2026 Early Childhood Australia National Conference

2026 ECA National Conference – Holding the Past, Creating the Future

About the 2026 ECA National Conference

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has been the national voice for young children since 1938. As the peak body for early childhood education and care in Australia, ECA advocates on behalf of children, families, and educators nationwide. Its work is guided by a strong commitment to quality, equity, and social justice, promoting positive outcomes for children from birth to eight years.

The 38th ECA National Conference will be held in Melbourne from 30 September to 3 October 2026. 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 care. This theme encourages us to consider the cultural and historical legacies that shape our practices—what we choose to pass on—and the stories our sector will tell about this moment in time, as we continue shaping the future.

Why the ECA National Conference is Essential for the Early Childhood Sector

The ECA National Conference continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of early childhood education and care across Australia and beyond. As the sector navigates ongoing reform and policy change, this event provides a timely platform to:

• Advance a unified, high-quality early learning system across Australia
• Support, develop, and recognise the early childhood workforce
• Strengthen child safety frameworks and protection standards
• Enhance collaboration between early learning, allied health, social services and systems such as the NDIS

At the core of these priorities is a shared commitment to children's rights, wellbeing, and lifelong learning outcomes. The conference empowers early childhood professionals to contribute meaningfully to sector-wide decisions and reforms. 

A Connected Community in Early Childhood Education

The 2026 ECA National Conference brings together educators, leaders, and stakeholders from across the ECEC sector. It is an opportunity to exchange ideas, explore innovation, and strengthen collaboration nationwide. By uniting diverse voices and experiences, the conference not only supports professional growth but also helps shape a stronger, more connected future for early childhood education in Australia—creating a lasting impact for generations to come.

McArthur - a sponsor at 2026 ECA National Conference

McArthur is proud to support the 2026 ECA National Conference as both an exhibitor and the official coffee sponsor. Our team looks forward to connecting with educators, leaders, and organisations to discuss workforce challenges, staffing solutions, and career opportunities across the early childhood sector nationwide.

About McArthur Early Childhood Recruitment

For more than 35 years, McArthur has been one of Australia’s most trusted recruitment agencies specialising in early childhood education careers and staffing solutions. Our national Early Childhood Education team provides:

• Permanent recruitment for Centre Directors, Teachers, and Leadership roles.
• Temporary and casual staffing to support centres with immediate and flexible coverage.
• Specialist recruitment strategies tailored to early childhood services across Australia.

Every McArthur ECE consultant has either direct experience in the early years sector or extensive recruitment expertise and in many cases, both. This ensures we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing centres, educators, and families, allowing us to deliver exceptional recruitment outcomes.

Our mission is to connect passionate educators with rewarding roles while helping childcare centres, preschools, and early learning services secure the right talent to meet their workforce needs. By focusing on the perfect match, we ensure long-term value for both candidates and organisations.

Event details:

When: 30 September - 3 October 2026

Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

More information and registration, please follow the link >>2026 ECA National Conference<<

Connect With McArthur

If you are attending the conference, visit us to meet our team and learn more about how we can support your staffing or career journey in early childhood education.

If you cannot attend but would like to discuss your recruitment needs or career aspirations, contact our National Early Childhood Education team today.