AERO invites ECEC providers to join leading national partnership in 2026

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is currently recruiting early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to partner in its upcoming 2026 ECEC Learning Partner Project. This initiative presents an opportunity for services to collaborate in research, innovation and evidence‑informed practice development in early learning settings.

AERO’s Learning Partner projects are designed to build strong, sustained partnerships between researchers and practice settings. These collaborations aim to co‑design, test and refine approaches that enhance educator practice, learning environments and outcomes for children.

While specific project details and themes are to be finalised, participation typically involves:

• Working closely with AERO researchers over the duration of the project
• Trialling or implementing new or refined pedagogical approaches
• Participating in data collection, reflection cycles, professional learning and continuous improvement processes
• Sharing insights back to sector stakeholders

By serving as an ECEC Learning Partner, services gain early access to emerging evidence, capacity for internal practice growth, and a role in shaping the national research agenda in early childhood.

Why this matters for the early childhood sector

1. Bridging research and practice
   The gap between academic research and day‑to‑day early learning practice is a long‑standing challenge. AERO’s partnership model acts as a conduit, helping services integrate latest findings, trial approaches in real settings, and provide feedback to refine research.
2. Building collective knowledge
   By involving multiple services across jurisdictions, the project can surface shared challenges and innovations, allowing the sector to learn together rather than in isolated pockets.
3. Professional learning embedded in context
   Rather than generic external PD, participating services can co‑design professional learning that is responsive to their own strengths, contexts and educator needs.
4. Recognition and leadership
   Learning Partner status is an acknowledgment of a service’s commitment to excellence, enquiry and contribution to sector advancement.

How to participate

ECEC services interested in becoming 2026 Learning Partners can express their interest via the AERO online form: “Join AERO’s 2026 ECEC Learning Partner project.” 

Details such as timelines, expectations and selection processes are typically provided to interested services after registration. AERO encourages diversity in partner settings from urban, rural, large and small — to ensure broad representation.

What leaders should consider before applying:

• Capacity and readiness: Partnerships require sustained engagement, openness to change, data collection, time for reflection and adaptation.
• Leadership support: Strong backing from service leaders and governance is essential to embed change and provide resources.
• Alignment with service priorities: Choose or negotiate themes that align with your improvement goals so participation offers direct value.
• Ethics and data use: Clear understanding of research ethics, data sharing, confidentiality and continuous consent arrangements.

AERO’s 2026 ECEC Learning Partner Project offers early childhood services a powerful vehicle to influence research, refine practice in situ, and contribute to a growing, evidence‑informed sector. For providers ready to engage deeply with improvement, this is an invitation worth exploring.