There was so much to smile about at the 2024 ECA National Conference in Brisbane in September; a gathering that provided inspiration, innovation, and invaluable learning for the Big Fat Smile team of 11 delegates. With an air of anticipation from the very first evening, our group dove headfirst into the wealth of knowledge shared by keynote speakers, networking and connection building across our services that only can be achieved at a national conference such as the 2024 ECA Conference.
The conference was not only an opportunity to learn from renowned speakers, but also a platform for sharing ideas and practices across our services. Executive Lead, Children’s Services, Kellie Grose, found particular value in deepening her internal connections at Big Fat Smile:
‘For me this year, being fairly new at Big Fat Smile, whilst connecting with the team at the conference I gained some wonderful insights into perspectives of our team and work happening in our services’.
Other delegates shared Kellie’s enthusiasm for new connections. The conference was an opportunity for our delegates to develop a deep kinship with fellow Big Fat Smile educators and planting seeds for future fun, magical and memorable educational experiences together.
For Alicia Doolan, Director at Barrack Heights Community Preschool, attending the conference with fellow team members meant a platform for sharing ideas and exposure to different practices at other Big Fat Smile services:
‘Whilst at the conference, I really connected with other Big Fat Smile educators that I hadn’t spent much time with before. We discussed how we can work closer together in the future and across service types. We are hoping to establish a bush tucker garden at Barrack Heights Community Preschool with help from older children in Fun Club. The new bonds and ideas made me feel really inspired and gave me the desire to continue growing, connecting, learning and pushing for change.’
Whilst the conference was an excellent platform for sharing ideas across services, our delegates have also taken their newfound knowledge and passion back to the teams at their local services. Inspired by Professor Alison Clark’s keynote address on ‘Slow the Flow’, Bridy Salazar, Director at Thirroul Fun Club, returned from the conference ready to make practical changes to transition times at the service. Following the conference, the team at Thirroul has critically reflected on how to reduce idle time to make the most of children’s experiences and play:
‘Currently, children often wait for their friends to apply sunscreen and wash hands before we inform the children of the afternoon activities and serve afternoon tea. We are going to change this to allow children to start serving their afternoon tea straight after they have applied sunscreen and washed their hands. We are reviewing the optimal time to communicate the afternoon activities while the children are eating and socialising with their peers. We are also creating a routine board as a visual reminder of afternoon’s activities to allow for the children that may not process or remember the information presented to them in a large group to understand the routine for the afternoon. We hope this will create an opportunity for all the children to build on their autonomy and decision-making skills.’
At Big Fat Smile, we work every day to enrich the lives and minds of children and families in their communities. The ECA conference wasn’t just an opportunity to gain new knowledge—it was a reminder of why we do what we do every day. Belinda Randahl, Early Childhood Teacher at Bellambi Point and Bulli Community Preschools shared her favourite quote from the conference:
‘Remember your purpose, reflect always, and critically look at foundational knowledge. Share your meaning, share your understanding, find your strength and be intentional. Others will catch your fire—then you can fan it.’ – Dr. Andi Salamon.
The enthusiasm and energy our team members bring back from events like this fuel the fire for creating positive change across our organisation. Here’s to sharing the journey, making memories, and setting the stage for a rewarding career working with children—because when we learn and grow together, we can truly make a difference to each child’s life, in every way.
If you’re looking for an organisation that’ll help you grow, get better and solve problems: together, then look no further! We’re always on the lookout for upcoming Trainees and experienced Early Childhood Educators, Teachers and Centre Directors for our long day care and term only preschools in the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Goulburn and Sydney areas.
Search our current jobs here, or learn more about the benefits of working at Big Fat Smile here.
