ABOUT EXPLORE & DEVELOP

Brookvale

Welcome to Explore & Develop Brookvale, a 48-place service and one of the smallest owner-operated early childhood services on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Conveniently located behind Westfield Brookvale on Old Pittwater Road, we offer a high-quality learning environment for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.

What truly sets us apart is the consistency and commitment of our team. Many of our educators have been with us for over 10 years. This is not a transient job—it’s a career and a calling. That stability creates deep, meaningful relationships and a strong sense of continuity for the children in our care. Our owner/operator is present daily and represents the heart and soul of our service.

Every classroom, including our nursery, is led by a university-qualified teacher. Our curriculum takes a holistic view of development, supporting each child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and interpersonal growth. We are passionate advocates for early intervention and work closely with a range of Allied Health partners to ensure every child has access to the support they need.

Involving parents and the community in the educational process creates a supportive learning ecosystem and strengthens the child’s sense of belonging.

We are proud to have been recently accredited through ACECQA, receiving Exceeding in all seven quality areas, demonstrating our commitment to going above and beyond the national standards in every aspect of early childhood education and care.

We view our learning environments as the “third teacher”, reinforcing the belief that learning happens everywhere—not just at tables or desks. Our approach places a strong emphasis on building and nurturing relationships among all members of the learning community—children, educators, families, and the wider community. These connections are essential for creating a supportive, inclusive, and enriching educational experience.

Consistency in staff

What truly sets us apart is the consistency, maturity, and commitment of our team. Many of our educators have been with us for over 10 years, creating strong, lasting relationships with children and families. We pride ourselves on having a stable, experienced team—we do not use agency casuals, and our educators are not transient. This continuity provides a deep sense of trust, familiarity, and belonging within our community.

Nurturing with intention

Our size allows us to build strong, authentic relationships with families, fostering a deep sense of trust and belonging We see ourselves as an extension of each family, walking alongside them in these formative years and creating a nurturing, responsive space where children feel safe, seen, and supported.

Holistic approach to learning

We embrace a holistic approach to learning that honours the rhythms of nature and the changing seasons. This philosophy supports the development of the whole child—emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively—by creating an environment where children feel connected to the world around them.

Inviting spaces

Our learning spaces are thoughtfully curated to invite wonder, exploration, and connection. Known for our beautiful invitations to play, we view the environment as the third teacher—intentionally shaping how children engage, feel, and learn. Each season brings a transformation: in Winter, fairy lights twinkle softly, cosy blankets offer warmth and comfort, and the gentle ritual of warm milk creates a sense of home and belonging. These seasonal changes reflect our commitment to creating nurturing, responsive environments that honour the rhythms of the year.

Transition to School program

Our dedicated Transition to School program is led by two Early Childhood Teachers who each hold a Bachelor of Education. They provide a rich and purposeful preschool program that supports children to develop the confidence, skills, and independence they need for a successful start to school. Our approach nurtures each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development while fostering a love of learning through play-based experiences and intentional teaching.

Safety and wellbeing

Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care. We strictly maintain educator-to-child ratios at all times, ensuring close supervision and individualised attention throughout the day. Our centre is also equipped with security cameras in classrooms, hallways, and common areas—never in private spaces such as bathrooms or nappy change areas. All footage is securely stored and can only be accessed by the owner/operator, ensuring both transparency and privacy are upheld.

OWNER / OPERATOR

of Explore & Develop Brookvale

Charlene

Explore & Develop Brookvale has been proudly independently owned and operated by qualified early childhood professional Charlene Fredman since 2008. As a mum to two grown-up children, Charlene brings both professional insight and personal understanding to the joys and challenges of raising a family.

Her family grounds her; they are the soul to who she is. Charlene is well aware of the struggles of having small children and going to work every day. At the time when Charlene opened the service her children were 3 and 5. While operating the service 5 days a week from 7.30-6.00, her husband Scott was her rock and able to have flexibility in providing the balance when Charlene was in the early stage of the business.

With a background in Human Resources, Charlene transitioned from a corporate career into early childhood education—but believes she never really left the HR space. “I’m still in the business of people,” she says. Holding a Diploma in Children’s Services, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, and a Diploma in Energetic Healing, Charlene draws on this unique blend of experience to foster genuine, heart-centred relationships with children, families, and her team.

“I truly believe that when we connect with our people, we build strong relationships—and strong relationships are the foundation of everything we do.”

A Welcome from Charlene

Welcome to Explore & Develop Brookvale.

I’ve always believed that—that how a space feels can shape how we connect, learn, and grow. You know that feeling when you walk into a room and you ‘know’ whether you are going to fit in or not. That is no different to walking into any space. When you walk into my service, you’ll notice I burn a candle this is the same candle that I would burn at home. It’s a simple gesture, but one that brings warmth, comfort, and a sense of calm to what some may find a stressful start to their day.

I love setting up spaces that make people feel welcome. Soft furnishings, natural light, and intentional design help turn each day from just a routine into a ritual—an opportunity for something meaningful to unfold.

Whether you’re a child, a parent, an educator, or a visitor, I want you to feel that you belong here.

Charlene Fredman
Owner & Operator

It is a pleasure to write this testimonial.
My first daughter Peggie started at Explore & Develop Brookvale when she was 9 months old, it was not easy leaving her but Charlene and the team made me feel better and reassured me she would be fine. Peggie is now 4.5, she thoroughly enjoys coming to pre-school and her sister Bessie is thriving in the baby room. We consider ourselves and our girls incredibly lucky to have got places at Explore and Develop when we did – we have never had any regrets.
I have taken for granted the strong relationship that I have with Charlene and her team at Explore & Develop, it is only when I speak to other mums with kids at other daycare centres that I realise that having such great relationships with the staff is not the norm. I love the clean, spacious, bright and nurturing environment that Explore & Develop provides, not just for the children but for the whole family. The low staff turnover means both our girls are really comfortable with all the staff and have known most of them for the whole time they have been at Explore & Develop. When my youngest Bessie started daycare she often came home smelling of perfume which gave me great comfort knowing she was held and hugged when she was feeling upset – she now walks into the baby room full of confidence and waves goodbye to me!
Charlene goes above and beyond in her efforts to integrate family with childcare creating a community environment for all involved, some examples include Christmas markets, summer picnics, experts coming in to talk about children behaviour/nutrition we also get regular emails about up and coming parenting seminars in the local area.
The team at Explore & Develop treats each child as an individual and helps them reach their full potential; we appreciate the care and guidance the staff has shown to our girls.
Our family are extremely happy with Explore & Develop Brookvale, i cant praise it enough!

Samantha Selby & Paul Valentine

Just a note to let you know how happy we are with Explore & Develop Brookvale. I was initially hesitant about sending Charlie to daycare but honestly could not have been more pleasantly surprised. It has made the transition for him an absolute breeze. He loves his kindy days and we are constantly impressed with the range of activities for him to engage in and the care and support from both Charlene and all the excellent teachers in the Bilbies room.
The daily photos and explanations of what the children are up to is a huge comfort to us as parents, seeing what they are up to each day and we are so grateful for the generous, gentle, loving, caring nature of everyone we’ve dealt with.
I cannot speak highly enough of this wonderful centre and I tell everyone of the fantastic experience we are having with Charlie at your centre and how we feel so very lucky to have found such a fantastic environment for Charlie to be in each week.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Natalie and Dave Smith

It’s a big decision finding the right day care for your child. I know for me it was. I have high standards and wanted to find a second home for my precious child. Without family around and having to work full time it was important I found that special place. I was recommended Explore & Develop by another mum & child care worker on Facebook and I hit the jackpot when I found the Brookvale centre! At first I hesitated moving from a centre with a backyard, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else! This centre offers so much more on every level and the outdoor area is brilliant and ever-evolving. My child leaves for school next year and I just wish he could stay at Charlene’s centre til high school!! It’s not only the community feel and small centre that’s appealing, it’s the reassurance knowing you have an onsite director and owner who puts her heart and soul into the centre – down to the amazing indoor and outdoor play equipment, the activity based learning, the education standards, the incursions, to the high quality food served and most importantly, the outstanding, caring and engaging teaching staff – it’s no wonder the staff never leave! It’s all about the little things and Explore & Develop Brookvale has it. And at the end of the day you can tell how wonderful the centre is by the smiles on the children’s faces, they’re content and love being there – my child included. I could go on, so please feel free to contact me via Charlene and I will gladly vouch my words for those that are seeking reassurance.

Melissa Nolan (Joel aged 4)

From day one, we absolutely loved this centre. Charlene, the centre’s owner and Director, is amazing! Working tirelessly to make sure everything is managed and maintained to the highest standard – while ensuring a wonderfully warm, welcoming and family-focussed environment. This centre is truly unique. Our boys have always been encouraged to explore and participate freely, invited to test their own boundaries and limits, and are provided with a wealth of the most exciting and creative learning opportunities on a daily basis! The staff at the centre demonstrate amazing patience and love for our boys. It is so wonderful knowing that when I drop them off in the morning, they will be looked after with nothing but care and kindness, by people they really trust. We feel really lucky to be part of the Explore & Develop family. Thank you to Charlene and the team!

Catherine Adlebert

I’ve been really happy with the results at Explore & Develop Brookvale. Their balance of educational versus playtime is outstanding and their contribution to my son’s development over the last few years has been significant. It’s put him in very good stead for school next year. Our son looks forward to preschool each day and that makes me very happy.

Andrew Heywood

LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Explore & Develop Brookvale

Explore and Develop Brookvale Child Care

0 – 2.5 years

We work closely with families to ensure consistency between the baby’s home life and their time at the service, which gives our youngest children an important sense of security, allowing them to build confidence and begin to explore. Led by an Early Childhood Teacher, our nursery room educators have also received expert sleep and settling training through our partnership with the Tresillian organisation.

2 – 3 years

The toddler years are a busy stage of development where children are intent on discovering new things about themselves and their environment. Small group sizes and high educator-to-child ratios allow us to offer a variety of child-led, child-inspired and educator-guided opportunities. We value play-based learning as an ideal context for young children’s development and this is reflected in our practice.

3 – 5 years

Our best-practice Preschool program is Reggio-inspired, holistic and enquiry-driven. Woven intrinsically into the Early Years Learning Framework (the national curriculum for the early childhood years), we recognise the importance and value of play. As such, our programs are child-centred and play-focused. Each opportunity for play that is introduced has an underlying objective – whether it be the development of early language, math or STEM skills, or to support social and emotional development through engagement and interaction with peers.

Outdoor environment

We have two separate outdoor spaces catering to our Babies and our Toddlers/Preschoolers, ensuring that all children feel safe, secure and confident to explore their natural surroundings. Our beautiful backdrop of established trees, shrubs, garden beds, rocks, grass areas, edible gardens, digging patch and sandpits offer opportunities for open-ended imaginative play and a variety of sensory experiences. These opportunities allow children to strengthen their sense of agency and gain an understanding about the natural world and the importance of sustainability.

TESTIMONIALS

Explore & Develop Brookvale

kusum Gurung 2 months ago

Charlene is such an incredible director. The centre is unbelievable, so welcoming, warm and cosy which brings in like a vibe of home environment. Even the staff members who are very supportive, nurturing at the same time, amazing team staff members.
I would highly recommend this centre without any doubt as the care for the children are trustworthy and professional.

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Daniel 2 months ago

Our Little one is there now for 2 years. The educators are amazing,the venue is a great place with lots of green and outdoor space. They really focus on environmental topics and their communication and eduction is outstanding. You get a very warm and welcoming feeling as soon as you enter the place. Well done E&D team

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Emma Chapman 3 months ago

A wonderful daycare with caring, long term staff. Recommend.

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lesley k 4 months ago

What truly stands out to me is their extensive knowledge and experience in early childhood education. It's clear that they prioritize both learning and play, fostering a nurturing atmosphere where kids can thrive. The long-standing staff members have built strong connections with the children, creating a sense of stability and trust that is so important for young ones.

I can see the positive impact on my child’s development. The genuine bond that the staff forms with the kids is heartwarming; you can tell they truly care about each child's well-being.

Highly recommended, It has been a wonderful experience for us, and I feel so fortunate to have found such a fantastic place for my child and our family.

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Katy Pilar 5 months ago

I could not feel more fortunate to have found Explore and Develop Brookvale for our two boys (1 and 3). The centre is the perfect fit for our family; it is large enough to give us the reliability and structure we were seeking, while still offering a warm, homely environment with time in the day for kids to mix with other ages. Many of the educators have been at the centre for 10+ years and all the staff have an obvious passion for their work, bringing bottomless patience, joy and kindness every day. There is a true sense of community at the centre that flows between the parents, kids and educators. Such good vibes all round. Can’t recommend highly enough.

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Catherine | My Yoga Playground 6 months ago

I have been teaching weekly yoga and mindfulness classes at E&D Brookvale since May 2024, and it has been such a pleasure to guide the preschoolers and toddlers through playful, mindful and engaging sessions each week.
From the initial session they were immediately engaged, and as the weeks progressed, the children really embraced each session with such enthusiasm and curiosity.

Every week, I am greeted so warmly by the children, receiving big hugs from them as soon as I arrive. It has been a highlight of my week to guide the children to experience the benefits and magic of yoga.

They have loved learning and practising the yoga poses, breathing exercises, mindful activities, partner poses, games and relaxation techniques. It warms my heart when the children tell me they have been practising at home or when I receive parent feedback from the educators. Not only have the children developed on a physical level, but also their focus, memory, body awareness, self-confidence and emotional regulation. Witnessing them chant a mantra meditation together for 3minutes+ is one of the most mesmerising parts of the session.

The educators in the rooms are exceptional, so welcoming, kind, caring and attentive and are always keen to join in on the sessions too. The preschool room have been implementing some of the breathing exercises and mindful techniques into their daily routine off the mat, including affirmations, breathing exercises and meditations - a beautiful testament to the educators' commitment to the holistic wellbeing of the children as they prepare for school.

It is a truly beautiful centre that has such a wholesome, cosy vibe with engaging learning environments. I highly recommend this centre for any families looking for a safe, nurturing and holistic environment for their children. A centre where the children’s wellbeing (rather than numbers) is priority number one! You won’t regret it!

Tegan and Charlene have been so supportive and I am so grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to be part of the children’s early learning years and giving them the gift of yoga. Thank you E&D Brookvale. I look forward to more magical sessions in 2025.

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