From Voice to Vision: Growing Together in Early Learning
AECEA invites session proposals for the 2027 Essential Pieces Conference, taking place virtually on May 14-15, 2027.
This year’s theme, From Voice to Vision: Growing Together in Early Learning, invites us to explore how early childhood educators make their knowledge and practice visible, learn from one another, and help shape the future of early learning and child care. Belonging is the golden thread running through the conference: the relationships we build with children, families, colleagues, communities, and one another strengthen both our practice and our profession.
We welcome proposals that connect with one of four streams: Professional Identity & Voice; Pedagogy & Practice; Leadership & Collective Growth; or Vision & Possibility. We encourage submissions that share practical ideas, emerging research, lived experience, and opportunities for reflection and conversation.
Date & Location
Event Dates
Friday, May 14 to Saturday, May 15, 2027.
Location
Virtual through Zoom Events.
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 From Voice to Vision: Growing Together in Early Learning
- Strength of learning outcomes
- Relevance and usefulness to Alberta’s early childhood educators
- 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 2027 Essential Pieces Conference Call for Presenters form below by 11:59 PM ABT on December 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 2027 Essential Pieces Conference a success!