ECEC Conversations | Session 4

AI Ready in ECEC—Mindset, Ethics, Access

6 November 2025 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (AEST)

Session 4

AI Ready in ECEC—Mindset, Ethics, Access

AI is increasingly becoming part of our world, and that includes the early childhood education and care sector. Admins, educators and staff need to consider a shift in our thinking, training and support systems to responsibly and equitably embrace AI tools. Together, we’ll unpack how to foster a positive mindset, ensure responsible and ethical use and make AI’s benefits accessible to all services.

Key Topics Covered

The importance of building AI literacy, fostering curiosity and providing ongoing professional development so staff can confidently and critically engage with new technologies.
The need for clear policies, data privacy safeguards and ethical guidelines that protect children’s rights and ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in all AI applications.
Strategies for bridging the digital divide, supporting diverse needs and ensuring that no educator is left behind as AI becomes part of everyday practice.

Speakers

Sarah Louise Nelson

Founder, Sarah Louise Consultancy

LinkedIn

Sarah Louise is a career early childhood teacher, pedagogical leader, and lifelong learner. She has dedicated her career to the pursuit of kindness in the workplace and to developing leaders at all levels of organisations. Through Sarah Louise Consultancy, she thrives on the challenge of working with highly diverse groups of early childhood professionals across the sector spectrum. With formal qualifications in education, research and leadership, Sarah Louise is a committed advocate for children, social justice, and the early years workforce.

Dr Hayden Park

Lecturer, Melbourne Polytechnic

LinkedIn

Dr Hayden Park is a Lecturer in Education whose research interests centre around STEM & science education and the use of technology in learning, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) technologies. Dr Park also maintains a keen interest in all aspects of behaviour guidance within educational settings. His PhD focused on the use of virtual reality to help pre-service teachers learn about School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS), while his current research relates to the integration of generative AI into educational contexts.

Tash Veiman

Senior Training Specialist – Xplor Education

LinkedIn

Before joining Xplor Education, Tash held significant positions in childcare settings, including centre manager and educational leader, assistant centre manager and educational leader, and safety and compliance officer. She is able to leverage this extensive experience in the early childhood care and education sector to deliver exceptional support to childcare services as a training specialist at Xplor Education.

Her deep understanding of the challenges and demands faced by childcare workers testifies to her ability to provide practical, effective and tailored support. She is dedicated to empowering childcare providers and helping them succeed in their roles by equipping them with the knowledge, training and support they need to thrive.