At CELA, we believe that high-quality professional learning has the power to transform practice, strengthen relationships, and support every child’s right to thrive. That’s why we curated this year’s Elevate 2025 program with a strong focus on the some of the most meaningful and relevant topics in early education today — from infant and toddler play, anxiety, and neuroaffirming practice to cultural connection and brain development. These themes align closely with the intent of the EYLF V2.0, which places renewed emphasis on relationships, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness. Each session was designed to inspire critical reflection and provide practical strategies to support educators in bringing these principles to life in their daily work.
In a time where children's needs are evolving and educators are seeking deeper ways to support them, our sector needs learning that is grounded in evidence, delivered by experts, and designed to empower. Elevate 2025 delivered just that — a day of engaging, thoughtful, and affirming conversations that reminded us of the vital role educators play in creating inclusive, nurturing, and responsive environments. Whether it was through the lens of neuroscience, cultural identity, or the power of play, each session offered insights that honour children’s uniqueness and support educators to meet them where they are.
Session 1: Infant and Toddler Play – Dr Katherine Bussey
Dr Katherine Bussey, an expert in the Piklerian approach, discussed the importance of self-directed play for infants and toddlers. She emphasised the need for emotionally secure and physically safe environments that support deep, meaningful play experiences.
Rachel Ho, CELA’s Professional Learning Co-ordinator and co-producer of the event, reflected on a key moment:
“Katherine’s analogy of ‘educators observing children like David Attenborough really resonated with me. It highlights a significant shift in practice — one where educators are deeply attuned to children’s cues, able to notice both focused and divided attention, and intentionally foster environments that encourage self-directed play through emotional safety and physical freedom.”
Three great insights from Dr Bussey:
Session 2: Anxiety and Resilience – Dr Kaylene Henderson
Child psychiatrist Dr Kaylene Henderson offered valuable strategies for supporting anxiety management and building resilience in children under five.
“The notion of procedural memories — and bringing awareness to them to better understand the behavioural responses both children and adults have to different situations — really resonated with me,” said CELA's Rachel Ho. “I also really loved the shift to seeing anxiety as a normal feeling – a helpful feeling in fact! And the notion that sometimes, we have to be as brave as we'd like children to be.”
Five practical tips from Dr Henderson:
We shouldn't look to spare children from the trickier moments of their day. We just need to walk with them through those moments.
— Dr Kaylene Henderson
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Session 3: Neuroaffirming Practice – Jen Boddy
Jen Boddy explored neuroaffirming strategies that celebrate each child's unique strengths, encouraging educators to rethink traditional ideas of normalcy and embrace neurodiversity in their daily practice.
“Everything about this session completely captivated me,” shared Rachel. “I loved the notion that inclusion is lived moment to moment. It is the heart of what we do with children every day.”
Further insights from Jen:
“There is no such thing as a 'normal' child. There are only children. Our role is to honour the uniqueness of each one, to create learning environments where every child can feel safe, valued, and free to be who they are.”
Session 4: Connecting Through Culture – Jai Pittman
Jai Pittman shared meaningful insights into Aboriginal cultural practices, highlighting the universal significance of belonging and the importance of authentic cultural connection. His session encouraged participants to begin with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage genuinely.
"Jie has such a warm and open aura," shared Rachel. "His personable nature created a safe space for participants to be brave and try new ways of introducing oneself and acknowledging Country. It all came down to knowing ourselves and the simplicity of building connection and belonging."
Jai’s tip for genuine connection:
Remain open. Listen to your gut, and make a commitment to find someone who can take you out onto Country and guide you through the ceremonies. Cultural learning and connection start with your own journey and openness.
Session 5: Brain to Brain – Karen Young
Karen Young closed the day with a powerful and practical session on the neuroscience of self-regulation and the vital role it plays in children’s behaviour, relationships, and capacity to learn. With warmth and clarity, she explained what happens in the brain during moments of stress and how educators can respond in ways that build connection, calm, and resilience.
“There were so many takeaway moments,” said Rachel, “but the one thing Karen said that most resonated with me was that if we don’t notice children when they’re unnoticeable, they will make themselves noticeable. It was such a powerful reminder not to underestimate those micro-moments of connection and joy with children.”
Three other takeaways from Karen’s session:
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An adult’s ability to self-regulate is foundational — we can only support children’s emotional states if we’re grounded in our own.
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Connection and safety are the essential conditions for learning, socialising, and wellbeing.
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The small moments matter most — shared joy, attunement, and presence help build strong, regulated brains.
Karen’s message was clear: calm isn’t something we should demand of children — it’s something we should offer to them. Through empathy, rhythm, and presence, we can help shape brains that feel safe, seen, and ready to thrive.
Elevate 2025 provided an amazing opportunity for early education professionals to connect deeply with ideas and practices shaping inclusive, resilient, and culturally respectful environments. We are pleased to be able to offer such a great day of learning to services that may find it challenging to travel to major cities to attend events in person.
Look out for future Elevate conferences via our Events page, home page or social media.