ECA National Conference (ECA)
Wed, 30 Sept
|Melbourne
The 2026 conference theme, ‘Holding the Past, Creating the Future‘ invites us to reflect on our policy and practice memory—what we have carried forward, where these ideas and approaches come from, and what may have been left out or lost within the dominant narratives of early childhood education and
Time & Location
30 Sept 2026, 8:30 am AEST – 03 Oct 2026, 5:00 pm AEST
Melbourne, Melbourne VIC, Australia
About the Event
The ECA National Conference provides a platform for professional discourse relevant to the rights, wellbeing and early education of young children (birth to eight years). It is designed for everyone working to advance early childhood education and care in Australia, including:
Service leaders and directors—shaping the future of early learning in their communities.
Educators and teachers—building professional knowledge and practice across all settings.
Policy makers and researchers—sharing the latest evidence and innovation.
Sector partners and stakeholders—connecting with early childhood professionals nationwide.