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EARLY CHILDHOOD AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018

BE THE DIFFERENCE

FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

REGISTRATION BROCHURE

Leadership and ethicsRights and respect

Contemporary practice in teaching and learningRisks and resilience

19–22 SEPTEMBER 2018INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE SYDNEY

Platinum sponsor: Silver sponsors:Gold sponsors:

REGISTRATION BROCHURE • EARLY CHILDHOOD AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 20182

WELCOME FROM ROS CORNISH, ECA NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Be the difference for children and families is the theme for Early Childhood Australia’s (ECA) National Conference, to be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney, from 19–22 September 2018. This 31st conference is significant, as it coincides with ECA celebrating its 80th year of advocacy and support on behalf of young children.

Ros Cornish National President Early Childhood Australia

With each passing year, ECA conferences have attracted more and more participants from across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector around Australia and beyond. This year too, to reference the conference themes, it will ‘bring people together to recognise the impact of high-quality early childhood education on the lives of young children and their families, as well as the importance of investing in ongoing professional development for educators, teachers and sector leaders’.

The conference also reaffirms our commitment to reconciliation and the obligation we have to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.

The conference program will provide a range of session styles, content and social events. It will explore current and emerging practice, showcase professional development resources and facilitate deep reflective thinking. A key part of the conference is the opportunity for participants to network, meet leading suppliers and view the latest technology available to support early childhood service delivery.

Besides professional opportunities, there will be much more to explore in Sydney, an international city bursting with captivating attractions. It is home to a lively art and culture scene, a stunning harbour, coastal beaches and national parks. The city’s cultural diversity also means there will be an exciting multitude of flavours and international cuisine to enjoy.

I fondly recall the 2001 ECA conference held in Sydney, especially the warm welcome by Sydneysiders, the broad range of opportunities to engage in conversations and informative sessions on advancing the education and wellbeing of young children. I will expect nothing less this year either.

Like the ECA New South Wales (NSW) Branch, and ECA nationally, I look forward to the 31st National Conference and welcoming participants to experience the vibrancy of Sydney.

Don’t forget—ECA members can benefit from very worthwhile savings on conference registration fees and enjoy meeting other members from their own state or territory ECA Branch at the conference. Join now and know that you are supporting ECA as a strong voice for young children.

Register early to enjoy early bird savings!

REGISTRATION BROCHURE • EARLY CHILDHOOD AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 3

CONFERENCE THEMESINTRODUCING THE CONCEPTS UNDERPINNING THE 2018 CONFERENCE BE THE DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Be the difference for children and families will bring people together to recognise the impact of high-quality early childhood education on the lives of young children and their families, as well as the importance of investing in ongoing professional development for educators, teachers and sector leaders. The conference will explore current and emerging practice, showcase professional development resources and facilitate deep reflective thinking. It is also a terrific opportunity to network with peers, meet with leading suppliers and explore the latest technology available for supporting early childhood service delivery.

Conference presentations will be aligned to one or more of the following areas of inquiry:

RISKS AND RESILIENCE

We all know that early childhood is when the foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing are established. Too many young children are exposed to multiple risk factors and may be experiencing cumulative harm or trauma. It is critical that we continue to develop the skills of early childhood professionals to recognise this and know how to respond effectively to complex individual needs. We also need to work together with other professional disciplines to deliver programs that build protective factors against long-term issues such as mental health problems, family violence, abuse and bullying. This conference will showcase professional development resources and interdisciplinary collaboration, working to reduce risks and build resilience.

LEADERSHIP AND ETHICS

Everyone can be a leader. Leadership can encompass leading yourself, leading others and leading ideas. The most important factor in good leadership is having a strong ethical foundation for making decisions and navigating complex situations. This conference will explore both leadership and ethics in the early childhood profession; you will hear from experts and everyday leaders, with opportunities to develop your own identity as an ethical leader. You will also be invited to consider how you engage with ECA’s Code of Ethics and how it influences the way you lead.

RIGHTS AND RESPECT

Realising the right of every young child to thrive and to learn is at the heart of ECA’s purpose—it is why we exist. At the conference, we will explore what this means not only on a day-to-day basis in early childhood settings, but also for our collaborative work in advocacy, sector development and research. We will also explore our role as a voice for children—how do we give children a voice, particularly very young children? As a professional network, are we respectful towards young children and their families? Do they have agency in our work, or could we do more?

CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

Together we will explore the current and emerging trends in early childhood teaching and learning. This is the conference to find out what the research is telling us about the importance of play, the role of digital technology and the efficacy of intentional teaching practices across developmental stages. There will be new and highly practical content relevant to curriculum areas such as language and literacy, maths and numeracy, science and technology, music, art and creativity; all presented by experienced educators with specialist knowledge.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS § Welcome reception at International Convention

Centre Sydney.

§ Renowned international and Australian speakers.

§ Concurrent sessions across all conference themes.

§ A range of centre tours.

§ Current Australian research.

§ Update on the work of the ECA Code of Ethics.

§ HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards Dinner.

§ ECA awards presentation:

� Early Childhood Australia Doctoral Thesis Award

� Barbara Creaser Memorial Lecture Award

� Barbara Creaser Young Advocates Award.


CONFERENCE VENUE AND DESTINATION

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE SYDNEY International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney is Australia’s premier fully integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct. The venue boasts a striking contemporary design, leading technology and facilities, and flexible spaces to cater for the changing architecture of meetings, alongside superior dining and service.

ICC Sydney provides the ultimate quality, choice and flexibility for the world’s leaders and thinkers to meet, collaborate and innovate. Sitting in an active commerce and leisure precinct, the modern venue is smartly nestled on Sydney Harbour, right in the heart of Australia’s global city—surrounded by financial, cultural, technology and student hubs.

Located in a prime waterfront location on Darling Harbour, the integrated precinct provides a five-star experience and spectacular views from the building’s three foyers. It emphasises Sydney as one of the world’s greatest business event destinations.


INTRODUCING SYDNEY

LIGHT RAIL Two light rail stations (Exhibition Centre and Convention Centre stops) run alongside the venue to provide immediate connectivity with Central Station and Sydney’s inner west. For more information, please visit www.sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/map.

TRAIN There are improved east/west pedestrian connections between Darling Harbour and neighbouring precincts of Chinatown, Town Hall, Central, Ultimo and Pyrmont. Pathways will assist in directing visitors to and from Town Hall and Central Stations to ICC Sydney.

Option 1: Take the train to Town Hall Station and exit south onto Bathurst Street. A short downhill walk along Bathurst Street will take you directly to Tumbalong Park and ICC Sydney.

Option 2: Take the train to Central Station and follow the signs to the South Concourse and UTS via the Devonshire Street Tunnel. Go west to cross beneath George Street. Then take the Ultimo Pedestrian Network and The Goods Line to its northern end, at Macarthur Street. Turn right and cross Darling Drive onto Hay Street. Turn left into Darling Harbour where Quay Street meets Hay Street.

For more information, please visit www.sydneytrains.info.

OPAL CARD Opal makes getting around on public transport easy. Opal cards are smartcard tickets that you keep, reload and reuse to pay for travel on public transport. The Opal network includes train, bus, ferry and light rail services in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands. For more information, please visit www.opal.com.au.

Sydney is the largest city in Australia. Set around the world’s largest natural harbour, the city boasts of a vibrant culture, world-class restaurants and gorgeous beaches. The city of Sydney acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of our land. The city also acknowledges the Gadigal of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this place we now call Sydney.

Sydney is home to many of the nation’s cultural icons. The picture of its harbour vista and skyline is one of the most recognised images of urban Australia. While you’re here for the conference, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and experience a wonderful variety of harbour cruises, intriguing wildlife, dazzling shows and great shopping in this beautiful city. You can even meet king penguins at an aquarium and ascend Sydney Tower Eye for stunning views.

The ECA National Conference 2018 encompasses a range of social functions outside of ICC Sydney, including the HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards Dinner and a range of special tours available to conference delegates. There will be a variety of events that will showcase the full beauty of what Sydney has to offer, to provide you with a complete experience while at the conference.

TRAVELLING AROUND SYDNEYBUS State Transit operates services across the Sydney Metropolitan Area seven days a week. Buses in the city centre operate along Elizabeth, Castlereagh, Park, Druitt, Clarence and York streets. For more information about routes and timetables, please visit https://transportnsw.info.

FERRY Cruise into Darling Harbour on a ferry, with direct services from Circular Quay to King Street Wharf, or Pyrmont Bay Wharf, which is located in front of the Australian National Maritime Museum. Both wharfs are only a short walk away from ICC Sydney.

http://www.sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/map

http://www.sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/map

http://www.sydneytrains.info

http://www.opal.com.au

https://transportnsw.info


KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

DR CINDY BLACKSTOCK (CANADA)Dr Cindy Blackstock is Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. She is also a member of the Gitxsan First Nation, and has 25 years of social work experience in child protection and Indigenous children’s rights.

Cindy’s promotion of culturally based and evidence-informed solutions has been recognised by the Nobel Women’s Initiative, Indspire, Front Line Defenders and many others. An author of over 50 publications and a widely sought-after public speaker, Cindy has collaborated with other Indigenous leaders to assist the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in the development and adoption of a General Comment on the rights of Indigenous children.

PROFESSOR PAUL RAMCHANDANI (UK)Professor Paul Ramchandani is LEGO® Professor of Play in Education, Development and Learning at Cambridge University, England. He leads a research team investigating the role of play in children’s early development. He also works as a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in the UK National Health Service.

Paul undertook his medical studies in Southampton before obtaining a degree in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He then completed his training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and obtained a DPhil from Oxford University in 2005. Prior to taking up his appointment at Cambridge in January 2018, Paul led the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Group at Imperial College London.

Paul’s research is focused on early child development and he has a particular interest in the prevention of emotional and behavioural problems in the early years of life. This research has been supported by Fellowships awarded by the Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust, and more recently by substantive grant funding from the National Institute of Health Research.

He works with a multidisciplinary team with expertise in psychology, neuroscience, education and psychiatry. Details of the team’s current work and recent publications can be found on the PEDAL website (www.educ.cam.ac.uk/centres/pedal/) and the pPOD website (www.ppod.org.uk).

http://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/centres/pedal/

http://www.ppod.org.uk


DR STUART SHANKER (CANADA) Dr Stuart Shanker is a Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus of psychology and philosophy from York University, Toronto. He is the creator of The MEHRIT Centre (www.self-reg.ca) and the Self-Regulation Institute (https://selfregulationinstitute.org). His expertise has been sought internationally, as an advisor on early child development and self-regulation, by school boards and government organisations. His five-step Self-Reg model—The Shanker Method®—is a powerful process for understanding and managing stress in children, youth and adults.

An internationally acclaimed speaker, educator and author, Stuart has written many influential books and articles including the top-selling educational book, Calm, alert and learning: Classroom strategies for self-regulation (Pearson, 2012). His newest book, Self-Reg: How to help your child (and you) break the stress cycle and successfully engage with life (Penguin, 2016) has garnered glowing reviews and is being translated and published around the world.

STAN GRANT (AUSTRALIA) Stan Grant is the Indigenous Affairs Editor for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Indigenous constitutional recognition. A multi-award winning current affairs host, author and adventurer, Stan’s career in journalism has spanned more than 30 years. In that time, he has travelled the world covering major stories such as the release of Nelson Mandela, the troubles in Northern Ireland, the death of Princess Diana, the war in Iraq and the Pakistan earthquake.

Stan has been a political correspondent for the ABC, a Europe correspondent for the Seven Network and a senior international correspondent for the international broadcaster CNN. He has won many major awards including an Australian TV Logie, an Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award and the prestigious US Peabody Award. He is also a four-time winner of the highly prized Asian TV Awards, including reporter of the year.

http://www.self-reg.ca

https://selfregulationinstitute.org


PANEL ON ETHICAL LEADERSHIP CATHARINE HYDON, ANTHONY SEMANN AND SIMON LONGSTAFF, FACILITATED BY SAMANTHA PAGE (ECA CEO)The early childhood leaders of today find themselves in challenging times. Not only are they navigating a labyrinth of complex relationships, high expectations and external pressures, but they are also seeking to deliver one of the most important moral and educational undertakings in our community: the education of our youngest citizens. Coupled with the complexities of leading teams towards ambitious goals in a complex regulatory landscape, these realities call for a new conversation and, perhaps, new practices related to early childhood leadership—leadership that operates from an ethical standpoint grounded in respect and a deep commitment to making the world a better place, as well as leadership that is worldly and operates beyond ‘gut instinct’.

This dynamic panel discussion will illuminate the ethical leadership space by asking probing questions about what defines an ethical leader and how the ‘right’ decisions are made in our work with children, education staff and families. Referencing the ECA Code of Ethics and the work of philosophers and ethicists from the past and ever-changing present, the panel will reflect and debate on what it takes to shift towards a stronger ethical leadership perspective in early childhood education, and in doing so, transform ourselves and those with whom we work to realise more equitable possibilities in this endeavour called education and care.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Catharine Hydon—Director, Hydon Consulting

Anthony Semann—Director, Semann & Slattery

Dr Simon Longstaff—Executive Director, The Ethics Centre

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION ON PANELS:

§ Questions can be directed to individual panellists or the panel as a whole.

§ Questions will be taken with a roaming microphone in locations around the auditorium.

§ Questions can also be posted via Twitter.


CONFERENCE PROGRAMWe are planning an exciting program that will appeal to all those involved in early childhood care, teaching and research. It will feature an impressive array of international keynote speakers, sessional speakers and workshops covering a range of early childhood specialties. There will also be many opportunities for delegates to network throughout the conference.

DAY 2 OVERVIEW

FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

MORNING

Welcome

Keynote address: Dr Stuart Shanker

Morning tea

Concurrent sessions

Keynote workshop with Dr Stuart Shanker

AFTERNOON

Lunch

Concurrent sessions

Afternoon tea

Keynote address: Stan Grant

EVENINGHESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards Dinner

DAY 3 OVERVIEW

SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

MORNING

Welcome

Keynote address: Prof. Paul Ramchandani

Award Presentations: Doctoral Thesis and Barbara Creaser Awards

Barbara Creaser Memorial Lecture

AFTERNOON

Concurrent sessions

Keynote workshop with Prof. Paul Ramchandani

Lunch

Concurrent sessions

Closing ceremony and launch of ECA National Conference 2019

Farewell drinks

NB: Program subject to change without notice.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

DAY 1 OVERVIEW

THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

MORNING

Welcome to Country

Welcome by ECA National President

Federal and State Minister remarks

Keynote address: Dr Cindy Blackstock

Concurrent sessions

Keynote workshop with Dr Cindy Blackstock

AFTERNOON

Lunch

Panel on Ethical Leadership

Afternoon tea

Concurrent sessions

DAY 0 OVERVIEW

WEDNESDAY 19 SEPTEMBERMORNING Centre and cultural tours

AFTERNOONRegistration opens

Welcome reception

The full conference program will be available in early 2018. Please visit www.ecaconference.com.au for more information.

http://www.ecaconference.com.au


SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITIONThe exhibition will provide delegates and exhibitors with excellent opportunities to network in a favourable environment at a central and energised meeting place for all participants. For a current list of exhibitors, visit the conference website: www.ecaconference.com.au/exhibit.

There are many attractive and high-value sponsorship and advertising opportunities available to ensure that your organisation stands out at this premier event, which will be attended by your target market.

For further enquiries, please contact the conference organisers who will be pleased to provide you with details of the best marketing package for your needs and budget. Alternatively, you can also download a copy of the Sponsorship and Exhibition Package from the conference website: www.ecaconference.com.au/sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship and advertising packages, please contact the conference organisers via email: [email protected] or phone: 02 6242 1800.

http://www.ecaconference.com.au/exhibit

http://www.ecaconference.com.au/sponsor

mailto:conference%40earlychildhood.org.au?subject=


REGISTRATION FEES

ECA MEMBER DISCOUNTSECA members receive a conference discount!

For more information about ECA membership, see page 21 of this brochure, free call 1800 356 900 (+61 2 6242 1800 outside Australia*) or visit www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/membership.

To qualify for ECA member discounts, you must be a current member of ECA and your member number must be mentioned on your registration form.

*Please contact your service provider for call charges.

FEE TYPE EARLY BIRD* (CLOSES 30 JUNE 2018)

FULL RATE (FROM 1 JULY 2018)

Full registration

ECA member $850 $1060

Non-member $1040 $1250

Concession registration**

ECA member $435 $435

Non-member $540 $540

All registration fees include GST and are in Australian dollars.

*Early bird registrations must be received by COB (AEST) 30 June 2018 or the full rate will apply.

**Concession registration is available to full-time students, pensioners and health care cardholders. Please upload a copy of your student or concession card during the registration process.

Please note: ECA Professional and Student/Concession members may register one delegate at the member rate. Service/School members may register three delegates at the member rate. ECA Institution members may register five delegates at the member rate.

REGISTRATION BENEFITS

Full conference delegates receive:

§ journal (note book)

§ Conference pocket program and USB (containing materials)

§ attendance certificate

§ conference name badge

§ morning and afternoon tea and lunch

§ one ticket to the welcome reception.

Please note: Concession registration is open to full-time students currently enrolled in an approved early childhood course, pensioners and health care cardholders. A copy of a student or concession card is required for registration.

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/membership

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/membership


Proudly presented by

Proudly sponsored by

SOCIAL EVENTSNetwork and join friends and colleagues at the social events!

WELCOME RECEPTION

Venue: ICC Sydney, Exhibition Hall 2

Date: Wednesday 19 September 2018

Time: 5.30 pm–7.30 pm

Cost: Included in full conference registration

Additional tickets: $90 per person

Join us for a casual drink and canapes.

Full conference delegates receive one ticket to the welcome reception with their registration. Additional tickets can be purchased for guests, concession and day delegates at $90 per person. Additional tickets can be ordered during the online registration process.

WARNING: This event will feature a light performance which may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. Delegate discretion is advised.

Venue: Hyatt Regency Sydney

Date: Friday 21 September 2018

Time: 6.30 pm (for a 7.00 pm start) to 11.00 pm

Cost: $110 per person

Dress code: After five/cocktail

The HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards recognise the front-line educators and carers at the very heart of Australia’s early childhood education system.

The finalists will be recognised at a dinner on Friday 21 September 2018 where they will have a chance to win a share in $30 000, thanks to proud Awards sponsor, ME—the bank for you. Their achievements will be felicitated across the categories of Advancing Pedagogy and Practice, Outstanding Graduate, and Building Inclusion.

Open to all delegates, partners and guests, the Awards dinner will be a night of celebration and inspiration.

Tickets are priced at $110 per person and include a three-course dinner, drinks and entertainment. Seats are limited, so be quick to secure your ticket today. Tickets can be purchased online during the registration process.

HESTA EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

& CARE AWARDS DINNER


CENTRE TOUR 1: EXPLORE AND DISCOVER CHILDREN’S SPACES

FULL DAY TOUR

This day trip to Wollongong on the South Coast will take you to a community-based occasional care centre, another community-based preschool offering a bushland program, and finally, the Early Start Discovery Space at the University of Wollongong.

§ Short Street Occasional Care Centre: It has well-established sustainability practices with a community garden and beehives, within a suburban setting.

§ Keiraville Community Preschool: Established in 1952, this preschool has a vast natural play space and incorporates many aspects of its bushland setting within the preschool program. The centre has an internationally recognised ‘Transition to School Program’ through Columbia University, USA.

§ Early Start Discovery Space: Australia’s only dedicated ‘children’s museum’ and the first of its kind in the world to be based on a university campus, the Early Start Discovery Space is operated and supported by the University of Wollongong. As a hands-on creative learning venue, the Early Start Discovery Space has been specifically designed for children from birth to 10 years and their accompanying families, carers, educators and teachers.

CENTRE TOURSA range of tours have been planned for interested delegates who would like to visit noteworthy childcare centres in Sydney.

TOUR DETAILS Cost: $110 per person


Departure: 7.30 am

Return: 3.30 pm

What to bring: Hats, sunscreen, flat shoes

Maximum number: 30


CENTRE TOUR 2: EARLY LEARNING CENTRES WITH ‘EXCEEDING’ NQS RATING—INNER WESTERN SYDNEY

HALF DAY TOUR

This tour will visit three inner city early learning centres, all rated as ‘Exceeding’ under the National Quality Framework. Each centre is unique in its pedagogy and reflects its local community.

§ Gowrie NSW Erskineville Early Education and Care: It’s the original Lady Gowrie Child Centre established by Lady Gowrie in 1940. Extended and refurbished in 2017, the inner city Erskineville centre has large outdoor learning spaces with well-established trees and natural elements for children to explore. The philosophy of the centre places importance on respect for our natural environments and resources as well as strong community connections.

§ SDN Marrickville: This centre focuses on each child’s individual interests. Strong, respectful relationships underpin the practices in the centre, and the educators focus on relationships from the moment a family joins the SDN community.

§ Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre: The tour will visit one of the local, well-established Goodstart centres to get an insight into their practices and service quality that goes beyond the requirements of the National Quality Standard (NQS).



Departure: 8.30 am

Return: 1.00 pm


Maximum number: 15

CENTRE TOUR 3: HESTA AWARD WINNER—THE INFANTS’ HOME, ASHFIELD

HALF DAY TOUR

The Infants’ Home provides integrated ECEC, early intervention and clinical health support services. The services are unique in NSW, and are accessed by over 2600 children (from birth to school age) and their families from 120 Sydney suburbs each year. One-third of its services are directed towards children with additional needs or those living in vulnerable circumstances.

This award-winning service has been operating for over 142 years, championing the rights of children, women and families, protecting children at risk and guiding families as they build their strength, skills and confidence to create a more positive future for themselves. The Infants’ Home environment is unique, with five different early education centres located within one large inner city location, creating a balance between both historic and newly designed early education environments.



Departure: 9.00 am

Return: 1.00 pm

What to bring: Hats, sunscreen, walking shoes

Maximum number: 38

CENTRE TOURS


CENTRE TOUR 4: REGGIO EMILIA INSPIRED CENTRES

HALF DAY WALKING TOUR*

§ Wee Care Early Childhood Education Centres: It is a private long day care organisation with two centres, Wee Care 2 and Wee Care Kindergarten, situated within walking distance of each other. They offer high-quality care and education in aesthetically designed learning environments, which support relationships between children, parents and educators. The centres are influenced by many educational theorists and models, especially the Italian experience in early childhood called Reggio Emilia, as well as Howard Gardener’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, the Forest Schools of Scotland and Scandinavia, Emergent Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia.

§ Kincoppal–Rose Bay Early Learning Centre: The tour will also visit Kincoppal–Rose Bay’s Early Learning Centre which consists of a long day care centre for three- to four-year-olds and a preschool for four- to five-year-olds. Inspired by the educators from Reggio Emilia and philosophies from the Scandinavian Forest Schools, the centre believes that children learn best through hands-on exploration with strong ideas and theories about their world, and seek to acquire new skills and knowledge through meaningful social relationships. The children at the centre engage in investigations inspired by authentic interests and the mysteries they discover at Wild Time in their natural surroundings.



Departure: 8.30 am

Return: 1.00 pm (approximately)


Maximum number: 30

*Please note: This is a walking tour and participants will need to have a certain level of fitness to be able to walk with the group.

CENTRE TOURS


CENTRE TOUR 5: EARLY CHILDHOOD CITY ENVIRONMENTS

HALF DAY WALKING TOUR*

TOUR DETAILS



Departure: 8.30 am

Return: 1.00 pm


Maximum number: 30


Catch a glimpse of the diverse range of childcare environments within inner city Sydney. The tour will visit four childcare centres, each unique in how their design reflects the challenges and benefits of individual buildings.

§ Honeybee Child Care Centre and The Tree House: In the first leg, the tour will visit these two work-based early childhood education centres. Both are rated as ‘Exceeding’ the NQS and are managed by KU Children’s Services. Honeybee was established in 2015 to meet the needs of Commonwealth Bank employees by providing a childcare service within a high-rise setting. The Tree House provides education and care for Stockland employees and the general community within a six-star rated building, and has a simulated outdoor learning environment with a rooftop atrium, including natural elements such as sand, water, bark, stones, rocks and branches.

§ Explore & Develop Castlereagh Street: This well-designed service creates social learning environments filled with natural spaces over three levels. Each space has been carefully designed, ensuring the indoor environments and the simulated outdoor environments support the access and full participation of every child. Maximising on design features, the spaces invite open-ended interactions, exploration, discovery and connection to nature.

§ Guardian Early Learning Centre, Barangaroo: Sustainability is a core focus at this centre, which is designed within a six-star rated green building. The centre has a strong commitment to sustainability, with extensive use of natural materials and an emphasis on recycling, use of recycled resources, energy efficiency and water conservation, all embedded in the daily routines of the service.


CENTRE TOUR 6: FAMILY DAY CARE CENTRES

FULL DAY TOUR

TOUR DETAILS



Departure: 8.30 am

Return: 4.00 pm


Maximum number: 20

This excursion involves visiting a family day care (FDC) service and a range of educator homes within the Sydney basin area and the Blue Mountains. This excursion will provide participants with the opportunity to view the diversity of services and programs across a broad spectrum of geographical areas, and view firsthand the quality of FDC programs providing a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families. The NSW Family Day Care Association provides support, professional development and advice to the FDC sector in NSW.

ICC SYDNEY

ROUTE OF TOUR


CULTURAL TOURS

CULTURAL TOUR 1: THE ROCKS DREAMING ABORIGINAL HERITAGE TOUR (ILLI LANGI)

90-MINUTE WALKING TOUR*

Be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth in a 90-minute walkabout with an Aboriginal guide in The Rocks Sydney, and journey into Dreamtime, the culture of Aboriginal people.

The tour is 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned and was developed by Aboriginal Elder, Margret Campbell, a Dunghutti–Jerrinjah woman. It is led by Aboriginal guides who have her permission to share her cultural knowledge. The tour will give you the opportunity to discover how the ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime is still alive within the modern Sydney landscape and how the billion-year-old harbour, marine environment, sandstone strata, waterways, flora and fauna continue to influence the way Aboriginal people live today.

This leisurely walkabout in The Rocks is a perfect introduction to Aboriginal culture, showing a perspective of Sydney that is touching, enlightening and very informative.

Key experiences

§ Experience a local Aboriginal greeting and learn some of the language spoken.

§ Meet knowledgeable Aboriginal guides.

§ Participate in a Sydney cultural acknowledgement of Earth Mother using her ochre (traditional paint).

§ Opportunity to handle cultural objects and materials.

§ Learn about the Aboriginal Dreamtime, its origin, history and culture.

§ Learn about the connection between modern Sydney and the Aboriginal Dreamtime.

OPTION 1



Departure: 11.00 am

Return: 12.30 pm


Maximum number: 50

OPTION 2



Departure: 2.00 pm

Return: 3.30 pm


Maximum number: 50



CULTURAL TOURS

CULTURAL TOUR 2: SOCIAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY OF SYDNEY AT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM SYDNEYJoin an educator-led tour to hear the stories behind the exhibitions in the First Australians galleries at the Australian Museum. The First Australians galleries, Bayala Nura: Yarning Country and Garrigarrang: Sea Country, showcase more than 300 rare and unique objects—from tools and adornments to film and contemporary art—many of which have not been publicly shown before.

Bayala Nura celebrates the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, where shields, spears and weavings complement a large bark canoe created using traditional techniques especially for the Museum’s collection. The striking array of designs and technologies on display connects cultures to Country, sparking new conversations about embracing cultural diversity in contemporary Australia.

Garrigarrang reveals the diverse spiritual beliefs, values and complex knowledge systems that continue across Australia today. Through themes of connectivity, continuity, resilience and sustainability, this multi-sensory exhibition explores many Aboriginal cultural perspectives—from the creation stories and whale ceremonies of South Coast NSW to the sustainability and conservation practices in the clear turquoise waters of the Torres Strait.

TOUR DETAILS



What to bring: Walking shoes

Maximum number: 25*

TOUR TIMESOption 1: 10.00 am–11.00 am

Option 2: 11.00 am–12.00 pm

Option 3: 12.00 pm–1.00 pm

Option 4: 1.00 pm–2.00 pm



*Minimum 10 people per tour required; tours might be combined should numbers fail to meet this requirement.


ACCOMMODATIONAccommodation has been secured at competitive and flexible rates at a range of hotels and apartments in Sydney. You will be given the opportunity to secure a reservation booking during the conference registration process. We strongly suggest that you take advantage of this opportunity, as the special rates are only available for a limited time.

If you have already registered for the conference and now wish to make an accommodation booking, please log back into the registration site using the username and password you created.

For any inquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the accommodation managers at InHouse Event Solutions:

Email: [email protected] (please write ECA2018 in the subject line)

Phone: Rebecca Williams on +61 424 577 281 or Libby Lane on +61 417 312 404

ACCOMMODATION

mailto:conferences%40inhouseeventsolutions.com?subject=


Become an Early Childhood Australia member today to save up to $200 on your ECA conference registration

JOIN TODAY

www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/membership 1800 356 900 (free call) • [email protected]

ECA MembershipEstablished in 1938, Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is the largest and most authoritative peak body in the early childhood sector. ECA’s vision is that every young child is thriving and learning. Our role in achieving this is to promote the rights and interests of all young children and to support the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and care.

As a member of ECA you will be kept informed of the latest practice, research and policy in the sector. Most importantly, you will be supporting ECA to be a voice for young children.

Membership benefits include:• ECA Conference Registration discount

• yearly subscription of Every Child magazine

• exclusive member alerts

• ECA updates with the latest resources and events

• discounts to sector conferences and events

• opportunities to engage in regional and branch networks

• ECA Voice newsletter subscription

• special discounts on ECA Publications

• discounts with a growing list of suppliers plus much more.

mailto:eca%40earlychildhood.org.au?subject=


TRAVEL SUBSIDY INFORMATIONECA is committed to supporting the diversity of individuals and organisations working to strengthen the wellbeing of young children.

Our national conference is an important sector development event that provides opportunities for networking, professional development and information sharing. We recognise that some individuals and organisations may find it difficult to participate in the conference because of limited resources and/or long travel distances. ECA would like to encourage organisations to take up a travel subsidy to promote participation and reduce barriers for delegates wishing to attend the ECA National Conference 2018—Be the difference for children and families.

Conference subsidies can be used to pay a portion of travel, accommodation or registration costs at the discretion of the individual or their employer. You must be prepared to attend the full three days of the conference, be available to meet your sponsor and have photos taken for later inclusion in media and promotion by both ECA and the sponsor. You will also be required to provide feedback on the conference and the value of the subsidy following the conference.

Travel subsidy funds will be allocated on a first-in, first-served basis according to the following criteria:

§ individuals/small organisations working in regional, rural or remote locations

§ practitioners supporting disadvantaged or at-risk children

§ there is a limit of one travel subsidy per service

§ priority is given to full registrations

§ conference registration(s) must be paid for in full before the travel subsidy application is assessed.

ECA will be offering a single-rate subsidy. All suitable applicants will be eligible for $1850 (including GST) to attend the ECA National Conference 2018—Be the difference for children and families.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

To apply for a subsidy, complete the application form and email it back with a copy of your fully paid registration confirmation to: [email protected] no later than COB (AEST) Friday 29 June 2018.

Any applications after this date will not be considered.

Applications for a subsidy will be assessed individually and a response provided within 30 working days. The decision to provide a subsidy is at the discretion of ECA; the subsidies will no longer be available once funds have been committed. We will notify you by email of the outcome of your application and, if successful, the funds will be deposited into your nominated bank account following the conference.

http://www.ecaconference.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Travel-Subsidy-Application-Form-2018.docx



TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE

Online registrations are now open, visit www.ecaconference.com.au to register.

Online registration is the preferred method of registration.

§ Credit card payments (Visa or MasterCard) are accepted via our secure network.

§ Payments can also be made via PayPal.

Electronic funds transfer (EFT) payments are also available via the online process. The option to pay by EFT will only be available until Monday 30 July 2018. Registrations after this date will require full payment at the time of registration with a credit card or PayPal account.

Please contact the organisers if you are unable to register online. They will be happy to assist you further.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Conference Office

Phone: 02 6242 1800

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ecaconference.com.au

REGISTRATION TERMS AND CONDITIONSWhen registering to attend the conference, you accept the following registration terms and conditions:

ACCOMMODATION

InHouse Event Solutions has been appointed as the official accommodation booking agent for the ECA National Conference 2018. Payment for accommodation is separate from the conference registration payment. Please contact InHouse Event Solutions if you have any accommodation payment-related queries.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

Conference registration cancellations will not be accepted unless made in writing to the event organiser. If the notification is not received by the conference office, the cancellation is deemed to have not been notified.

Cancellations made more than thirty (30) days prior to the conference date will be refunded less 15 per cent of the registration fee to cover administration costs. No registration refunds will be made after this date; however, you may nominate a replacement delegate at no charge.

The same conditions apply to tickets purchased for social events.

Refunds of accommodation deposits are at the discretion of the accommodation venue. No refunds whatsoever are available in case a delegate registers but fails to attend the conference.

DELEGATE DETAILS

Sponsors may be given a list of all delegates (name and basic contact details only). Receipt of your registration form will signal your acceptance of inclusion on the delegate list. By registering for the ECA National Conference 2018, you are hereby giving Early Childhood Australia (ECA) permission to photograph you, for use in our publications, website and any other promotional material associated with ECA events. If you do not consent to your photograph/s being used, please contact the event organisers in writing at [email protected].

All participants are required to officially register to attend the ECA National Conference 2018. Please read the following information carefully before registering.






ARTIST PROFILE

PAYMENT OF FEES

All registration fees are payable in advance of the conference. Entry to the conference may be denied if the registration fees (or a portion thereof) are unpaid prior to commencement of the conference. Online registration is the preferred method of registration. Credit card payments (Visa or MasterCard) and PayPal are accepted via our secure network. EFT payments are also available via the online process until 30 July 2018. Registrations after 30 July 2018 require full payment with a credit card or PayPal account.

LOSS AND INJURY

All conference participants are advised to affect their own insurance to cover all risks including (but not limited to) costs of travel, accommodation, conference fees, personal property, health and medical expenses, injury, death and all other risks. The conference, host organisation and organisers will not be held liable for any claims under any circumstances.

GENERAL

All details contained in the brochure and on the conference website are subject to change without notice.

BUNDJALUNG SEAN DELSIGNORE CABBAGE TREE ISLAND, NSW

Sean is known as ‘Bundjalung Sean’, he paints the land, people and sacred sites related to his Country. Sean was born in northern NSW on Cabbage Tree Island. He has been painting since the age of 15 years, when he was first inspired to paint the Dreaming of his mother.

‘Ancestral Winds’ is the story about Sean’s experience as a child sitting around a campfire with his family, listening to stories from the old days. During this storytelling time, a soft wind began to stir the air and it was said that these winds carry their past ancestors; that these ancestors are here with them, looking after them.

PROGRAM CHANGES

ECA reserves the right to make changes to the program, including presenters and sessions where necessary. In the unlikely event that a presenter withdraws or cannot travel, ECA reserves the right to make the appropriate decision in the best interest of the conference—this may include not offering refunds, changes to the program and cancelling sessions.

REGISTRATION

Sharing of registrations is not permitted. One registration may not be utilised by several individuals.

VISAS AND QUARANTINE

Delegates travelling from overseas may be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. It is the delegate’s responsibility to obtain the appropriate visa; the conference is unable to intervene in the process. You should apply for your visa no less than two months prior to your departure. Failure to obtain a visa will not be accepted as grounds for refund of any fees or other costs paid to the conference. Also, please keep in mind that Australia has strict quarantine regulations that are enforced at all international airports and other points of entry into Australia.

© Bundjalung Sean licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd


www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

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