At Explore & Develop Rhodes, our approach is guided by a strong commitment to child safety, ethical practice and respectful relationships. We support children to grow and learn in safe and inspiring environments where the foundations for a lifelong love of learning and curiosity are nurtured. We recognise every child as a unique individual and value their ideas, voices and cultural identity. By listening to children and engaging with their perspectives, we create meaningful learning experiences and a curriculum that fosters curiosity, supports a strong sense of security and belonging and builds confidence in each child.
We recognise the importance of quality education and care, which is led by our experienced and highly qualified educators. Guided by curiosity, creativity and play, we provide a stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore their world, ask questions and express a sense of wonder about the things they discover. Through rich play-based experiences and a child-centred curriculum, children develop the confidence to investigate, imagine and problem solve. Our curriculum nurtures capable and creative learners while supporting important skills that will prepare children for school and beyond.
Located within the Rhodes Recreation Centre and surrounded by beautiful foreshore parks and tranquil riverside walks, we believe in building strong connections with our families and the wider community by heading beyond the gate to embrace the Rhodes community and to explore the land that surrounds us.
With dedicated car parking and onsite pram storage, we are easily accessible both by car and on foot, conveniently located next to Rhodes Central and Rhodes train station.
We warmly invite you and your family into our environment, where lifelong learning begins.
Owned and operated by local early childhood professionals with over 35 years of collective experience, we have a strong commitment to the provision of high-quality care and education for our community. We work alongside our team daily, which instils our values and beliefs and creates a culture of passion and professionalism within the team.
We believe that children need to feel connected to the land and explore their surrounding environments to develop a deeper understanding of Country, and an appreciation for the diverse cultures that surrounds them. We actively engage with our local community by participating in events and heading beyond the gate on regular excursions to explore and learn. This is an integral part of our curriculum, that helps to teach children about the world in which they live and fuels their naturally inquisitive minds.
We have a team of highly qualified educators and university qualified teachers. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, professionalism to their role and are committed to providing high-quality education and care. We value providing our team with professional development opportunities to enrich their knowledge and expertise and to keep up to date with current research, practice and pedagogy, resulting in long term career growth and quality education for our children.
Recognising the importance of early literacy and numeracy skills, social and emotional development, as well as physical development and co-ordination, our highly qualified teachers develop educational curriculums that are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework which supports your child’s transition to school. This approach gives your child the important skills to help them start school as a confident, capable and independent learner, creating a smooth transition to school.
Using high-quality ingredients, our dedicated on-site chef prepares fresh and nutritionally balanced meals onsite each day. Our menu is thoughtfully designed to support children’s growth and development, ensuring they receive the nourishment they need while in our care.
Our indoor and outdoor spaces have been purposefully designed in collaboration with leading architects and landscape designers to create environments that feel welcoming and home-like. With access to fresh air and engaging outdoor areas, children can explore, take appropriate risks and connect with the natural world. We incorporate sustainable resources and materials throughout our environments, supporting both environmental responsibility and meaningful learning.
Co-owners Kahra, Alison and Belinda have more than 35 years’ combined experience in early childhood education, including over a decade working together at Explore & Develop Leichhardt, a service rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standards.
As local mothers we are passionate about providing opportunities for children to imagine, explore and thrive in their early years.
Kahra is a Diploma trained educator with near 20 years of experience working as an educator, Educational Leader and Nominated Supervisor in the early childhood sector. As the Nominated Supervisor, Kahra will be onsite daily to support the team and families, and to share her knowledge of early childhood development, education and care.
Alison & Belinda will also available to support families with enrolment and educator enquiries and helping families navigate the Child Care Subsidy.
Together, we aim to create a safe, welcoming and positive environment that supports all families, helping children feel secure and supported.
We appreciate that for most children, our service is the first education and care environment that they encounter. We aim to provide a welcoming and home-like ambience where children feel a sense of security and belonging. We work closely with families to mirror routines of home.
At the toddler stage we focus on encouraging the development of early social relationships through language and positive communication, negotiation and empathy, as well as supporting the children with toilet training and the development of independent self-help skills.
Led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, our Preschool curriculums aim to equip children with the skills necessary for a confident transition to school – including literacy and numeracy skills, language development, motor coordination, social skills and emotional regulation.
Transitioning to school is about more than simply reaching a certain age, it’s about being ready .For a successful and happy transition to school, children need to have a good comprehension of language, motor co-ordination, social and emotional skills and facilitated development of literacy and numeracy confidence. Our educators utilise the Early Years Learning Framework as the foundation of our preschool curriculum.
Our outdoor environments are thoughtfully designed to suit different age groups, featuring open-air spaces that allows for fresh air and exploration in all weather conditions. These areas encourage active movement, support physical development, and offer engaging sensory experiences, while helping children build a meaningful connection with the natural world.
Ground Floor, Rhodes Recreation Centre
6 Gauthorpe St, Rhodes NSW 2138
Monday – Friday
7.30am – 6.00pm
