ACA Victoria Conference 2026: Educator's Blueprint

Mastering the Rhythm of Everyday Early Childhood Practice

What does it take to step into your role as an early childhood educator with confidence and clarity? 

In March 2026, ACA Victoria brings to you "Educator's Blueprint" a 1-day Conference designed for Cert III and Diploma early educators, assistants, relief educators, and those returning to the ECEC sector. 

This immersive day brings together theory, practical skills, and the realities of everyday childcare service life, giving you the tools to navigate your responsibilities with confidence. From understanding your role under the National Law, Regulations, and the NQS, to mastering routines, supervision, planning, and documentation, the conference will feel less like a workshop... and more like stepping into the rhythm of a service with a new perspective. The kind that notices more, understands more and responds with confidence instead of hesitation

Leading the day are two of the sector’s most respected voices: Catharine Hydon and Kerrie O’Neill.

Catharine brings over 30 years of experience spanning teaching, leadership, policy, consulting, and sector-wide advocacy. As Director of Hydon Consulting, Co-Director at Circularity Consulting, and a contributor to major national projects, including the ECA Code of Ethics reviews and the Ethics in Action guide, Catharine is known for inspiring reflective practice, elevating quality, and engaging educators in deep, meaningful professional dialogue.

Alongside her, Kerrie O’Neill brings another three decades of rich sector experience. A former kindergarten teacher, centre director, tertiary lecturer, trainer and assessor, and senior departmental officer, Kerrie has shaped qualifications, authored training packages, and written 18 textbooks for the Certificate III and Diploma of ECEC. As Director of Early Childhood Hub and Co-Director at Circularity Consulting, she is a passionate presenter dedicated to empowering educators with clear, accurate and practical knowledge.

Together, Catharine and Kerrie offer a powerful blend of insight, real-world experience, and unwavering commitment to educator growth, creating a learning environment that is grounded, energising, and deeply relevant to everyday practice.

This Conference doesn’t just teach; it connects the dots. It takes everything you’ve learned, everything you’ve seen, and everything you’ve wondered… and weaves it into a clear, solid foundation you can rely on every single day. By the end, you won’t just feel prepared. You’ll feel capable. You'll gain confidence in your practice, understand why, and how your choices matter, and you will feel connected with your peers. If you’re building your future in early childhood education, this is the day that strengthens the base you’ll stand on for years to come. Your growth begins here, step in and build the early childhood educator you aspire to be!