Advancing Early
Childhood Developement
Practitioner Wellness & Inclusive Learning Conference
18 – 19 June 2026
The Capital Empire Sandton
The 4th Annual AECD Conference
The conference will facilitate evidence-informed disc ussions, knowledge sharing, and practical insights aimed at strengthening practitioner wellbeing, improving service delivery, and supporting long-term sector sustainability.Â
Key Conference Themes
Practitioner Wellness
Supporting mental health and resilience of ECD professionals
Child Wellness
Holistic development and wellbeing of young children
Inclusivity in ECD
Creating equitable environments for all children
Prioritising Those Who Care & Teach
Practitioner wellness is a daily reality shaped by heavy workloads, emotional labor, limited resources, and systemic pressures faced by ECD practitioners across South Africa.
This conference explores practical, context-sensitive approaches to reducing burnout and supporting mental health within ECD workplaces.
01
Reduce Burnout
Practical approaches to mental health support
02
Strengthen Resilience
03
Sustainable Pathways
04
Enable Environments
Benefits of Attending
Practitioner wellness is not an abstract concept, it is a daily reality shaped by heavy workloads, emotional labour, limited resources, and systemic pressures faced by ECD practitioners across South Africa.
Stay Informed
Latest developments in ECD, inclusivity, wellness, and innovative practices
Focus on Equity
Create inclusive environments and ensure equitable access to quality ECD
Network
Connect with educators, policymakers, and industry leaders
Future Preparation
Understand how ECD advancements shape education globally
Practical Strategies
Apply tools directly in classrooms and ECD centers
Expert Insights
Learn from top thought leaders on critical ECD issues
Who Should Attend?
ECD Professionals
- ECD Directors and Teachers
- ECD Practitioners
- Curriculum Developers
Policy & Government
- Policymakers
- Government Officials
Organizations
- NGOs and Community Leaders
- Private Sector Representatives
Support Network
- Health Professionals
- Educational Technologists
FEATURED SPEAKERS
AECD26 brings together leading voices in Early Childhood Development whose expertise, experience, and advocacy are shaping the future of inclusive and sustainable ECD.
JANET BEYROOTI
ECD Project Manager
Curro PreSchools
Experienced ECD specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry.
LAUREN EDMUND
Founder
Omatas Learning Centre
Host of the Lauren Edmund Podcast. Drawing on over 12 years of hands-on experience running Omatas Learning Centre, a special needs school in Johannesburg
NTSIKI BERENG
Founder
Apple Tree Academy
With 18 years of experience in education, Ntsiki has played multiple roles teacher, operations manager, researcher, & Early Childhood Development Specialist.
What Delegates Will Gain
Actionable Tools and Strategies to strengthen inclusive practice, practitioner wellbeing, and holistic child development
Evidence-Informed Frameworks that are adaptable to diverse ECD contexts, including rural and under-resourced settings
Policy Implementation Guidance that align with South African ECD regulations and emerging policy shifts
Enhanced Professional Capacity including, leadership, resilience, and workforce sustainability skills
Meaningful Connections, partnerships with peers, policymakers, NGOs, and private-sector stakeholders
Why Sponsor?
Sponsoring the ECD Conference offers unique opportunity to make meaningful impact on early childhood education in South Africa.
Showcase Commitment
Position your brand as dedicated supporter of ECD
Expand Reach
Establish yourself in impactful field
Connect Community
Engage with like-minded organizations and professionals
This conference is more than an event, it’s a movement towards equitable access to learning opportunities. Align your brand with positive change and inspire others to join the journey.