Threads of Belonging – Weaving Identity, Leadership & Community
AECEA invites presenters from across Alberta and beyond—educators, directors, researchers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, students, community partners, and system leaders—to submit proposals for the 2026 Essential Pieces Conference to be held on May 22–23, 2026. This year's theme will be “Threads of Belonging – Weaving Identity, Leadership & Community.”
We are seeking sessions that deepen understanding, strengthen practice, spark curiosity, and build community across the early learning and child care sector. Presentations should reflect the relational, place-based, and community-rooted spirit of this year’s theme.
We welcome proposals from:
- Frontline educators and day home providers
- Program directors and pedagogical leaders
- Researchers and students (including capstone projects)
- Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community experts
- Licensing, policy, or government partners
- Individuals or teams with lived experience connected to ELCC
- Collaboration groups (centre + community partner, researcher + educator, etc.)
Date & Location
Audience
Our audience is primarily early childhood educators working with children from birth to 12, as well as owner/operators/agencies, administrators, students, instructors, research and policy analysts, policymakers, leaders, advocates and those who support the essential educators who are the backbone of the early learning sector.
Selection Criteria
- Alignment with the theme Threads of Belonging – Weaving Identity, Leadership & Community
- Strength of learning outcomes
- Relevance and usefulness to Alberta’s ELCC workforce
- Integration of multiple ways of knowing
- Interactive, relational, or reflective session design
- Contribution to a balanced program across streams and roles
- Qualifications of the presenter match the topic of the session
Session proposals will be reviewed and selected based on the timeliness of the session topic, the creativity of approach, the expertise of presenters, and connection to further professional learning; proposals selected will demonstrate an understanding of inclusiveness, diversity (i.e. cultural, ethnicity, religious, class, age and developed abilities), and ethical practices.
Benefits for Presenters
The lead presenter submitting the proposal will receive complimentary conference attendance for the day of their presentation.
Important Notes
If you are selected as a presenter and you find yourself unable to attend at the time your session is scheduled, it is your responsibility to:
- find an alternate presenter to lead the session as it was submitted, and
- notify the conference committee as soon as possible.
How to Submit
Complete the 2026 Essential Pieces Conference Call for Presenters form below by 5 PM on January 15, 2026.
Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please email conference@aecea.ca. We look forward to receiving your submissions and collaborating to make the 2026 Essential Pieces Conference a success!