From professional learning to practice: Why the ECLD Immersion Experience is different

Professional development that translates directly into service improvement is at the core of Child Australia’s upcoming ECLD Immersion Experience, a one-day event designed to ensure educators and leaders leave with more than inspiration, they leave with a plan.

Taking place on 28 March 2026, the Immersion Experience moves away from traditional conference formats and instead centres on fully interactive, applied learning. The sessions will provide opportunity for participation, reflection and collaboration, with a clear focus on how learning can be embedded into service delivery, professional development planning and quality improvement processes.

Rather than passively listening to presentations, participants will engage in drumming circles, outdoor exploration, wellness activities and creative workshops, all intentionally designed to model practice that can be adapted within early childhood education and care settings. The emphasis is on experiencing learning as children do, through connection, movement, reflection and creativity.

A defining feature of the event is its commitment to tangible outcomes. Throughout the day, participants will develop a resource, practice tool or action plan, guided by facilitators and peers, that is ready to be implemented immediately within their service.

The program is grounded in five key connections, including Connection to Country and Aboriginal Perspectives, with Jessica Staines from Koori Curriculum leading four sessions across two dedicated topics. In “Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives Into Early Childhood Curriculums”, Jessica supports educators who are unsure where to begin by building confidence through practical, year-round strategies for embedding Aboriginal culture in meaningful and respectful ways. The second topic, “Embracing Reconciliation: Crafting Effective Action Plans”, moves beyond statements to focus on reconciliation as action.

The program culminates in an interactive plenary session facilitated by Connie Borg and Rosie Payne  with some breakout speakers returning to support participants to consolidate their learning and translate it into service-specific actions, aligned with professional development priorities and quality improvement planning.

Group sizes are deliberately kept small, with breakout sessions limited to 40–50 participants and overall attendance capped at 280. This structure enables meaningful discussion, shared problem-solving and tailored application, an approach increasingly sought after by educators and approved providers looking for depth rather than scale.

Registrations currently include a 20 per cent discount, available until the end of January, offering services an opportunity to invest in high-impact professional learning ahead of the new planning cycle.

According to organisers, the Immersion Experience is designed to meet a growing demand for professional learning that is practical, restorative and immediately useful.

“This is professional development reimagined,” Arlette Bruggeman from Child Australia said. “Participants slow down, reconnect with purpose, and leave with their cup full, along with clear, actionable strategies they can embed straight away.”

With limited places available and strong early interest, services are encouraged to secure attendance while tickets remain available.

More information and registration details are available via the event page.