ELM (ACT) Facilitating the ACT Early Education and Care Network
In 2025, ELM (ACT) was selected by the ACT Department of Education to facilitate and coordinate the ACT Early Education and Care Network (ECEC Network).
The Network is designed to foster cross-sector collaboration by bringing together ACT ECEC providers, service leaders, and educators. Through shared knowledge, reflection, and the implementation of best practices, the Network aims to strengthen early education and care services across the ACT.
We are excited to announce our first calendar of events!
After consultation with Early Childhood Education and Care professionals, we are excited to share our calendar of events for the remainder of 2026. We look forward to seeing you at one of these upcoming sessions and extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to bringing us to this point.
Head to the Network Upcoming Events Section to register
Establishing the ECEC Network Sector Leadership Group (SLG)
ELM will also create the ECEC Network Sector Leadership Group (SLG). The SLG will co-design and co-administer the ECEC Stakeholder Network alongside ELM, ensuring broad sector representation and strategic leadership.
The SLG comprises 14 members from across the ECEC sector in the ACT. Our SLG members are:
| Tracey- Lee Elliss | Assistant Director Woden Valley Early Learning Centre https://www.wodenvalleychildcare.com.au/ |
| Natasha Stefopoulos | Program Manager | Early Learning Connection https://www.baringa.org.au/ |
| Elizabeth Sebesfi | General Manager, 360 Throsby https://360earlyeducation.com.au/locations/throsby/ |
| Vanessa Woodward | Children’s Education and Care Teacher, Canberra Institute of Technology |
| Sarah Grieves | Head of Department, Education Design and Delivery, Canberra Institute of Technology https://cit.edu.au/ |
| Karen Pollard | Executive Director, Community Services #1 Https://communityservices1.org |
| Kellie Stewart | Director Children’s Services, Communities at Work https://www.commsatwork.org/ |
| Kylie Keane | CT CoP Representative, ACT NOSHSA https://www.noshsa.org.au/actbranchconference2025 |
| Rowena Muir | Lecturer, Director and Academic Lead – Wiradjuri Preschool, University of Canberra https://www.canberra.edu.au/ |
| Kara Bromley | Director, Manuka Occasional Childcare Association (MOCCA) Incorporated https://manukachildcare.com.au/ |
| Lisa Syrette | Manager (Early Childhood Services) AIS Operations Australian Sports Commission |
| Ali Sewter | Executive Director Forrest Children’s Services https://forrestpandc.com.au/ |
| Katherine Hellwig | Executive Director of Children’s Services, YWCA https://ywca-canberra.org.au/ |
Over the coming months the SLG will support ELM in:
- Designing and facilitating the Network Consultation Strategy
- Developing the Network Governance Manual
- Communicating key messages to sector staff and stakeholders
Additionally, SLG will provide expert guidance and recommendations on:
- Networking, professional learning, and mentoring opportunities across the ACT ECEC sector
- Emerging sector topics and key issues
- Quarterly engagement plans for the Network
This exciting initiative will strengthen collaboration, empower educators, and enhance early education and care services in the ACT. Stay tuned as ELM and SLG
Network Upcoming Events
Our New Calendar of events for the second quarter of 2026 Is Now Open for Registration .
We’re excited to share that our new series of events is now open for registration. If you haven’t joined us before, here’s what educators are saying about their experience:
“I loved the flexible discussion format — it allowed for a variety of genuine and meaningful conversations.”
“I got ideas from other educators’ perspectives.”
“I really appreciated how reflexive the workshop was. It made us actively reflect on our practice.” “Open conversations with passionate people.”
October Events
Supporting Mental Health and Emotional Regulation in OSHC
Rescheduled
| 📅 Date: Monday 16th November ⏲️ Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 🏢 Venue: Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning 🚗Parking: Free About the Session This session will equip participants with practical, strengths‑based strategies to recognise and respond to children’s emotional needs in busy OSHC environments. Together, we’ll explore approaches that promote wellbeing, nurture positive behaviour, and strengthen children’s capacity for self‑regulation. Educators will leave with simple, effective tools they can apply immediately to create calmer, more connected, and emotionally supportive spaces for all children. I Professional Learning Network events are interactive, and active participation is expected. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas, contribute thoughtfully to group discussions, and help foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment where every voice is heard and valued. |
Session for Cooks: A Space to Share Recipes, Ideas and Kitchen Wisdom
| 📅 Date: Wednesday 28th October ⏲️ Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm 🏢 Venue: Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning 🚗Parking: Free About the Session This follow‑up session is designed as a practical, collaborative space for cooks to learn from one another and showcase the creativity happening in kitchens across our services. Building on the enthusiasm from the July workshop, this session invites every cook to bring along: A sample of their menu — something that reflects the everyday food experience they create for children. A copy of their favourite recipe — a dish they’re proud of, or one that always delights their service. Across the afternoon, participants will share their menus, swap recipes, and explore clever cooking tips that make healthy, child‑friendly meals easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable to prepare. The session will also include time for cooks to talk through challenges, compare approaches, and gather new ideas to take back to their kitchens. Participant Expectations Professional Learning Network events are interactive, and active participation is expected. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas, contribute thoughtfully to group discussions, and help foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment where every voice is heard and valued. |
| What are Learning Circles? Facilitated group discussions where participants share experiences, reflect on practice, and deepen understanding around a shared topic or challenge. Participant Expectations: Professional Learning Network events are interactive, and active participation is expected. For those attending online, cameras and microphones should be switched on throughout the session to support group interaction. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas, contribute thoughtfully to group discussions, and help foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment where every voice is heard and valued. |
Join The ECEC Network
If you’re interested in joining The ECEC Network mailing list, to ensure you don’t miss out on hearing about all of our events, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us today to sign up.
By signing up, you’ll receive updates on sector-wide collaborations, professional learning opportunities, and key initiatives shaping early education and care in the ACT.
The Network is an initiative of the ACT Government’s Set up for Success: An Early Childhood Strategy for the ACT and delivered by ELM.
