Explore & Develop

Welcome to Explore & Develop Artarmon Campbell St

Scroll down to learn more about our service.

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Monday – Friday 7.30am – 6.00pm
11-13 Campbell Street Artarmon 2064
(02) 9436 2155

6 weeks to 6 years

We are a child-safe organisation

Owners

of Explore & Develop Artarmon Campbell St

Alison

Alison has 30 years’ experience in early childhood, and is a proud owner of Explore & Develop Artarmon – Campbell Street, the only service in Artarmon rated Exceeding in the National Quality Standards. Alison strives for excellence and believes that a strong, supported team are the heart of a service. Alison is committed to helping the next generation  become confident, capable and ready to embrace new challenges.

Laura

Laura is a director at Explore & Develop Artarmon, and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters of Teaching. With many years of experience, Laura has seen the benefits for all children in having the opportunity to engage in high-quality Early Childhood Education. She believes that teaching and learning is a reciprocal process between children, families and educators, and that together we can support learning and development through shared partnerships. Laura has particular interests in curriculum support, Indigenous perspectives, infant and toddler pedagogies, leadership and mentoring.

Features

In-house cook
Intergenerational program
Nappies, wipes, bottles and formula provided
Multi-lingual educators
Family owned and operated
Natural outdoor environment
Local excursions
Long-serving team

Our approach

Curiosity and connection are the cornerstones of our service philosophy. We encourage wisdom in wonder, and strive to positively impact the lives of our children, families, educators and the wider community.

We are one big extended family, building and maintaining strong relationships from birth to school age. We promote socially just practices and actively resist exclusion, and we recognise the power of listening without judgement. We advocate for everyone to have a voice and we support those who may need help being heard to actively contribute.

  • Our family has been part of the Explore & Develop Artarmon Daycare and Preschool community since my daughter was 10 months old. Starting in the babies room and now finishing in the seniors preschool room at the end of the year, I cannot rate this center highly enough. I pushed hard to get a place here based on high recommendations from two colleagues, and after years of full time attendance, it has been the best decision for our daughter’s development.

    The environment is exceptionally warm and welcoming. The leadership team is excellent, and they have successfully created a family friendly atmosphere where every child is supported to grow and thrive. The staff truly feel like an extended family; they supported me immensely as a new parent whose extended family network is all in the UK, making our entire daycare journey and my return to work feel seamless.

    The facilities are wonderful, especially the yard which is full of plants and beautifully cared for. A standout feature is the onsite chef; the quality of the meals is outstanding. Knowing my daughter receives a hot, nutritious meal every day provides such peace of mind for a busy working parent. Special thanks go to the teachers who care so much about our daughter & to all the fun incursions & excursions they’ve organised too. As we prepare for the transition to primary school, we are genuinely sad to say farewell. I highly recommend this center to any parent looking for a supportive, nurturing, and professional childcare & preschool environment.
    Katie Cooke

  • We love E&D Artarmon! It’s hard leaving your precious babies in the care of others, but finding a space that you trust and people you trust has made all he difference for us. Our eldest started in the Babies Room and is now in the Seniors Room (starting school next year!) and our youngest started this year in the Babies Room! Some of the same educators that looked after our eldest in the Babies Room are now looking after the baby!

     

    We toured about 10 centres before deciding on E&D. Instinctively I just felt it was the right environment plus got a warm vibe from the educators I met when I toured the centre (that has held true in all our years here!). It is meticulously run, really child focused, the staff there seem happy and stay long term! I love the outdoor space it has. It may not be as shiny and new as some other places but that was at the bottom of my list of priorities. Honestly we are so happy to be here and recommend for any family to check out!
    Amardeep

  • We’ve had 3 girls at Explore and Develop Artarmon for over 6 years (and counting!) and you can tell all the staff and educators really care about the kids. It’s not just a job for them but you can see how Alison invests in the staff and educators which in turn, results in the staff investing in the kids. The longevity of the educators speaks for itself which is great for the centre but also great for having those consistent faces for the children across their time at E&D. The room leaders and many of the educators change rooms along with their cohort to give the kids consistency there too. They are big on parent collaboration and community and we’re so grateful our girls found a home away from home during those crucial early childhood years. Thank you for all you do!
    Shenn

  • I also wanted to add my thanks to you and your wonderful team. The effort and care you have all put into making Dan feel safe and enjoy his time with you has been very much appreciated. Thank you for looking out for our little guy!
    Kym

  • I wanted to take a moment to pass on my deepest gratitude for Aurelio’s introduction to E&D.  Our entire experience has been beyond any expectations that I had and has provided a level of comfort to me that my little boy is not only safe physically, but also mentally and emotionally as well.

    From attending our tour, to working with you to find a spot for Aurelio, to the flexibility with my family situation and the warm accommodation of my needs around feeling comfortable as Aurelio and I transition to the next phase of our lives – it has been humbling.

    Every time we are there, every single member of the team (not just in the babies room) have been helpful, kind, friendly and welcoming – particularly with me being in the staff room and sometimes teary.  The offers of water, coffee, tea, checking if I’m okay, asking if I need anything etc from a number of different members of your team just shows the culture you’ve created and how kindness is a core value for your team.  I imagine a lot of first time parents may have similar feelings when their little one starts their early education journey and it’s important for me to share that my personal experience has been such a positive one.

    The team in the babies room have been amazing.  I’m still learning all the educators names so forgive me for not being able to call them all out, any of the team that have worked on the days that Aurelio and I have been there – have been INCREDIBLE.   Truly.  There are already too many things to list on the little things (that are actually big things for me) that the team have done that made my heart feel full and reassured me that E&D is the right place for Aurelio and I.  Waking into the babies room, my little boy is greeted with happiness and I am supported in taking things step by step in leaving Aurelio.  From coming downstairs to update me with pictures, to calling me when I left him there for the first time (I was hysterical), to welcoming me to sit in the babies room until I was ready to leave – just some examples.

    Please pass on (as appropriate) my heartfelt appreciation.  Aurelio is the greatest gift of my life and finding E&D has been a blessing from the universe.
    Charlene

  • Our family has loved being part of the Explore and Develop Artarmon community. Over many years this centre has provided high quality education and care to both our daughters. We joined the centre at the beginning of 2019 and our youngest daughter finished at the end of 2024 to go to school. Both children have loved their time there as they transitioned through each room.

    Each stage is carefully observed, planned for and reflected upon. Both of our children have been a part of an inclusive class based on relationships and friendships. The onsite chef is so friendly, caring and knowledgeable. He makes fresh and healthy meals using fresh produce. Sometimes from their very own veggie garden.

    The centre fosters a love of the outdoors through its engaging outdoor environment and excursions. The centre management and educators are highly qualified and knowledgeable. We would recommend Explore and Develop Artarmon to any families looking for quality early childhood education.
    Cameron

  • From the moment I walked into Explore & Develop Artarmon, I knew this was where I wanted my son to attend daycare. The educators are an extension of our family – they care for our little people in a way that I couldn’t have expected but am always grateful. Explore & Develop always handle everything with absolute professionalism, care and with child’s immediate needs come first. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Explore & Develop Artarmon to prospective parents.
    Joanne Schofield

  • I absolutely love Explore & Develop, we came from another centre that just wasn’t the right fit for us; everyone at E & D made the transition smooth for my daughter and myself, and the management team have been so great with any queries I have. Amelia has had such an amazing bond with all her teachers and she has grown so much being in such a nurturing environment. I look forward to seeing the evolving relationship with her new teachers next year and hearing about all the new things she can’t wait to tell me about when I pick her up. I cannot recommend the centre highly enough to anyone looking for a day-care centre!
    Justine Simpson

  • This is truly a well-rounded centre that allows our children to flourish and be well prepared for their next step in life. Our son has been part of the Explore & Develop Artarmon family for the past 4 years and we couldn’t feel happier or more grateful with our journey at this learning service. From having peace of mind by knowing that he is in a safe place where he is well cared for, loved, respected, encouraged to learn and experience, taught all sorts of life and social skills, in a word happy, to the fun activities and engaging experiences that his highly qualified educators provided to help develop his curious little mind. Thank you so very much for having given Isaac a safe space to explore and develop during his early years, and most especially for the invaluable love and care that he received every day during this time. We are blessed for having been part of your family.
    Ivonne, Isaac & Francisco

  • The staff really care, it is a lovely nurturing environment with carers that are there to give the children the best experience they can. My 2 children have both been at Explore & Develop Artarmon and have worked their way through the babies, toddlers, junior preschool and senior preschool rooms. I just love the place! A lot of the staff have been there for a long time (as long as my 5 years there at least!) and it is so special that they have been a part of my children’s lives as they have turned from babies into school age and really know their personalities. I believe a key reason for the great culture is that it is run really well by the directors, who are parents themselves and completely understand what a service like this needs. I feel incredibly lucky that I found this place, and that my children had the experience they have over the years. Definitely one happy customer!
    Kirsten Knappett

  • Our entire experience has been beyond any expectations that I had and has provided a level of comfort to me that my little boy is not only safe physically, but also mentally and emotionally as well.

    From attending our tour, to working with you to find a spot for Max, to the flexibility with my family situation and the warm accommodation of my needs around feeling comfortable as Max and I transition to the next phase of our lives – it has been humbling.

    Every time we are there, every single member of the team (not just in the babies room) have been helpful, kind, friendly and welcoming – particularly with me being in the staff room and sometimes teary.  The offers of water, coffee, tea, checking if I’m okay, asking if I need anything etc from a number of different members of your team just shows the culture you’ve created and how kindness is a core value for your team.  I imagine a lot of first time parents may have similar feelings when their little one starts their early education journey and it’s important for me to share that my personal experience has been such a positive one.

    The team in the babies room have been amazing.  I’m still learning all the educators names so forgive me for not being able to call them all out, any of the team that have worked on the days that Max and I have been there – have been INCREDIBLE.  Truly.  There are already too many things to list on the little things (that are actually big things for me) that the team have done that made my heart feel full and reassured me that E&D is the right place for Max and I.  Walking into the babies room, my little boy is greeted with happiness and I am supported in taking things step by step in leaving Max.  From coming downstairs to update me with pictures, to calling me when I left him there for the first time (I was hysterical), to welcoming me to sit in the babies room until I was ready to leave – just some examples.

    Please pass on my heartfelt appreciation.  Max is the greatest gift of my life and finding E&D Artarmon has been a blessing from the universe.
    Sarah & Max

  • My daughter was a baby when she started and loves going to Explore & Develop Artarmon. She feels she belongs and is comfortable with her friends and educators. Every time I pick her up, she is always busy playing in different parts of the room. I like that there is a huge outdoor area for the Babies Room separate from the bigger playground, which means I know that my daughter would be having lots of fun outdoor safely. The educators are always happy and vibrant. I appreciate that they are also attentive to the parent’s concern of our child there.
    Nadirah Boyle

  • I find all of the staff at Explore & Develop very friendly and extremely helpful and would highly recommend the service. My 3 year old daughter has been attending Explore & Develop Artarmon since she was 8 months old and she absolutely loves it. She is constantly being stimulated and challenged by her educators and always has lots of fun. Her Educators are very kind and loving and they have a genuine interest in all of the children in their care. They take the time to nurture each of the children’s individual needs.
    Sarah Lonergan

Learning Environments

Babies Room

0–2 years, 16 places

In the Babies Room, our curriculum is designed around a relationship-based approach to pedagogy. Within this approach, we view care as curriculum. This means that we see routine times such as meals, nappy changes, bottles and sleeps as important opportunities for learning. We take a flexible approach to our routines, enabling children and educators the time and space they need to develop secure, supportive and respectful relationships.

In the Babies Room, our curriculum is designed around a relationship-based approach to pedagogy. Within this approach, we view care as curriculum. This means…

Toddlers Room

2–3 years, 20 places

In the Toddlers Room we take a flexible approach to our routine. The children are at a time in their lives where they are grappling with two strong, yet opposing, desires: the desire to do things for themselves, coupled with the desire to have things done for them (Greenman, Stonehouse & Schweikert, 2008). We recognise that they need ample time in their day to have conversations, negotiate, process language, think, make decisions, and come to understand themselves and what they are capable of achieving.

In the Toddlers Room we take a flexible approach to our routine. The children are at a time in their lives where they are…

Junior Preschool Room

3–4 years, 20 places

In our Junior Preschool Room, we continue to build on the foundations that will ensure a lifelong love of learning for all children. The curriculum in this room begins to follow a deeper project-based approach. With a focus on questioning, investigating and problem solving, the children are supported in their process of gaining the skills of independence. We have a play-based approach to teaching and learning, intertwining Literacy, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics through our daily program and play experiences.

In our Junior Preschool Room, we continue to build on the foundations that will ensure a lifelong love of learning for all children. The curriculum in this room begins to follow a deeper project-based approach. With a focus on questioning, investigating and problem solving, the children are supported in their process of gaining the skills of independence. We have a play-based approach to teaching and learning, intertwining Literacy, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics through our daily program and play experiences.

Senior Preschool Room

4–6 years, 20 places.

Our Senior Preschool room is a thoughtfully designed play-based environment which equips children with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully transition to ‘big school’ the following year. Within a literacy and numeracy rich environment, children are encouraged to take on responsibility within the room. Our Seniors curriculum has an emphasis on deepening projects to focus on equity, inclusion, fairness and social justice as well as fostering social and emotional skills such as curiosity, resourcefulness, independent thinking, problem solving, initiative and perseverance.

Our Senior Preschool room is a thoughtfully designed play-based environment which equips children with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully transition to ‘big school’ the following year. Within a literacy and numeracy rich environment, children are encouraged to take on responsibility within the room. Our Seniors curriculum has an emphasis on deepening projects to focus on equity, inclusion, fairness and social justice as well as fostering social and emotional skills such as curiosity, resourcefulness, independent thinking, problem solving, initiative and perseverance.

Outdoor environment

• The outdoor environment offers a versatile, flexible and adaptable green space with movable play resources.
• There are countless learning opportunities with small places to encounter, an adventure playground to challenge, and natural elements to explore.
• A place to connect to the natural environment and the outside elements with gardening, worm farming, bush tucker plants and native bees.
• Discovery of mud in our dirt pit and large sand pits to explore.
• Loose parts resources are sustainably collected and encourage play with reclaimed, repurposed and natural materials.
• Physically active play opportunities with our Fun Moves sessions, bikes and scooters, spider swing and rope ladders.

• The outdoor environment offers a versatile, flexible and adaptable green space with movable play resources. • There are countless learning opportunities with small places to encounter, an adventure playground to challenge, and natural elements to explore. • A place to connect to the natural environment and the outside elements with gardening, worm farming, bush tucker plants and native bees. • Discovery of mud in our dirt pit and large sand pits to explore. • Loose parts resources are sustainably collected and encourage play with reclaimed, repurposed and natural materials. • Physically active play opportunities with our Fun Moves sessions, bikes and scooters, spider swing and rope ladders.

Rated 4.8 stars on Google

  • Samantha Wong

    2 months ago

    Google

    Our son has been at E&D for over a year, starting in the baby room and now in the toddler room. We are very happy with our choice. They are so professionally run, genuinely loving and attentive to the kids in their care. I get the strong sense they take care of and invest in their staff, and that enables them to be 100% focussed on what’s best for the children. Oh and the food is incredible – so healthy and all cooked from scratch on site. If you want a centre that is oriented around parent needs vs child needs, it may not be the right fit, but I honestly can’t imagine sending my son anywhere else.

  • Hannah L

    5 months ago

    Google

    We couldn’t be happier with Explore and Develop Artarmon. Teaching children to be kind, curious and well-rounded. Our daughter comes home every day buzzing about the garden, games, arts and crafts. The little things make it so special. The educators are wonderful and most have been there for years. Our two children have built such strong relationships with them and we cannot thank them enough for the love and care they show our kids every day.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • Susie Jackson

    5 months ago

    Google

    I know firsthand how daunting it can be trying to find the right daycare, especially as a first-time parent. That’s exactly why I wanted to share our experience and hopefully provide some reassurance, this is truly the best place you could send your children. We have been part of the Explore & Develop Artarmon family since 2022, and my girls genuinely feel like it’s their second home. The educators are some of the most caring people you will ever meet. They build such strong, meaningful connections with the children and go above and beyond to make every child feel safe, supported, and valued. One thing we absolutely love is how they take the time at pick-up to share little moments from the day. It means so much hearing about what the kids have been up to and the special interactions they’ve had, it really shows how much they care. Every six months, they also provide a beautiful, detailed report on your child’s development and what they’ve achieved and honestly… have the tissues ready! It’s such a special way to see how much they’ve grown and how well they’re being supported. They’ve also recently opened a second centre on Dickson Ave, with the same owner, Alison, who is very hands-on and genuinely cares for every child as if they were her own. We feel incredibly lucky to have found such a warm, supportive environment for our children and couldn’t recommend them more highly.

  • Katie Cooke

    5 months ago

    Google

    Our family has been part of the Explore & Develop Artarmon Daycare and Preschool community since my daughter was 10 months old. Starting in the babies room and now finishing in the seniors preschool room at the end of the year, I cannot rate this center highly enough. I pushed hard to get a place here based on high recommendations from two colleagues, and after years of full time attendance, it has been the best decision for our daughter’s development. The environment is exceptionally warm and welcoming. The leadership team is excellent, and they have successfully created a family friendly atmosphere where every child is supported to grow and thrive. The staff truly feel like an extended family; they supported me immensely as a new parent whose extended family network is all in the UK, making our entire daycare journey and my return to work feel seamless. The facilities are wonderful, especially the yard which is full of plants and beautifully cared for. A standout feature is the onsite chef; the quality of the meals is outstanding. Knowing my daughter receives a hot, nutritious meal every day provides such peace of mind for a busy working parent. Special thanks go to the teachers who care so much about our daughter & to all the fun incursions & excursions they’ve organised too. As we prepare for the transition to primary school, we are genuinely sad to say farewell. I highly recommend this center to any parent looking for a supportive, nurturing, and professional childcare & preschool environment.

  • Ian Wood

    a year ago

    Google

    Fantastic staff who really care for your child. We couldn't be happier with the teachers and the friendships created at E and D Artarmon.

Fees & Inclusions

The daily fees for 2026

We are an approved Child Care Subsidy (CCS) service, which means eligible families will receive three days per week of subsidised care.

Use our CCS calculator for an estimate of your individual fees, or contact us and we’ll help you with it.

Our 2026 fees are outlined below. Note these fees are before CCS, which will significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Our service is also eligible for Start Strong Fee Relief, providing a further saving for families of 3- and 4-year-old children, in addition to CCS.

AGE GROUPDAILY FEE (BEFORE CCS and Start Strong)
Nursery (0-2 years)$182/day
Early learning (2-3 years)$176/day
Preschool (3-5 years)$166/day

Our daily fee is all-inclusive, covering nutritious meals, snacks and drinks, nappies, wipes, sunscreen, bedding, educational programs and learning materials.

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Contact us

Monday – Friday 7.30am – 6.00pm
11-13 Campbell Street Artarmon 2064
(02) 9436 2155

High-quality education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years

We are a child-safe organisation