ECLD Conference inspires ECEC professionals to grow, change and thrive

Excitement about the upcoming Early Childhood Learning and Development (ECLD) conference is building ahead of the 18 March event, which will bring together some of the most exciting minds in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector for a program of masterclasses, awards, professional development and networking opportunities. 

The event kicks off on Thursday 16 March with the Reimagining the Early Years Masterclass which will bring together national early years experts, State and Federal Government, key stakeholders, and many distinguished guests, to engage in critical conversations and deep thinking on reimagining early years systems which is followed on Friday by the Excellence in the Outdoor Bus Tour & Masterclass, hosted by Angus Gorrie. 

Angus will lead a dedicated group of ECEC professionals as they come together to reflect upon the many forms of excellence within the context of the Australian National Quality Framework, in particular focusing on inspirational outdoor environments that showcase safe risk taking, the promotion of autonomy and decision making, and which support children to develop resilience and support a sense of agency. 

The tour will be followed by three presentations in the afternoon program that will provide ideas to consider while interacting in the outdoor environment, discuss setting up the learning environment to support risk taking and autonomy, as well as supporting children’s sense of agency.

Saturday’s conference event will feature a number of keynote speakers and concurrent presentations designed to cover a number of topics and issues from workforce shortages through to creative arts, Playwork, leadership development, happiness within a workforce culture, and many more. 

Humanitarian lawyer Rabia Siddique will open the day, sharing her perspective on personal power and leadership, and will bring her insightful and unique perspective to resilience, trauma and leadership. 

Dr Leanne Gibbs will use her perspective and position as an active member of not-for-profit Boards and advisory groups in the ECEC sector to share her thoughts on how ECEC has emerged from the pandemic, and what lies ahead. 

After a day of dynamic breakout sessions, and a concluding keynote from Robbie Figg from the Happiness Co, delegates will participate in a ‘sundowner’ session, which will provide an opportunity to network and connect with one another and with the speakers, to have some light refreshments, to enjoy entertainment which includes a performance from Helen Shannahan, and to win some wonderful prizes. 

It’s not too late to register to participate in one of the premier professional development opportunities of 2023. For more information, to register, or to learn more , visit the conference website here.