On Friday 28 March 2025, early childhood educational leaders gathered at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for our second Best Start, Best Life: Educational Leaders Conference – a day dedicated to learning, collaboration and innovation in early childhood education.
More than 1,500 people attended, as keynote speakers Professor John Spencer and Professor Deborah Phillips explored the conference theme of ‘Brain development and the criticality of the early years’ and presented recent research into neuroscience and teaching practice.
In next month’s edition of the Early Childhood Update, we will share their recorded presentations, which impressed and engaged so many attendees on the day.
‘Professional learning opportunities like these are really important to learn new ideas and bring them back to the team,’ said Lisa Hammonds, director, Wattletree Early Childhood Centre, reflecting the mood of many.
‘It’s been great to connect with so many educational leaders, especially those close to our centre that we can continue this relationship with.’
Another highlight of the conference was the interactive workshop that provided an early showcase of the department’s intentional teaching professional learning program, which is set for release later this year.
Participants were thoroughly engaged in the workshop, praising the tangible demonstration of intentional teaching, including how to improve teacher-child interactions and build subject matter knowledge in literacy and language development.
Keep an eye on next month’s edition for more coverage of this wonderful event, featuring the words of international experts and local leading practitioners.
Find out more
For more information about the conference, refer to Best Start, Best Life: 2025 Educational Leaders Conference.
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