IPAA SA warmly invites you to a frank and enlightening chat with Kim Little, the inaugural Chief Executive of South Australia’s Office for Early Childhood Development, and the woman leading one of the most significant reform agendas in the state’s recent history. Her career spans early-years system design, major preschool reform, higher education policy, and senior leadership roles across government, a blend that gives her a uniquely holistic view of what children, families, and communities need to thrive.

In this instalment of our On the Couch series, held under the Chatham House Rule, Kim will reflect on her path from shaping the rollout of universal three-year-old preschool in Victoria to spearheading South Australia’s bold move to give every child a strong start. She’ll unpack what it takes to build an early childhood system that is equitable, inclusive and future-focused, and what she’s learned about turning large-scale reform into something that genuinely works for families on the ground.

Expect a thoughtful, honest and practical conversation, followed by a live Q&A so your questions can help steer the discussion.

Do you have something you’d like Kim to explore? Send your questions ahead of time and make sure your curiosity is part of the conversation.

Learn about our speakers

Kim Little

Chief Executive
Office for Early Childhood Development

Kim Little is the inaugural Chief Executive of the Office for Early Childhood Development in South Australia. Working with her team and across governments and departments, Aboriginal leaders, sector stakeholders, unions, the professions, parents and the community, she is tasked with leading the design and implementation of the landmark reforms flowing from the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.

She brings her expertise in education and social policy issues to the table as South Australia embarks on bold reforms to reduce developmental vulnerability among young children.

Kim moved to the OECD from her position as the lead Deputy Secretary for the implementation of the Victorian Government’s ambitious Education State kindergarten reforms. This included the introduction of universal 3-year-old kindergarten in sessional and long day care settings, equity funding to support educationally disadvantaged kindergarten children to thrive, and successful programs to lift the quality of kindergarten-offering services.

Kim worked in the Victorian Government in various leadership roles in early childhood and higher education and skills, focusing on policy matters, market design and intervention. She has also worked as a philosopher at Monash University and as a corporate lawyer.

Kim grew up in rural and remote Queensland and Papua New Guinea and is married to a South Australian.

Event brought to you by

IPAA SA

Date
Friday, 27 March 2026

Time
9:30 am Registration and Networking
10:00 - 11:00 am Event

Inclusions
Tea & Coffee

Location
IPAA SA, Level 6, 12 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000
View map

Costs
Free for all State Government, Corporate and Personal Members of IPAA SA
$30 for non-members