Catholic early learning leaders gather in Sydney for national ECEC forum

Originally published by the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) on 28 April 2026

The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) welcomed early childhood leaders from across the country to Sydney for the 2026 Catholic Education Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Provider Connection Forum last month. The forum brought together a vibrant community committed to supporting young children and families through high-quality, values-based early learning.

Opening the forum, NCEC Executive Director Scott Ryan said the gathering highlighted the vital role of ECEC within the mission of Catholic education.

“Our partnership with families does not begin at age five. Across Australia, in communities of every shape and size, Catholic providers are delivering high-quality early learning, supporting parents as the first educators of their children,” Mr Ryan said.

“The forum was an opportunity to strengthen connections between providers, share strategies, and ensure families are supported through early years learning and development.”

Catholic education delivers more than 700 early childhood education and care services operating within the National Quality Framework – alongside more than 100 preschool and kindergarten programs for children in the year before school – reflecting a strong and growing national commitment to early learning.

Early childhood educators reflected on the value of coming together as a national network for the first time. Senior Leader, Toowoomba Catholic Kindergartens and Care, Donna Stahlhut said gaining insight into the place of ECEC in the broader system was a key takeaway.

“Understanding the role of NCEC and the extent to which policies and procedures are shaped at the national level was important to me. It also gave me valuable opportunities to network and a chance to learn—seeing what others are doing in the early years space, how support can be accessed when needed, and gaining insight from visiting services firsthand.”

Chief Operations Officer, Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services Sara Hole highlighted the importance of collaboration across the sector.

“It’s incredibly helpful to connect and engage with other Catholic ECEC providers—sharing insights into both challenges and successes so we can learn from one another. With so many changes impacting the sector, the opportunity to collaborate and problem-solve alongside others who share the same mission is invaluable.”

Over two days, participants engaged in rich dialogue, reflection and collaboration—exploring how Catholic identity is authentically lived in early learning settings, and how it sits alongside contemporary frameworks that support children’s wellbeing, belonging and development.

NCEC Early Childhood Education Policy Lead, Kate O’Hara said the forum provided an important space for shared learning and professional growth.

“We know the early years are foundational for lifelong learning, and the work of our educators is both deeply relational and highly skilled,” Ms O’Hara said.

“This forum created space to reflect on practice, strengthen partnerships, and ensure our services continue to meet the needs of children and families in contemporary Australia.”

Senior Education Officer, Catholic Schools NSW Angela Cain said the forum exceeded expectations and provided meaningful opportunities for engagement.

“Over the two days, participants engaged in rich, in-depth presentations and meaningful discussions, complemented by ECEC site visits. It was an opportunity for providers to share their achievements and explore common challenges together.”

The forum featured a range of sessions exploring key priorities across the sector, including how Catholic identity is embedded in daily practice, the importance of strong transitions to school, and approaches to trauma-aware care and community connection.

Amongst the many presentations, one, led by Catholic Education South Australia, invited participants to reflect on how mission and values were expressed in early learning environments, highlighting connections with Aboriginal spirituality and shared values of respect, community and care for creation.

Another session, led by educators from Sydney Catholic Schools and Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services, focused on strengthening transitions from early learning to primary school. Discussions emphasised the importance of play-based pedagogy, continuity of learning, and collaboration between educators in early childhood and school sectors to support children’s wellbeing and engagement.

Reflecting on the forum Mr Ryan said the energy and commitment across the sector was clear.

“What we saw was the strength of Catholic early learning right across the country. Leaders and educators sharing their knowledge, learning from one another, and working together to improve outcomes for children,” he said.

The forum concluded with a strong sense of connection, shared purpose and optimism, with participants leaving inspired to continue strengthening the network of Catholic ECEC practitioners as an essential part of Australia’s Catholic education community.