Event Details
Date: June 18, 2026
Location: Barrett Centre For Technology Innovation
Located in: Humber Polytechnic, North Campus
Address: 205 Humber College Blvd., ON M9W 5L7
Cost: Free
We are delighted to welcome you to the 21st Annual Every Child Belongs Conference, celebrating more than two decades of shared commitment to fostering inclusive, responsive, and equitable early years practice. This year’s theme, “Innovate to Elevate: Connecting for Change,” reflects our collective journey beyond connection toward deeper collaboration, reflective practice, and meaningful transformation across the systems that support children, families, and communities.
As the early years sector continues to evolve in response to growing complexity—including technological advances, expanding understandings of neurodiversity, increasing mental health needs, and workforce pressures—this conference offers a space to pause, learn, and explore how we can adapt, lead, and sustain our work while remaining grounded in relationships, compassion, and human connection.
Our keynote presentation will focus on early childhood mental health through the lens of relational presence, highlighting the essential role that safety, attunement, and meaningful relationships play in supporting healing, growth, and development. Breakout sessions will extend this focus by exploring the realities of leadership in the context of AI and increasing demands, strengthening neuroinclusive approaches to practice, and examining the inner conditions that support effective and sustainable work. Participants will also engage with practical strategies for navigating competing priorities, coaching for sustained implementation, and compassionate responses to young children experiencing grief and loss.
Throughout the conference, participants will be invited to reimagine innovation not simply as the adoption of new ideas, but as a deeper commitment to reflective, relational, and sustainable practice that strengthens outcomes for children and families.
Together, we continue the important work of creating systems where every child is seen, valued, supported, and empowered to thrive within strong, connected communities.
Please Note: This opportunity is funded in partnership with the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada under the Canada-Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement. This event is intended for professionals in the early learning and care sector in Toronto.
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