Dream, Lead, Play'26

Feels like you're doing it on your own, even when you're surrounded by families every day

Is watching vacancies grow and wondering how to attract the right families into your care

Wants to run a service you're genuinely proud of, but keeps getting caught up in the compliance, the paperwork, the noise 

Has felt the sting of the recent reforms and isn't sure how to move forward with confidence

Is exhausted, and knows that running on empty isn't sustainable, but doesn't know how to stop

Craves real, face-to-face connection with people who understand the specific beauty and challenge of this sector

Is ready to stop just surviving in FDC and start leading in it

Sunday, 13th September: Rainbow Bridge VIP Day

(Exclusive to Rainbow Bridge Educators)

A special day reserved for Rainbow Bridge educators only. Want to be part of that? Join our team today to get access to even more support and guidance on running your business. Find out how to be supported by an industry-leading FDC service that actually cares for their team and provides unique opportunities to help them become the educator they always wanted to be.

Emma Rattenbury

Programming, Documentation & the Planning Cycle Speaking: Leaders Day + Open Day

Emma Rattenbury is one of Australia's most respected early childhood education advocates, holding a Master's in Play Therapy and a reputation in ECE circles that makes her one of the most sought-after voices in the country. Having Emma at DLP '26 is genuinely not something you see every day. If documentation and programming have ever felt overwhelming, complicated, or like one more thing on an already impossible list — Emma is going to change that for you.

On Leaders Day:

Emma works with services on how to support their teams to deeply understand the planning cycle and what it really means to collaborate, so that documentation becomes a shared strength, not a source of stress.

On Educators Day:

 Emma breaks it all down for educators: the whole process of programming and documentation, simplified. She makes it clear, she makes it meaningful, and she makes it something you'll actually want to do.

Nicole Halton

Inspired EC | Investigations, Compliance & Risky Play Speaking: Leaders Day + Open Day

Nicole Halton from Inspired EC has been one of the most trusted names in FDC compliance and quality improvement for years, and she and Victoria have worked closely together for some time. This session is born from lived experience, hard-won knowledge, and a genuine desire to make sure no service ever feels blindsided again. .

On Leaders Day:

Nicole and Victoria co-present a session on managing investigations, handling complaints, and how to audit-proof your service so you are protected when things go wrong. In the current reform climate, this is not a nice-to-have. This is essential.

On Educators Day:

 Nicole shifts focus to the joy of the work, exploring risky play, nature play, and slow pedagogy, and what all of this actually looks like in a real Family Day Care setting. She'll give you the language, the confidence, and the framework to embrace these approaches wholeheartedly. .

Sammi Jaeger

Burnout Prevention & Accountability Speaking: Leaders Day + Open Day

Nobody is coming to save us. Sammi Jaeger knows that better than most, because she lived through burnout, came out the other side, and built an entire system to make sure it never happens again. Sammi is one of Big Hearted Education's own business mentors, and her work in the field of accountability is groundbreaking. She has this extraordinary ability to help you see, clearly and without judgement, what you're doing, what you're not doing, and what needs to change. And then she gives you the courage and the tools to actually do it.

On Leaders Day:

Sammee speaks directly to service leaders and providers, because you cannot pour from an empty cup, and your team needs you at your best. She'll help you build the systems that protect your energy and give you capacity to spare.

On Educators Day:

 Sammi brings that same powerful work to FDC educators: how to manage your energy within the rhythm of your day, your week, your practice. The more this profession throws at us with compliance and reform, the more critical it is that we have a steady, sustainable path forward. Sammi will show you what that looks like

Maree Kirkpatrick

Attraction, Messaging & Filling Your Vacancies Speaking: Leaders Day + Open Day

Here's the reality: we are all running businesses. And in a market where reforms have shaken trust in early childhood education, where vacancies are growing and families have more choices than ever, knowing how to communicate your value is no longer optional. Marie Kirkpatrick is a specialist in messaging and client attraction, and what she brings to DLP '26 is going to be immediately, practically, powerfully useful.

On Leaders Day:

Marie works with services on how to build their brand, support their educators to put their best foot forward, and attract the right families and educators to their scheme, with messaging that actually lands.

On Educators Day:

 Marie speaks directly to FDC educators about a proven process for engaging your ideal families, filling vacancies, and building a business that attracts the right people consistently. The educators who hear Marie speak will walk away ahead of the game, with a strategy and the skills to future-proof their practice in the years ahead.

Tamara, FDC Educator 

"It was a day of connections and learning from some of the most inspirational and down-to-earth people. The energy in the room was powerful throughout the whole day." 

Gail, FDC Educator

"I was just blown away — awe inspired by the love and passion towards Early Childhood. I feel seen, heard and so encouraged as an educator."  

Dalena, FDC Educator

"I loved every second of it. It's truly changed me since."