Published on Friday, 14 February 2025 at 12:12:16 PM
Following the success of last October’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) conference, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is excited to announce another round of free professional development opportunities for ECEC professionals across the Goldfields.
Registrations are now open for the highly anticipated 15 March conference, which will include a series of targeted break-out sessions designed to equip educators with valuable skills and insights.
The event will bring together a dynamic lineup of local and Perth-based experts to explore key topics such as protective behaviours, fostering strong relationships, creating engaging learning environments, and understanding neurodiversity. These sessions have been carefully curated to support the professional growth of ECEC educators and enhance the quality of care and education available to young children in the region.
This initiative, which takes a collaborative approach to strengthening the ECEC sector across the region, is being delivered in partnership with the Shires of Coolgardie and Leonora, the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission, and Central Regional TAFE.
In addition to the conference, a series of follow-up professional development workshops will be held from 10 March to 21 March. These sessions will focus on leadership and management essentials and tailored support for family daycare educators, responding directly to feedback from local ECEC professionals.
The City has secured $25,000 to establish the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Early Childhood Education and Care Educator Awards Program—a new initiative aimed at recognising and retaining outstanding ECEC educators in the community.
Under this program, local ECEC centres can nominate up to 30 educators to receive grants of up to $1,000. These funds can be used to support accommodation expenses, cover professional development costs, or purchase essential equipment for Family Day Care Centres.
Mayor Glenn Wilson highlighted the importance of this initiative and investing in the ECEC sector.
“Our local ECEC services have told us that access to high-quality professional development is key to attracting and keeping great educators in the Goldfields. We’ve listened and are responding to this feedback when planning these important initiatives.”
“The upcoming conference and workshops are fantastic opportunities for our educators to build their skills, connect with peers, and feel valued for the incredible work they do. I strongly encourage all ECEC professionals to register early and take advantage of this free training opportunity.”
“This is the third grant we’ve secured from the Department of Communities for ECEC projects, we appreciate the State Government’s continued support and are proud to be launching our third project in this area.”
“Childcare isn’t just about looking after kids—it’s an economic driver for our region. It enables parents to return to work, supports local businesses, and contributes to the overall well-being and development of our youngest residents. We’re proud to back our ECEC educators and celebrate the impact they have on our community", said Mayor Wilson.
ECEC professionals from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, as well as the Shires of Coolgardie and Leonora, are strongly encouraged to attend the free professional development events in March.
To further encourage participation, prizes are available for early bird registrations, along with additional spot prizes throughout the event.
Stronger Futures: Goldfields Early Childhood Education and Care Conference
Learn more about the free conference and accompanying break out sessions and register to attend. Registrations close 3 March 2025.
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