Explore & Develop Waitara

"I strongly do not recommend this kindergarten. The principal is forceful, rude, and unreasonable, shirking responsibility and distorting facts. My child went to this kindergarten for the first time, and within just two days, was pushed twice by other children, causing him to cry loudly. Now my child does not want to go to kindergarten and has suffered serious emotional trauma. The principal even justified their actions by referring to their family rules, saying that we violated their principle of teaching other people's children. We only intervened because, at the time, all the teachers saw my child being pushed and no one did anything. If it weren't for the negligence of the educators, we parents wouldn't have interfered. Their rules are not the law. As parents, we have the right to protect our children, regardless of the environment, as long as we are not violating the law. This is our fundamental right. This kindergarten is currently under a two-week investigation by the NSW Department of Education. I advise everyone not to send their children to such an irresponsible kindergarten that can cause physical and emotional harm.

🦊What a kind paradise🐯

My son has been with the centre for half a year. We can't be happier with the centre. All the staff are caring and friendly. My son is thrived in that environment. He always walks into the room with confidence, the educators always give him a big cuddle in the morning. Such a loving and caring env! Kids are also involved in many activities to learn and appreciate different cultures. Amazing!

Terrible, terrible experience. Safety not their priority. Would not recommend. Go somewhere else, plenty of better ones in the Hornsby/Waitara area.

Both of our children have gone through E&D over the course of nearly 8 years and through this time there are still a lot of the staff who were there from Day 1. They even remember our eldest child. The food that they provide the children is cooked daily and they take on ideas from families for other menu items that can be served. The educators are wonderful and caring and they all know the kids names throughout the centre. They also have a large backyard for the kids to play in which is a lot larger compared to others that I viewed in the area.

Let me start by saying that when I was finally ready to send my daughter to Explore and Develop Waitara she was 2 years old and I was the one with separation anxiety not her. However just walking through the center talking with Jo that first time and seeing how it was run with the emphasis being on keeping my daughter safe, happy and encouraged her development I knew I had made the right choice. Jo’s dedication to keeping all aspects of her children’s and employees welfare top of mind was completely evident from her constant involvement in all aspects of the center. During the lockdowns her high standard of care allowed me to be completely at ease with the health and safety of my daughter. All the educators are amazing!!!!! They take the time to get to know your child to work with them towards developmental goals and they are so easy to talk to about any issues or questions you may have about your child that I was completely reliant on their advice and suggestions when it came to the constantly changing requirements of my daughter as she grew up. Thanks to Jo, the educators and the support staff my daughter is a confident, empathetic, mischievous ball of energy who has thrived during the 4 years she has spent at EDW. Both she and I were extremely sad to leave as she started kindergarten this year but with everyone at EDW support she has transitioned beautifully to “big school”. Thank you Jo for the amazing 4 years at EDW. Natasha

We had our son in E&D since 2019 and just before Christmas, he graduated from this lovely place. We had so much positive experience here, not only for the kids but also for us as parents. The most loving part I wanted to emphasise is this whole service is trying their best to delay kids access to digital devices. Jo might be not the best director to parents( she is really strict and bring my memories back to high school with my discipline teacher). However, she is definitely a good director to all the kids. Kids are all loving her, as far as I know. The program is really good. My son developed all necessary skills to be ready to school. Educators are professionals and supporting. We always talked to each other to share information or concerns on my boy which helped us a lot. Thank you for the exceptional service, support, and genuine care provided to our family and my son. We will always cherish the time Alfred stayed at E&D.

Our family have had such a positive experience at Explore and Develop. They were very welcoming from Day 1 with both of our children. All the educators genuinely cared for our children and in return they developed a strong bond with them. The Director does an excellent job of ensuring the children’s wellbeing and safety are at top priority and is very clear on communication. The menu is healthy and appetising for the children, the classrooms are clean, the play areas are enticing, with a good rotation of toys and activities throughout the year. The educators accommodated for my childrens’ needs at different stages of their development such as sleep routines, exposure of different foods and engaging with them effectively during challenging milestones. At every pick up, an update of my children’s day was provided by one of the educators. Everyone is approachable and friendly, and will recommend to other families.

One of the best childcare in Hornsby/Waitara area. Two of my children have attended this child care for more than 2 years and they absolutely loved it. The menu is amazing, the staff is great, good hygeine & regulatory policies to protect our children. I would definitely recommend this childcare centre to anyone looking for one in Hornsby or Waitra.

One of the best childcare I have seen so far. All educators are very friendly , caring and take very good care of little ones.