ECEC Conversations | Session 2
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy & Inclusion
Wednesday, 3 June 2026 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm AEST
Every child belongs. Every story matters.
Culturally responsive pedagogy isn't a checkbox — it's the foundation for equity, genuine belonging, and stronger learning outcomes across every community you serve.
What you'll walk away with
- A deeper understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy and why it matters in early childhood settings
- Practical strategies to reflect diverse identities, languages, and family backgrounds in your daily practice
- Tools and frameworks you can apply immediately — across any care type or setting
- Confidence to create environments where every child and family feels genuinely seen and valued
What we'll explore
Belonging as a foundation for learning When children feel safe, seen, and connected to their culture, they learn better. We'll unpack what genuine belonging looks like in ECEC environments and how to embed it into everyday practice.
Reflecting diversity in your curriculum From resources and routines to stories and celebrations, we'll look at practical ways to ensure your program reflects the rich diversity of the children and families you serve.
Partnering with families and communities Culturally responsive practice starts with listening. We'll explore how to build authentic partnerships with families — particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds — to co-create meaningful learning experiences.
Inclusion across care types Whether you work in long day care, family day care, occasional care, or outside school hours care, the principles and practices we cover will be relevant and adaptable to your context.
Who should attend
This webinar is perfect for
- Educators and teachers
- Service directors
- Room leaders
- Inclusion support coordinators
- Family day care providers
- Curriculum and pedagogy leads
When children see their own families, languages, and stories reflected in their care environment, they don't just feel included — they thrive.
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.
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