Police and fire crews were called to Play to Learn Early Learning Centre's Turramurra facility, in Sydney's upper north shore, at 4.25am on Friday following reports of a fire.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, with no people found inside the premises.
NSW Police are investigating and a crime scene has been set up at the centre.
The building sustained some fire damage to its foyer area and outside, along with smoke damage throughout.
Operators of the childcare centre said their CCTV system captured the entirety of the incident and they would work closely with police on the investigation.
Play to Lean founder and director Jade Luci said the centre's fire safety protocols had ensured minimal damage to the building.
Firefighters found its internal sprinkler system operating when they arrived.
"We are heartbroken by this senseless act, but our commitment to safety and quality care remains stronger than ever," Ms Luci said.
"Our fire safety and surveillance systems worked exactly as they should.
"We have no concerns about safety when our families return, and we look forward to welcoming them back to a centre that remains as safe, nurturing, and connected as ever."
FRNSW acting superintendent Mathew Sigmund said the centre sustained limited damage.
"At this stage, the cause of the fire is under investigation," he said.
"We had around 12 firefighters on scene working to bring that fire under control, contain it and conduct search and rescue operations."
Play to Learn has operated for 19 years and runs three centres across NSW. Its Turramurra location opened less than two months ago.
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