Professional development

C&K calling for early years thought leaders to share expertise at conference

Freya Lucas

Feb 22, 2023

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Early childhood education and care (ECEC) thought leaders have been invited to share their expertise at the 2023 C&K Conference, where early childhood specialists, policymakers, researchers, academics, and thought leaders will gather.

The conference theme is ‘Reflect, Connect, Ignite’, and more than 500 early childhood professionals are expected to attend to exchange ideas, explore current research and contemporary practice, and share lived experience and learnings.

“It’s time to listen to the experts and educators who are nurturing and inspiring children every day, and exchange ideas on how we support children to flourish in an ever-changing world,” said C&K Chief Operating Officer Kim Davis.

“It’s been a challenging time for the early childhood sector and given we haven’t been able to hold a state-wide conference in person for a few years,” Ms Davis said. “This will be a wonderful opportunity to share ideas and conversations that uplift and inspire our educators, teachers and leaders.”

Ms Davis hopes that those who attend will reflect on the things that bring them joy in their role, that inspire their passion for working with children, and what they can do to support tomorrow’s leaders.

“We’re encouraging all members of the early childhood education and care sector to submit applications to present on topics that inspire, educate and improve practice,” she added.

Applications to present are sought from early years’ specialists, researchers or thought-leaders with contemporary practice and knowledge of reconciliation, cultural diversity, gender identity and diversity, social justice, sustainability, technology, trauma-informed practice, inclusion and children’s rights.

C&K respects the depth of knowledge, capabilities and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encourages them to apply to share their perspectives.

The conference will be held on Saturday, 29 July at the Royal International Convention Centre in Meanjin, Brisbane. Submissions are now open and will close on Friday, 31 March, 2023.

Please visit the 2023 C&K Conference website to submit your paper, and view FAQs and further information about the conference.

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