Anita Kumar
Chief Executive Officer
ECTARC Early Childhood Education Services and Training
Anita Kumar is the Chief Executive Officer of ECTARC, a respected national training organisation in early childhood education and care. In addition to its training role, ECTARC is a major provider of Early Childhood Education and Care services across the NSW South Coast.
Anita brings extensive leadership experience to the sector, having previously served as CEO of Early Start at the University of Wollongong, where she led innovative programs designed to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with government, industry, and community partners to strengthen the workforce and expand access to high-quality learning environments.
Passionate about advancing equity and excellence in early childhood education, Anita is committed to harnessing research, training, and collaboration to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
SESSIONS
Day 1
4:30
Panel: Certificate III in 12 months: A loophole or a lifeline?
Are we sacrificing quality by fast-tracking education for short-term workforce solution?
Examine the rise of condensed qualifications (i.e. 1-year courses), international student enrolments driven by migration goals, and whether these quick fixes are solving the educator shortage – or creating new risks for children, staff, and service quality
Moderator: Edward Beswick, Chief Executive Officer, Thrive Group Tasmania
Jo Goodrick, Executive Director, Early Childhood Education and Care
Josephine Wise, Deputy Executive Director – Education, Lutheran Education Queensland
Anita Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, ECTARC Early Childhood Education Services and Training