ECEC Conversations | Session 3
Emotional Intelligence & Wellbeing
3 September, 2026 | 12:30 pm–1:30 pm AEDT
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Session 3
Emotional Intelligence & Wellbeing
Emotional intelligence is at the heart of great early childhood education. In this special Horizons edition of ECEC Conversations, we'll explore how educators, leaders and services can foster emotionally healthy workplaces, support staff wellbeing, and build stronger relationships with children and families. Join industry experts and sector leaders as they share practical strategies for resilience, emotional regulation, psychological safety and creating a culture where people can thrive.
Whether you're leading a team, supporting educators, or working directly with children, you'll leave with actionable ideas to strengthen wellbeing across your service.
Key topics
- Practical wellbeing strategies for everyday practice
- Emotional intelligence in leadership
- Supporting educator wellbeing and resilience
- Preventing burnout in ECEC
- Building psychologically safe teams
Speakers
Christine Curphey
Business Executive / Author / Growth Partner - Tiny Souls Media
Christine supports a social and emotional learning program and resource library for early learning that helps educators and families build children’s confidence, connection and emotional wellbeing in ways that are practical, engaging and aligned with the National Quality Standard and Child Safe Standards.
Nicole Lees
Consultant - Be You with Early Childhood Australia
Nicole prioritises collaboration, working alongside educators to draw on collective skills for lasting positive impact. Nicole holds qualifications in Business, International Studies, Early Childhood Education and a Master of Childhood and Youth Studies. Her background includes educator and leadership roles, consultancy and research. Nicole currently sits on the Committee of Management for a long day care service in Melbourne and is an Executive Director at The Association of Graduates in Early Childhood Studies.
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 such as 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.
Upcoming Sessions
TBC
Latest On-demand Sessions
Session 1
Everyday Eco Adventures: Sustainability & Environmental Literacy for Children
Cate McQuillen
Angus Gorrie
Tracy Kilpady
Session 2
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy & Inclusion
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Melanie Hanson
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On-demand Sessions
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