With an in-house chef preparing fresh meals daily, we can accommodate your child’s needs. Just let us know their restrictions and we’ll make sure to serve them the right meals.
In what ways are families encouraged to participate in their child's learning journey at Explorers Mt Cottrell?
Family is an important part of a child’s growth and development, so we regularly host events where everyone can come together along with activities that encourage parents to be included in their child’s learning journey.
What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children, especially during outdoor activities?
We prioritise safety by making sure our outdoor spaces are secure with age-appropriate playgrounds. We also have dedicated supervisors who are trained in first aid to keep a close eye on your little ones as they freely explore their environment through play.