The Early Childhood Research Special Interest Group of the Children’s Research Network were delighted to facilitate this international early childhood student educator conference on 6 October 2023.

The event provided a much-needed opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students to share their research in early childhood education and care (ECEC) and connect with peers around the globe, linking theory to practice and engaging in professional practice conversations and research exchange.

Submissions were invited on a wide range of topics in ECEC, including but not limited to: arts & creativity; children's rights; ECEC pedagogy; ECEC policy; gender; COVID-19; inclusion & diversity; leadership & management;  play; professional practice; quality in ECEC; transitions. 

Dr. Leah O’Toole from Maynooth University gave a keynote on listening to very young children: the interconnections between good research and good pedagogy. There were seven poster presentations by early childhood education students and researchers from across Ireland and Europe that inspired fruitful and stimulating professional dialogues about key issues of quality and practice in early childhood education.

Check out the Event Programme below to see the presentations featured on the day.