National Child Day Conference 2025

Welcome!

Join one of Canada’s largest conferences celebrating Children’s Rights and National Child Day! This year, ARCQE hosts its 16^th 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.

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.

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!

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