The 1st International Conference for Research in Early Childhood Education and Development (InCRECE 2024) took place between the 1st and 3rd of June, with the aim of affirming the ECE sector of its critical role in society and bringing together knowledge, expertise and ideas regarding ECE, to support and inspire one another. The theme of InCRECE 2024, ‘Ecologies Development and Learning: Supporting Children to Reach Their Full Potential’, highlights the role of the environment and key stakeholder groups in ensuring children’s well-being.
The InCRECE 2024 conference was organized and co-chaired by Dr. Alfredo Bautista (Associate Head of Internationalization) and Dr. Jianbin Li (Associate Head of Community Engagement) from the Department of Early Childhood Education. This year, it is held in conjunction with the annual departmental CRECE conference. The conference brought together local, regional, and international ECE practitioners to share the latest research and best practices and to discuss the most critical issues in Early Childhood Education and Development.
There were more than 500 participants from 19 countries. The conference featured eight renowned keynote speakers: Professor Bridget Hamre, Professor Susan Irvine, Dr Jessie Lam, Professor Gustavo Carlo, Professor Lei Chang, Professor Roberta Golinkoff, Professor Kerry Lee and Professor Pirjo Aunio. With 130 paper presentations, 50 poster presentations, nine symposiums, and a Global Summit Roundtable led by Professor Philip Li, this event was one of the largest ECE conferences ever to be held in Hong Kong.
EdUHK President Professor John Chi Kin Lee welcomed the participants and said: “The ECE sector plays a vital role in nation and community-building. The early years are most important for ensuring everyone begins on an equal footing. So, we cannot hold back in our effort to promote and support the ECE sector. And this is why our University has always dedicated itself to supporting the sector.”
In his closing speech, FEHD Dean Professor Bruce MacFarlane said: “Over the past few days, we have witnessed an exchange of knowledge and ideas that have propelled our understanding of early childhood education forward. We explored innovative approaches to childcare and education, the latest research findings in the field, and evidence-based practices and pedagogies that can transform the lives of children, families and schools worldwide.”
Professor Kerry Lee, Head of Department of Early Childhood Education, expressed his wish for the local ECE sector and said: “The InCRECE 2024 conference brings together the ECE community in Hong Kong SAR and around the world to engage in thoughtful discussion and to forge new collaboration. We hope this will provide a boost to the ECE sector and remind every ECE professional and researcher that their contributions are vital and indispensable. Together, we can build a better world for our children”.
To learn more about InCRECE 2024, please visit the website at https://www.increce-eduhk.com.
Highlight Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0NE7XjbyfU&ab_channel=DepartmentofEarlyChildhoodEducationEDUHK