National Child Day Conference 2025
SpARCQEing Change In Children’s Best Interest
Welcome!
Join one of Canada’s largest conferences celebrating Children’s Rights and National Child Day! This year, ARCQE hosts its 16th annual National Child Day Conference, acknowledging the importance of children’s rights and the country’s commitment to upholding them.
This year’s theme, SpARCQEing Change in Children’s Best Interests, is grounded in Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing the importance of placing children at the heart of all matters that affect them.
Be a part of a supportive early learning community focused on SpARCQEing conversations on children’s rights, democratic practice, citizenship, community, and culture, ensuring children are uplifted and represented.

Edmonton Convention Centre (ECC)
The conference has grown, and this year we moved to the Edmonton Convention Centre to better serve our growing community! Located in downtown Edmonton along the scenic river valley, the venue’s spacious facilities and commitment to sustainability reflect the core values of this event: encouraging growth, promoting responsible stewardship, and inspiring meaningful learning.
Parking at the ECC
ARCQE has reserved the Grierson Hill surface parking lot, located accross from the Edmonton Convention Centre. With a parking lot attendant and 110 complimentary parking spots available, attendees will have convenient access just steps away from the venue. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional street parking and paid parking lots are available in the surrounding area. Proof of a Conference or Dual Experience ticket purchase must be shown to the parking lot attendant to access the Grierson Hill lot. Please note: The Grierson Hill lot has two accessible parking stalls but may not be wheelchair-friendly. For a map of location, visit our Events page at arcqe.ca/upcoming-events.
Accommodation
DoubleTree by Hilton Edmonton Downtown
9576 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 3V3
Stay just blocks from Edmonton’s vibrant Arts District, and a 5-minute walk along the lovely river valley to the Edmonton Convention Centre. Enjoy your weekend at the DoubleTree by Hilton, the ARCQE conference sponsor hotel featuring specialty rates. Visit their Gallery Lounge & Bar for an exclusive fast serve menu. Relax in a pool-sized hot tub, move at your own pace in the fitness center, and receive discounted underground parking!
ARCQE has reserved a block of 100 rooms for conference attendees. Room options include a Standard Two Queen Beds with a sofabed and a Standard King Room with a sofa bed, both available at a rate of $149.00 (plus tax) per night. Rooms are limited.
Check-in: 4:00 PM, Friday, November 21, 2025
Check-out: Noon, Sunday, November 23, 2025
Alberta Study Tour
Engage in this provincial experience and join one of three Edmonton program tours to explore a variety of innovative child care practices and environments. After the tour, participate in a panel and reflective practice discussion with program representatives to share insights and ask questions as a part of a peer networking opportunity. Transportation is included! Look at our Dual Experience ticket to make the most of your National Child Day Conference experience and support your theory to practice!
In-Person Experience
Be a part of our immersive and educational experience! In-Person opportunites include access to the Study Tour, keynotes, Friday’s interactive gala, Meet The Authors, breakout sessions, delegate resources, a mARCQEtplace, Collaborator Commons, and the opportunity to make meaningful connections with others beyond Alberta’s early learning and care community. Perfect for attendees who want the full conference experience and to engage with everything the event has to offer.
Virtual Experience
For those unable to attend in person! The virtual ticket gives you conference access from wherever you are. Ideal for the attendee wanting flexibility while still being involved in important conversations about children’s rights. With upgraded streaming services, you’ll enjoy high-quality access to Friday and Saturday keynotes, featured breakout sessions, receive digital resources, and the
opportunity to be connected as part of the broader early learning community.
Early Bird Deals
Register early and save! We offer different cost-saving options for the conference available for both in-person and virtual tickets.
- Conference and Study Tour Bundle
- Study Tour
- In-person
- Full Table of 8 (in-person)
- Half Table of 4 (in-person)
- Virtual
- Group of 10 (virtual)
- Group of 5 (virtual)
- PTL Cardholder
Immersive Experiences at NCDC
mARCQEtplace
This year an entire ECC Hall is designed to support an expansive lineup of vendors! Shop early learning resources, educational tools, wellness products, handmade goods, playground and furniture specialists, and everyday items that focus on spARCQEing joy and enriching program quality and educational needs of early learning experts.
Local businesses and entrepreneurs will join together to offer an intentional experience created with early educators in mind. See the growing list of vendors on our site!
Collaborator Commons
Meet ARCQE’s collaborators (Professional Organizations, Health Services, Post-Secondary, and Community Partners) and learn about the important work they are doing across the early learning sector. With their support, ARCQE is proud to offer high-quality professional learning that encourages continuous growth in early learning practices.
Capsule Collection
This is your National Child Day call to action! ARCQE is excited to release a limited edition Capsule Collection designed alongside children, inspired by Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in celebration of National Child Day. All proceeds (above manufacturing costs) will be donated to UNICEF Canada, an organization dedicated to advancing and protecting children’s rights around the world. Support National Child Day by wearing or using an item from the Capsule Collection on November 20th and at ARCQE’s conference. Wear blue and use the hashtag #TideofBlue on social media to show your commitment!
Meet the Authors
Many of the conference speakers are also authors! Get the amazing chance to meet those who are shaping and influencing the sector through their published work. Bring your copy, or purchase one Friday night of the conference, to get them signed and interact with ARCQE’s featured speakers!
Appearances by…
- Carol Garboden Murray
- Nick Terrones
- Patrick Makokoro
More to come!
Register now for a chance to win!
Early Bird Giveaway
Register Early for a Chance to Win! Purchase any In-Person Conference ticket before September 15, 2025, and you’ll be automatically entered into a draw to win a complimentary 1-night stay and 25% off dining at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edmonton Downtown! Unwind and explore at your own pace, at a time that works best for you. ARCQE gratefully acknowledges the support and generosity of the DoubleTree by Hilton Edmonton Downtown, our official conference host hotel.
The draw will take place on November 22, 2025, during the conference. The winner will be announced live and contacted through the email provided at registration. Redeemable for a stay after the conference ends.
Your Schedule At A Glance
Friday, November 21, 2025
5:00 PM | Registration and Event Exploration
6:15 PM | Conference Welcome
6:30 PM | Keynote A: Nick Terrones: Supporting Children’s Right To Inquiry
7:30 PM | Meet the Authors and Networking
Saturday, November 22, 2025
7:30 AM | Breakfast and Networking
8:30AM | Opening Remarks + Welcome
8:45 AM | Feature Presentation/ Performance
9:15 AM | Keynote B: Carol Garboden Murray: 7 Lamps of Care
10:15 AM | Wellness Break
10:30 AM | “A” Breakout Sessions
12 N Lunch
1 :15 PM | “B” Breakout Sessions
2:30 PM | Wellness Break
2:45 PM | “C” Breakout Sessions
4:00 PM | Wellness Break
4 :15 PM | Keynote C: Tara M. Collins: How Can We Act in Children’s Best Interests? Centring Young Children in Our Professional Practices
Student Tickets
Connect with passionate educators who are driving change in early learning. Add your spARCQE to powerful conversations with a professional community engaging in children’s rights. Walk away inspired and informed as a future ECE. Students actively enrolled in an early learning–related program at a publicly accredited post-secondary institution will receive 40% OFF registration! Student Tickets will be sold September 16 – November 9, 2025. Proof of student status is required.
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