Instagram  LinkedIn  Web  X  YouTube

We can't wait to see you in Cádiz!


Please join us for a Walking Tour of Cadiz with the Children and Families SIG. It will be a great way to meet and connect with fellow researchers in an authentic way whilst exploring beautiful Cadiz. There will be an option for dinner after the walking tour.



Walking Tour Information:

Tour Leaders: We are Cadiz

Date: Thursday, 28 May

Time: 6:30 PM

Cost: EUR 15

Participation: Maximum of 30 participants


How to register: https://uofsc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MITsi1x9xs9wRU Once you complete this interest form, a member of the SIG team will reach out via email to arrange payment and share details regarding meeting location.


Questions? Feel free to reach out to Audrey Elford (a.elford@deakin.edu.au)

Annual Meeting SIG Sessions

Be sure to stop by these ECE SIG sessions at the annual meeting:


  • Award Session with Children & Families SIG
  • Abstract Award Session - Room 4
  • Wednesday, May 27, 3:30-4:45 PM


  • Early Childhood Health Promotion: Interventions, Assessments, and Analytical Approaches 
  • Oral Abstract Session - Room 3
  • Friday, May 29, 12:00 PM – 01:20 PM


  • Environments of Care: Nurturing Health from Home to Preschool
  • Short Orals - Room 3
  • Friday, May 29, 02:15 PM – 03:35 PM


  • Are Screens Enhancing or Hindering Positive Movement and Nutrition Behaviours in Early Childcare Environments?
  • Symposium - Room 4
  • Saturday, May 30, 08:30 AM – 09:45 AM 


  • Physical Activity in Educational Contexts: Early Childhood and Inclusive Practices
  • Short Orals - Room 3
  • Saturday, May 30, 10:00 AM – 11:20 AM

Travel Award Recipients

Congratulations to our Travel Award Recipients! Be sure to stop by their presentations to congratulate them on their great work.


Elder Garcia Varela, University of Michigan, USA

  • Development and Initial Validation of the Policy, Systems, and Environment Tool for Early Childhood Nutrition 
  • Poster Area
  • Thursday, May 28, 08:30 AM – 06:00 PM

Melanie Lum, Deakin University, AUS

  • Co-designing BLOOM, a Digital Program for Early Childhood Education and Care Services to Enhance Preschoolers Social and Emotional Learning, Physical Activity, and Nutrition 
  • Short Orals - Room 5
  • Friday, May 29, 03:40 PM – 05:00 PM

Myranda Hawthorne, Western University, CAN

  • Physical Activity Levels of Early Childhood Educators: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis 
  • Short Orals - Room 3
  • Saturday, May 30, 10:00 AM – 11:20 AM


Meet Our New SIG Co-Chairs

Dr. Leigh Vanderloo - I’m pleased to be stepping into the role of co-chair of ISBNPA’s Early Care and Education (ECE) Special Interest Group.


My work focuses on physical activity and movement behaviours in the early years, with particular attention to the childcare and early learning environments where young children spend much of their time. Across research, evaluation, and knowledge mobilization, I am interested in how we can better support educators, caregivers, and systems to create environments that enable healthy movement behaviours from the earliest years.


In my role as Scientific Director at ParticipACTION, I lead research and knowledge mobilization initiatives that translate evidence into practical tools, resources, and strategies for diverse audiences, including those working in early years settings.



As co-chair, I look forward to working with colleagues across the SIG to strengthen collaboration, expand our global network and reach, and create meaningful opportunities to mentor and support trainees. I am excited to contribute to advancing research, practice, and policy that supports young children’s health and development worldwide.



Dr. Audrey Elford - My work focuses on nutrition environments within Early Childhood Education (ECE) settings, with a particular emphasis on environmental sustainability. I have a strong interest and expertise in co-design methodologies, working collaboratively with ECE staff and government-funded organisations to develop practical, fit-for-purpose resources.


I am currently part of a team in Australia co-designing the Best Practice Guide for food Environments in Early Childhood Education Settings. A central component of this work is recognising that mealtimes extend beyond the nutritional benefits of food—they are valuable opportunities for learning, social connection, and relationship-building. In addition, I contribute to a range of ECE nutrition projects focused on equity-driven solutions for ECE food environments.


I am honoured to step into the role of Co-Chair of the ECE Special Interest Group, and I look forward to supporting, collaborating and learning from fellow researchers as we explore how ECE environments can shape and strengthen young children’s eating and physical activity behaviours and relationships with food.


Contact Us

For those interested in what is happening in the early childhood education research setting, get involved with our SIG! Share your ideas, collaborate or present a webinar – we would love to hear from you. There will be many opportunities in coming months to get involved if you have an idea or research findings that you would like to share through the SIG.


Email us at: early_care_education_sig@isbnpa.org

Be updated of all ISBNPA news

Stay Tuned at

Instagram  LinkedIn  Web  X  YouTube