ECLD Immersion Experience 2026: A celebration of connection, reflection and practice in action

The ECLD Immersion Unplugged: An Interactive Professional Learning Experience brought together around 300 early childhood professionals from across Western Australia, creating a powerful space for connection, reflection and sector-wide learning.

Held at the University Club of WA in Perth, the 2026 event introduced a refreshed format centred on the theme “Connected to”, with a clear focus on how connection shapes practice, leadership and outcomes for children.

Across the day, educators explored five key areas of connection:

• On Country & Aboriginal Perspectives
• Nature & Play
• Your team and Leadership
• Children’s Mind & Belonging
• Self & Wellbeing

This structure created a cohesive and purposeful learning journey, with many delegates noting the value of linking ideas across sessions to deepen understanding and impact.

Child Australia’s Executive Director, Practice & Impact Danielle James, reflected on the success of the event “The ECLD Immersion Experience was an overwhelming success. The energy was electric, and the feedback from delegates has been incredibly uplifting. Events like this are so critical for our sector - they inspire, challenge, and reinvigorate our educators, who go on to make a real difference in the lives of children every day.”

A keynote grounded in connection

Keynote speaker Lael Stone opened the day with her presentation, One Conversation at a Time, setting the tone for a deeply reflective and practical experience.

“It was great to see the connection that the entire experience brought today. Lael Stone was definitely the best part,” one delegate shared.

Another noted, “One of my highlights from the ECLD Immersion Experience was listening to Lael Stone, she is such an inspiration and her story is truly powering. As this was the first conference I’ve attended, I found the entire experience incredibly inspiring and can’t nail it down to one specific highlight. I was amazed by the whole day and really valued the opportunity to take on board so many new ideas and perspectives. It reinforced my passion for early childhood education and motivated me to continue growing and learning as an educator.”.”

Her message reinforced a core theme that echoed throughout the day: connection is built through small, intentional moments.

Listening, connection and the child at the centre

A strong takeaway across sessions was the importance of truly listening to children, not to fix, but to connect.

“A key highlight from my ECLD Immersion Experience was learning the importance of listening to children not to fix things, but to truly connect with them.” 

Educators reflected on how this approach reshapes practice.

“Listening is a powerful key when it’s done with no judgement. Behaviour of a child is a mode of communication, what do we see, how do we relate, and what does it mean? Reflect and respond.”

This perspective aligns with contemporary understandings of child development, where behaviour is understood as communication and relationships underpin quality practice.

Embedding culture, identity and belonging

The event placed strong emphasis on Aboriginal perspectives, with sessions supporting educators to engage meaningfully with culture and Country.

“Another highlight was the inclusion of the Koori curriculum, which supported children’s sense of identity, culture, and connection to Country.”

More broadly, the experience reinforced the importance of culture, community and relationships in shaping children’s learning.

“The highlight of the ECLD Immersion experience was learning about different perspectives on early childhood education and how culture, community, and relationships shape children’s learning.”

Movement, play and the power of everyday practice

Movement and physical literacy emerged as key themes, with educators exploring how active play supports confidence, risk-taking and development.

“I also enjoyed seeing physical literacy in action, where children developed confidence and skills through movement and active play.”

The sessions reinforced that every moment is a learning opportunity, with educators playing a vital role in modelling, connecting and creating meaningful interactions.

Nature was also highlighted as a powerful learning environment.

“Nature is an asset which can be used for learning,” one delegate shared.

Story-based movement was identified as an effective strategy to build confidence and encourage participation, supporting both physical and psychological development.

Practical strategies for regulation and wellbeing

Hands-on experiences, including drumming circles and mindfulness activities, provided practical strategies that educators can take back into their services.

“The drumming circle is a therapeutic method that can be used in rooms in multiple ways, to help regulate emotions, introduce topics and boost confidence in a child.”

“The drumming circle for sure. I took this session in the afternoon after a full day of information learning and sharing and the drumming circle provided such a great space for connection without PowerPoint and slides and lots of words.  Thank you so much!”

Delegates consistently reflected on the quality of the sessions.

“The sessions were engaging, relatable and comprehensive. I had a wonderful time listening, learning, connecting and reflecting.”

From insight to implementation

A standout feature of the Immersion Experience was its strong focus on translating learning into practice.

The interactive “blueprint” session supported educators to consolidate their learning into actionable strategies they could begin implementing immediately within their services.

This practical approach reflects a broader shift across the sector, with increasing emphasis on embedding learning into everyday practice.

Strengthening the sector through connection

Ms James reflected on the event and the partnerships that make it all possible stating “It’s so wonderful to have events that bring together our sector professionals. They are people with so much passion, heart, and purpose, and their work has a profound impact on the lives of children. We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors and partners whose support makes these opportunities possible. Together, we’re investing in the future of not just our workforce, but of every child whose potential is unlocked by a truly great educator”.

The Immersion Experience reinforces a central principle of early childhood education: children learn through connection, to people, place, culture and experience.

As workforce pressures continue across the sector, opportunities like this play a critical role in supporting educator capability, confidence and wellbeing.

Planning is already underway for the next chapter, with the ECLD Conference set to return in 2027 at Optus Stadium.

To see more highlights from the event, please visit the ECLD Conference website.