This insights paper shares learnings from 2023 and 2024 iterations of an ECEC Learning Partner project to increase understanding of the implementation of evidence-based practices in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.

Effective implementation in ECEC, as in other settings, involves more than simply adopting a new idea or the introduction of a new resource. It requires embedding planned meaningful and sustainable change that is responsive to the unique context of each service.

The research partnered with a small number of family day care, preschools and long day care services across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania to learn about the use of a deliberate and structured approach to implementation to deepen the evidence-based practice of assessment for learning.

The paper highlights five key insights into the implementation of evidence-based practice in ECEC:

1. service context influences implementation
2. role clarity and purposeful, collaborative leadership support implementation
3. finding your ‘why’ gains buy-in for implementation
4. adopting a structured approach helps to sustain implementation
5. establishing and facilitating supportive relationships advances implementation.