ECEC Conversations | Session 2
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy & Inclusion
Enjoy this rich conversation between Kristy, Mel and Tracy as they unpack what culturally responsive pedagogy really looks like in practice — not as a tick-box exercise or a special event on a calendar, but as a living, breathing part of everyday service life.
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy & Inclusion
Culturally responsive pedagogy can feel like a big, intimidating term. But as Kristy and Mel share in this session, it's something most educators are already doing — they just might not have the language for it yet. The real question is: how do you go deeper, embed it into your service's culture, and make every child and family feel like they truly belong?
This session explores what genuine inclusion looks and feels like across two very different OSHC contexts — one operating at scale across 60 services, and one tight-knit community service with deep local roots.
Key Topics Covered
- What belonging actually looks like in practice — moving beyond representation on special days to making every child and family feel seen as part of everyday business.
- Turning community connection into culture — how one service's simple "Stay and Play" event grew from six families to over 80 people, and why unlabelled, open-door events build the deepest trust.
- Going beyond the calendar — why intentional, community-informed programming matters far more than choosing a cultural awareness day to fill a gap in the program.
- Loose parts, big bodies and belonging — how one OSHC built its identity and community pride around a philosophy of play that welcomed every child, regardless of ability.
- Child voice beyond words — capturing the voices of non-verbal and neurodivergent children, and why inclusion responsibility belongs to the whole team, not just the coordinator.
- Strengths-based practice under pressure — how to shift from a deficit lens to a strengths lens when big behaviours are challenging your team, and why "OSHC isn't for this child" is never the answer.
- Small shifts, big impact — from reviewing your menu to building community forts on a Friday afternoon, the everyday moments that quietly change how families experience your service.
Who should watch the Culturally Responsive Pedagogy & Inclusion webinar?
This session is perfect for:
- OSHC coordinators and educators looking for real, on-the-ground examples of how culturally responsive practice comes to life in a service like theirs.
- Service directors and inclusion managers wanting to embed genuine inclusion across their teams and communities, rather than treating diversity as a one-off event.
- Educational leaders and room leaders seeking practical strategies to honour child and family voice in meaningful, everyday ways.
Meet the Speakers
Kristy Commens
Inclusion Manager, Y Queensland OSHC
Kristy Commens is the Inclusion Manager for the Y Qld OSHC, leading inclusion strategy and practice across approximately 60 services. With almost 30 years of experience across OSHC, Family Day Care, training, and community sector leadership, she is passionate about creating environments where children, families, and educators feel a genuine sense of belonging. Kristy is known for her practical, strengths-based approach to inclusion and her focus on supporting educators through sustainable, relationship-focused practice.
Melanie Hanson
Managing Director, Ipswich East OSHC
With a Diploma in Community Services and over five years of hands-on experience in OSHC, Melanie has had the joy of turning everyday moments into meaningful memories for children and their families.
As the current Managing Director of our OSHC service, she wears many hats—team leader, problem-solver, creative thinker and community advocate. She's passionate about creating a fun, safe and inclusive space where every child feels they belong. Whether planning exciting programs, supporting families or building strong community partnerships, she loves what she does. She always brings plenty of energy, heart and passion to the role.
Tracy Kilpady
Manager of Education,
Xplor Education
Tracy has years of experience and expertise in education. While studying, she completed extensive placements totalling over 120 days across various settings, including daycare centres, kindergartens, primary schools, and out-of-school care (OSHC), catering to children from birth to age 12. She also developed and implemented a program designed to support students in their transition to a new setting called “Transition to Prep.”
Recognising her passion for teaching and fostering engaging learning experiences, she was a dedicated prep teacher until 2020. Tracy now serves as Manager of Education at Xplor Education. Tracy revels in collaborating with a team of inspired and enthusiastic individuals dedicated to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the education sector. Their shared goal is to empower those who utilise the software, engage with families and, most importantly, provide the best possible educational experiences for the children in their care.
Latest On-demand Session
Session 1
Everyday Eco Adventures: Sustainability & Environmental Literacy for Children
Cate McQuillen
Angus Gorrie
Tracy Kilpady
Session 2
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy & Inclusion
Kristy Commens
Melanie Hanson
Tracy Kilpady
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3 September 2026
TBC
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