
The Future Starts Small:
Early Childhood Education in an Evolving World
March 16-18, 2026
This session will be conducted in English only
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

Register to attend
Early Bird Registration
15 November 2026
Regular Registration
30 January 2026

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

1st Event at Symposium
16 March 2026
12:00 pm
Harris Manchester College