Explore & Develop

Welcome to Explore & Develop North Ryde Public School

Scroll down to learn more about our service.

MEET THE OWNER

Stephanie Romano and Irene Vidaic

Stephanie Romano is the Nominated Supervisor of Explore & Develop North Ryde Public School and holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment where children feel a strong sense of belonging.

Stephanie loves seeing children’s confidence grow as they explore, discover and make sense of the world around them. A strong advocate for children’s rights and educator wellbeing, she believes that happy, supported educators create the best learning experiences for children.

Features

Family-owned and operated
Wild Kindy
Nature play program with a vegetable garden and native bees
Long-serving team with high qualifications
Local excursions
Tinkering program
Natural outdoor play area
Art program with Indigenous artist Rheanna Lotter

Our approach

Everything at our service from the design, furniture and resources have been carefully researched and selected to ensure an environment that is warm, relaxed, safe and secure where children are free to imagine, explore, create and discover so as to be continually learning about themselves, others and the world around them. We provide experiences for our children which include science, music, reptiles, sea life experiences, sewing, language classes, water safety, police talks, fire brigade visits, and cultural inclusion workshops, as part of our service.

  • The teachers there are great – Matilda loves all of them, saying what she has been doing with each of them during the day when we go back home. All the girls are lovely – they always have time to chat when I pick Matilda up about how she’s been doing the whole day. Matilda’s room leader Sarah is great and it shows she really cares for the kids-she has everything under control. Sara with her big smile always gives details with what Matilda has doing ( “she has a really good day” she says whenever she sees me).Jess and Corrina are born to work with kids. Bella is just an angel-beautiful person, truly devoted to what she does. Amanda – organised and practical – is down to earth and reliable-trustworthy for sure, kids love her!! I know they give Matilda loads of cuddles during the day- when we pick her up Matilda runs to each of them to give them goodbye cuddles. There is an atmosphere of love and friendliness in the day care – it’s hard to explain but I’m sure mums will sense that when they are there. The kids are happy. For me as a mum what is most important – whenever something happens to Matilda – like a scratch, they give me a call and let me know. They are very honest and say how things are, not colourising or making things up! The kids have organised time for everything – the teachers manage their time in a perfect way (reading books, dancing, singing, painting – the activities are diverse, Matilda never gets bored!) We have seen several other day cares but honestly no other can compare – because of the people working there. Enough said that we live far away from north Ryde and take our daughter there every day. We just have peace in our hearts while at work, knowing that she has fun and she is in a loving and safe environment. A big THANK YOU to all the staff working in Explore & Develop North Ryde – Girls, you are amazing!!!

    Aga
  • We have been continually impressed by the staff’s obvious love of their role in the childrens’ lives. They treat all children equally and with a well-balanced discipline, love and care that you would want from an educator. My children really enjoy going to daycare, and I think that says a lot about their experience daily.

    Thanks so much Explore & Develop North Ryde Public School.

    Kathlene

Learning Environments

Nursery

0 – 2 years

Our Bilby educators nurture our 12 beautiful babies, providing consistency between our babies’ home routines and their time at the Service. Every morning, educators take the opportunity to speak with parents, together deciding upon the best way the meet the child’s needs. We understand that babies can be unpredictable—sleepless nights, teething, nappy rash—so we are always flexible.

Our Bilby educators nurture our 12 beautiful babies, providing consistency between our babies’ home routines and their time at the Service. Every morning, educators…

Early learning

2 – 3 years

We understand that the toddler stage is full of transitions and we strive to support families and children as their skills emerge and expand. We work with families to ensure these transitions are well managed, and enable toddlers to gain confidence and self-esteem.

We understand that the toddler stage is full of transitions and we strive to support families and children as their skills emerge and expand….

Preschool

3 – 5 years

Our Possums and Wombats form our preschool groups, we provide them with a fun play-based, innovative educational program sourced through children’s interests. Our educators utilise the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) as the foundation of our preschool curriculum to achieve these outcomes. We support each child’s varied developmental needs and work to extend and their existing skills whilst intentionally designing experiences to support the development of new skills.

Our Possums and Wombats form our preschool groups, we provide them with a fun play-based, innovative educational program sourced through children’s interests. Our educators…

Outdoor environment

There is direct flow between our indoor and outdoor learning environments with two separate playgrounds, one for 0–2 year olds, and one for 2–5 year olds.

There is direct flow between our indoor and outdoor learning environments with two separate playgrounds, one for 0–2 year olds, and one for 2–5 year olds.

Rated 4.5 stars on Google

  • Shafagh Sh

    6 months ago

    Google

    would give E&DNRP 10 out of 5 if I could. My daughter, who is now in kindy, started there when she was just 8 months old and from day one, they became like family to us. The care, love, and genuine dedication they show to every child is truly remarkable. My daughter received warmth, kindness and food prepared with love and smile every single day. If you want your child to grow into a responsible, well behaved, confident, and kind human being, you will not find a better place. Steph is an incredible role model, beautiful inside and out, and has supported us in so many ways, even beyond her responsibilities. They truly live by their values and mission, and what makes it even more special is how closely those values align with ours as a family. How do you even rate people who cared for your child as if she were their own. kind, nurturing, yet firm when needed? It’s simply priceless. Forever grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

  • Bron Chris

    9 months ago

    Google

    This has been the most amazing day care. They take such time and care to create thoughtful learning experiences each day, with themes and mix of water play, practical and physical learning, stimulating the mind and heart etc. I am amazed at how my kid has grown, gone from crying everyday at drop off to not wanting to go home. The educators really care and management is excellent, listened to any concerns we had. We have talked potty training, how to practice manners and so many things. We are so sad that our time here is at an end. Thank you for everything

  • Adam and Olivia Li

    a year ago

    Google

    I've been to 4 different daycares with my kids. I feel this daycare has been the best, but most $$$. But worth the price tag. Just documentation, activities for kids and has a good balance of structured and unstructured play. Staff ratio is great, and for me, all the staff are proficient at English, which shows in documentation.

  • Bell Bell

    a year ago

    Google
  • Rachel Zbik

    a year ago

    Google

    All of the staff her are amazing. They are so kind and helpful and everyday they are smiling. I don’t know how they do it. Even the cook says hello every morning and afternoon as I walk through the hallway. Leaving here when we moved was the hardest thing. I would have stayed forever. All of my thanks to explore and develop north Ryde. They are amazing.

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)$189/day
Early learning (2-3 years)$181/day
Preschool (3-5 years)$170/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
154 Cox’s Road
North Ryde, NSW
2113

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