Explore & Develop - Artarmon

At Explore & Develop Artarmon, it is our vision to create a high-quality Early Childhood environment which strives to continually grow and evolve and impacts the lives of children, families, educators and the wider community, in many ways. Our service’s philosophy supports this, drawing on the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, and the Australian National Law and Regulations.With these, and our professional ethics and Reconciliation Action Plan, we aim to create an environment which promotes diversity, inclusion and social equity.

Supported by strong relationships created at the service, our objective is to provide a play-based curriculum for children that encourages thinking, investigating, exploring and problem solving, using a variety of mediums. Our curriculum is guided by the National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) as well as many other Early Childhood teaching theories and curriculum perspectives.

In relation to school-readiness and transition to school, Explore & Develop Artarmon has a strong commitment to provide an environment which focuses on developing skills that will not only benefit children when they go to school, but also throughout life. We begin this process right from the babies room, and focus on developing skills and dispositions such as perseverance, conflict resolution, empathy, curiosity, creativity and self-expression. It is our aim to develop diverse strategies and approaches to learning to ensure children transition to school feeling confident and capable about their ability to take on learning challenges.

Individually owned and operated

Explore & Develop Artarmon is owned and operated by two Early Childhood teachers who work closely to inspire and lead educators in providing a high-quality curriculum, and a secure and stimulating environment for children and families.

Exceeding National Quality Standard

Our service was one of the first in Australia to be assessed under the National Quality Framework as “Exceeding the National Quality Standard” across all seven quality areas. We have maintained our “Exceeding” rating again in 2018 and continue to work consistently in reflection on our daily practice and continual improvement planning.

Community and family focused

Developing consistent and trusting relationships between children, families and educators is our main focus, which assists in fostering a strong sense of community and provides a solid foundation for developing the children’s learning environment. As educators move their class through the service each year, we are able to support and maintain these close relationships.

Experienced teachers and culturally diverse team

Our team exceeds the national standards for qualifications and ratios and we strongly value the extension of professional learning and long term retention of excellent educators. Our educators represent a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, languages and experiences.

Inclusive, anti-bias play-based curriculum

Our service’s philosophy supports a broad and inclusive play-based curriculum which focuses on supporting children’s dispositions for learning as well as investigating their ideas, perceptions and concepts within the world around them.

Natural outdoor environment extending beyond

Our outdoor space is richly resourced with open-ended and natural materials where children are encouraged to experience all of the elements and broad learning opportunities that the outdoors provide. We regularly venture outside of the service on bush walks, and to engage with the local community.