The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is calling for expressions of interest from centre-based long day care services to participate in the 2026 intake of its Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Learning Partner Project.
The initiative offers services a unique opportunity to partner with Australia's independent education evidence body to strengthen the practice of assessment for learning using a deliberate and structured approach to implementation.
A planned approach to practice improvement
The Learning Partner Project recognises that effective implementation requires more than adopting new resources – it encourages embedding sustainable change responsive to each service's unique context.
‘This isn't about AERO coming in with all the answers – it’s a genuine partnership where we learn together about what works in real-world contexts,’ said Dr Jenny Donovan, CEO of AERO.
Previous participants have reported significant benefits of a planned approach. Ling, an Educational Leader from Canberra, said: ‘It was a pleasure for us to be part of the Learning Partner Project, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to deepen our understanding and practice of assessment for learning.’
Benefits for your service
Selected services will work throughout 2026 with an AERO consultant to deepen their assessment for learning through implementation, using AERO's Early Childhood Learning Trajectories as a key resource.
The project involves approximately 2 days per month of primarily virtual engagements, including professional learning sessions and peer networking opportunities and the completion of tasks associated with the project. Participating services will receive funding for backfill to support staff involvement.
The initiative directly supports Quality Area 1 of services' Quality Improvement Plans while building capability in implementing evidence-based practices.
Benefits for participating services include:
- acquiring knowledge and strategies for implementation to deepen assessment for learning
- learning from and connecting with other services on the project
- contributing to sector-wide insights that benefit all early childhood services
Expression of interest now open
AERO is seeking services that:
- are centre-based long day care services, particularly those based in SA and QLD
- have completed their most recent Assessment and Rating in 2024 or 2025
- work closely with First Nations families and/or communities
- are committed to leading practice uplift
- are willing to participate in professional learning and professional conversations.
Interested services can submit their expression of interest by 7 November at: https://edresearch.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pHDibPIM3QbLCe
For AERO media enquiries, contact
Rebecca Urban
M: 0411 790 304
E: media@edresearch.edu.au