ECA Queensland Committee

The Queensland Committee is a volunteer leadership group representing diverse sectors, roles and regions across the early childhood education and care community in Queensland. We provide advocacy, connection and sector leadership across the state, ensuring a broad range of perspectives informs our work. We align with national priorities while amplifying the voices and needs of Queensland children, families, members and communities. 

The ECA Queensland Committee supports and connects our members across the state through networking, professional learning and meaningful sector engagement. We create opportunities for members to engage with sector leaders, contribute to reform conversations and strengthen practice through events, partnerships and collaborative initiatives. We advocate for children and families through advocacy, representation and policy submissions. Members are invited to engage and participate to support our work through our committee, sub-committee or regional networks. 

• Leading reconciliation activities through our Reconciliation Committee 

• Under 8’s week, a 70-year tradition promoting the importance of early learning and play  

• Hosting open house meetings with sector leaders and decision-makers 

• Facilitating events and forums  

• Providing scholarships to support members attending conferences and professional learning 

• Growing regional networks to increase connection and representation 

• 70 years championing play and early learning across Queensland, celebrating children as capable, creative and connected citizens. 

• Informed policy submissions on teacher registration, Child Safe Standards and state election priorities, ensuring sector voice shapes reform. 

• Strengthened Torres Strait Islander engagement, including cultural representation at the 2024 Brisbane Conference. 

• Developed history panels highlighting decades of advocacy, milestones and sector leadership. 

• Supported local politician visits during Early Learning Matters Week, amplifying the value of early learning in communities. 

Under Eights Week – Celebrating 70 years 

The Queensland Committee is pleased to announce the dates for Under Eights Week 2026, taking place from Monday 18 May to Saturday 23 May. 

In 2026, we will proudly celebrate 70 years of Under Eights Week, marking seven decades of supporting, empowering, and celebrating young children across Queensland. 

This milestone year offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on generations of learning, laughter, creativity, and play. We are excited to explore how play has evolved over time and to celebrate alongside children, families, educators, and the wider community. 

Further details about events, activities, and opportunities to get involved will be shared in the coming months. We also welcome your ideas and plans for celebrating this significant year. 

Keep up to date about Under Eights Week 2026 on the Under 8’s Facebook page 

Childhood Builders Capability Champions initiative 

ECA successfully secured funding through the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership –to embed a dedicated Capability Champion within our network from 2026. This funded role will strengthen neuro-informed, relational and evidence-based practice across the 0–8 years, supported by coaching, cross-sector collaboration and a statewide Community of Practice — building sustainable capability and improved outcomes for children and families across Queensland. 

Supporting teacher registration 

Following a professional discussion with members in November, ECA Queensland submitted feedback supporting mandatory teacher registration for early childhood teachers in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. Key priorities raised include a single teacher register, recognition of ACECQA-approved qualifications, affordable and well-resourced implementation, clear communication for the sector, and access to mentoring and professional learning to support teachers through the transition. 

Read the consultation paper 

Read the submission 

Email: ecaqld@earlychildhood.org.au

Facebook: Early Childhood Australia – QLD