
The Future Starts Small:
Early Childhood Education in an Evolving World
July 20 - July 23, 2026
This session will be conducted in English
Topics of Interest will include but are not limited to:

Rethinking Early Learning in the 21st Century
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Emerging theories in early childhood pedagogy
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Shifting definitions of “school readiness”
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Learning through play vs. structured instruction
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Global benchmarks and their local implications
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Cultural perspectives on early learning
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Balancing tradition with innovation in classrooms
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Reimagining curriculum for modern learners
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The influence of neuroscience on early education policy

The Role of Technology in Early Development
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Screen time and child development research
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AI and adaptive learning tools for preschoolers
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Digital literacy in early education
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Using tech to bridge early learning gaps
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Ethics and equity in early tech exposure
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Training educators in responsible tech integration
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Balancing human connection and digital innovation
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Case studies of successful tech-supported programs

The Early Years Workforce: Training, Retention, and Well-Being
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Global teacher shortages in early childhood
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Professionalization of early childhood educators
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Supporting educator mental health and resilience
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Leadership pathways in early childhood settings
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Continuous professional development models
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Gender and pay equity in the early years sector
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Building collaborative teaching communities
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Recognition and reward systems in early education

Education and Children’s Rights
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The Voice of the Child: Listening and Participation
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Children’s Rights in Policy and Law
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Equity and Inclusion in Education
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Health, Well-Being, and Safety in Schools
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Teaching for Human Rights and Citizenship
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The Legacy of Janusz Korczak and Child-Centered Pedagogy
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Global Challenges and Children’s Rights
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Future Directions in Education and Children’s Rights

Health, Wellness, and the Whole Child
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The intersection of health and learning in early years
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Nutrition and cognitive development
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Childhood mental health and resilience
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Trauma-informed approaches in early education
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Physical activity and outdoor learning
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The impact of sleep and routine on learning outcomes
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Access to pediatric and developmental health services
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Creating wellness-oriented early learning environments

Inclusion, Equity, and Access
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Equity in early learning opportunities
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Supporting children with disabilities
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Socioeconomic barriers to early education
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Gender, language, and cultural inclusion
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Policy innovations for equitable access
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Anti-bias and anti-racist education in early years
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Inclusion through arts, play, and storytelling
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Measuring and sustaining inclusive practices

Policy, Leadership, and Global Perspectives
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Comparative education policy in early childhood
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International models of quality assurance
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Public and private sector partnerships
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The economics of investing in early education
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Global education goals and early learning alignment
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Evidence-based policymaking for the early years
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Leadership development in early childhood organizations
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The future of global early education networks

Innovation and the Future of Early Education
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Reimagining preschool design and environments
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Interdisciplinary collaboration in early learning
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Innovation labs and pilot programs
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Early education’s role in sustainable development
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Creative learning through arts and storytelling
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New models for funding and delivery
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Future skills: curiosity, empathy, and adaptability
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Visioning the next generation of early childhood systems
Step-by-Step

Location
Harris Manchester College
Mansfield Road
Oxford OX1 3TD
United Kingdom

1st Event at Symposium
20 July 2026
12:00 pm
Harris Manchester College