Media Release
6 September 2023
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) is delighted to announce the appointment of G8 Education CEO, Pejman Okhovat, as the new co-chair (for-profit) of the national organisation.
Mr Okhovat joins SDN Children’s Service’s CEO, Kay Turner, who is the current co-chair (not-for-profit) of ELACCA.
Mr Okhovat fills a vacancy left by former Busy Bees Early Learning CEO Rob Hughes. ELACCA thanks Mr Hughes for his significant and highly valued contribution over a long tenure – more than six years – as ELACCA member, Board member, and co-chair.
In taking on the co-chair role, Mr Okhovat brings extensive experience in leading large teams within geographically dispersed networks, with a strong focus on customer service and business transformation.
“Mr Okhovat brings enthusiasm and a new perspective to help us achieve our ambition to make affordable, high quality early learning accessible to all Australian families” ELACCA CEO Elizabeth Death said.
Mr Okhovat joined the ELACCA Board, representing for-profit providers, earlier this year with an understanding and passion for the importance of quality early childhood education and care for all children.
“I am focused on strengthening the early learning and care workforce, and collaborating with members to leverage ELACCA’s reach and scale to help ensure that quality early learning and care is accessible for all Australian children,” Mr Okhovat said.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the ELACCA Board and members with a purpose-led approach to the sector, where we collectively drive meaningful impact through quality early childhood education delivered by passionate, valued and capable teams of educators, teachers and support staff.”
Both co-chairs, Ms Turner and Mr Okhovat, said they remain committed to progressing ELACCA’s objective to lead exceptional early learning outcomes for Australian children, and aspire to:
- progress the quality of early learning and care and outcomes for all children.
- enhance the development and professionalisation of the early learning workforce.
- improve equity of access to early learning for all children.
Ends.
For more information please contact:
Sally Maddison
Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA)
PO Box 348
Annandale NSW 2038
Mob: 0498 228 762
About us:
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) was established to promote the value of quality early learning and care as an integral part of Australia’s education system.
Our 19 CEO members include some of the largest early learning providers in the country, representing both not-for-profit and for-profit services. ELACCA members operate 1,984 long day care services, 310 preschool/kindergarten services and 92 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. They offer one-quarter of all the long day care places in Australia. Together, our members serve 369,776 children and their families, and employ more than 56,708 staff.
As well as promoting the value of quality early learning and the need for greater public investment, ELACCA advocates for the right of all children to access quality early learning and care, particularly children facing disadvantage. We do this by drawing on the knowledge and practical experience of our members and representing their views to decision makers in government, the media and the public.
