ECEC Conversations 2025: Shaping the Future, Together
As we wrap up the inaugural year of ECEC Conversations, we’re reflecting on the four transformative discussions that brought our community—educators, leaders, researchers and advocates—together to share ideas, challenge perspectives, and envision the future of early childhood education and care (ECEC).
This year’s series reminded us that progress in ECEC happens not in isolation, but through connection and collaboration. From strengthening our workforce to unlocking innovation, celebrating the superpower of play and preparing for an AI-driven future, each conversation added a new dimension to how we see and shape our sector.
Four conversations, one shared purpose
Across 2025, our sessions explored the evolving challenges and opportunities within ECEC.
Attract, Manage, Retain: Winning Strategies for ECEC Talent—how to build strong, supported teams in a sector facing workforce shortages and changing expectations.
Unlocking Impact: Access and Innovation in Early Learning—reimagining service models to improve equity, reach and outcomes for children and families.
The Superpower of Playful Learning—celebrating play as the heart of early learning and a driver of curiosity, creativity and growth.
AI Ready in ECEC—Mindset, Ethics, Access—exploring how technology can empower, rather than replace, the human connections that define our work.
Together, these sessions formed a powerful narrative about where ECEC has been, where it is now and where it’s heading next.
Themes that shaped ECEC Conversations 2025
Looking across the four sessions, several cross-cutting themes stand out—guiding insights that will continue to shape our thinking and practice.
- Balance between internal and external focus: We began by looking inward at our teams and culture, then expanded outward to access, innovation and the future. This mirrors the multifaceted nature of ECEC: from how we run to what we do to what’s next.
- Human-centric foundations: Even in conversations about technology and innovation, one truth remained constant—ECEC is about people. Children, families and educators are at the heart of every discussion. Tools and systems should serve these relationships, not replace them.
- Invitation to agency: Each conversation encouraged active participation, not passive listening. Whether it’s building talent strategies, reimagining access or exploring AI, the message was clear: you have a part to play.
- Ethics, equity and access: These aren’t side topics—they’re central to the future of ECEC. Access and equity surfaced throughout the year, while the ethical dimensions of technology took centre stage in our AI discussion.
- Continuous learning and evolution: The ECEC landscape is dynamic. From workforce models to pedagogy to digital tools, growth requires adaptability, reflection and collaboration.
Thank you to our ECEC Conversation 2025 panellists
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible experts who shared their insight, experience and passion throughout the series.
Your voices have sparked meaningful reflection and action across the sector—helping us all think more deeply about how we attract, support and empower the educators and children at the heart of our work.
Carrying the conversation forward
As we look ahead to 2026, we carry forward the themes that defined this year—as commitments, not just conversations:
- Building strong, supported ECEC teams where educators can thrive
- Ensuring equity and access for every child and family
- Protecting the joy and power of play as the foundation of learning
- Exploring AI and technology with ethics, curiosity and purpose
Thank you to everyone who joined us—together, we’re building a stronger, more connected, and more inspiring future for early childhood education and care.
We hope you’ll join ECEC Conversations in 2026 as we continue exploring these crucial topics that shape our sector. Let’s continue to grow together, one conversation at a time.
Be sure to bookmark this page and check back for updated topics for 2026—coming soon!