ECE Connect webinar series returns in March 2026 with updates for the ECEC sector

Early childhood education and care professionals across NSW are invited to participate in the ECE Connect March 2026 webinar series, a free online program offering practical updates on child safety, risk management, professional learning and regulatory processes.

Ongoing professional learning remains central to maintaining high-quality practice in early childhood education and care (ECEC). For educators, centre managers and approved providers, staying informed about regulatory updates and sector initiatives supports both compliance and continuous improvement.

The ECE Connect March 2026 webinar series, hosted jointly by the NSW Department of Education – Early Childhood Outcomes and the NSW Early Learning Commission, aims to provide timely guidance for services navigating the current policy and operational landscape.

Running from 16–27 March 2026, the series features a range of sessions designed to support educators, service leaders and governance bodies across the sector.

Access to professional learning remains an important component of workforce capability within the ECEC sector.

Initiatives such as ECE Connect help connect services with policy updates, practical guidance and emerging sector priorities. By bringing together regulators and service providers, the series offers an opportunity to translate regulatory expectations into everyday practice.

Importantly, the webinars are delivered online and free of charge, making them accessible to services across different operating models, including centre-based day care and family day care services.

The March series covers several priority areas currently shaping the ECEC sector, including child safety, service sustainability, professional learning and regulatory processes.

Child safety and risk management

Child safety remains a core responsibility for all early learning services.

The session Child Safe Recruitment – Policy and Practice will explore approaches to strengthening recruitment practices and building child-safe organisational cultures.

Another session, Effective risk assessments in ECEC, will focus on identifying hazards and conducting meaningful risk assessments that support both compliance and safe learning environments.

Business capability and service sustainability

Strong governance and sustainable operations underpin high-quality early learning services.

Two sessions in the program focus on strengthening service capability:

• Business Capability Development Program (BCDP) Round 2 information session
• Expanding Quality Access program information session

These sessions will provide updates on available government initiatives that support service development, operational sustainability and improved access to early learning.

Professional learning and child development

The series also includes sessions designed to support pedagogical practice and child development outcomes.

The ECEC Professional Learning Program – Professional Learning in Action session will explore how professional learning can translate into improved daily practice within early learning environments.

Another session, Health and Development Checks in Early Childhood Education and Care, will provide an update on initiatives supporting children’s health and development.

Early learning services often play an important role in identifying developmental concerns and supporting early intervention pathways.

Understanding assessment and rating

The Assessment and Rating session will provide guidance on the assessment and rating process under the National Quality Framework (NQF).

For many services, assessment and rating remains a key focus area. Sessions delivered by regulatory authorities provide valuable insight into current expectations and common areas of focus during assessments.

Recognising the demands of the ECEC workforce, the webinars are scheduled in the late afternoon.

Sessions typically run from 4pm to 5pm, allowing educators and service leaders to participate after core operating hours.

All webinars will also be recorded and shared with registered participants, enabling services to review the material later or incorporate sessions into staff meetings and professional learning days.

Early childhood professionals interested in attending can view the full schedule and register through the ECE Connect online platform.

The ECE Connect webinar series represents an ongoing investment in professional learning across the ECEC sector.

By providing free access to expert guidance on child safety, regulatory processes, business capability and educational practice, the program aims to support services in strengthening quality and improving outcomes for children and families.

For educators, centre managers and approved providers, engaging with these sessions offers an opportunity to remain informed and connected with developments shaping early childhood education and care in NSW.