Who We Are

OMEP Australia is the Australian arm of the Organisation Mondiale pour l’Éducation Préscolaire (OMEP) or the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education.

OMEP is an international, non-governmental and non-profit organisation with Consultative Status at the United Nations and UNESCO.

OMEP Australia’s mission is to defend and promote the rights of the child worldwide and support activities that improve accessibility to high quality early education and care.

It has an active voice in international debate, consulting to the United Nations on issues of childhood wellbeing and sustainable development. OMEP urges the world community to include Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) as a priority in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2015-2030.

Our History

OMEP founded

Founded in 1948, the organisation was launched in post-war France to benefit children under 8 years of age throughout the world. It is dedicated to the enhancement of all areas of children’s wellbeing, growth and development from health, education and welfare perspectives.

Representation in Australia

In 1969 OMEP was represented in Australia by a sub-committee of the Australian Association of Preschool Child Development (now Early Childhood Australia) with branches established in each state and territory.

Not-for-profit company

In 1992, the group was accepted as official representatives of the World Organisation in Australia. In 1993 OMEP Australia became a separate not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, managed by a Board of Directors governed by a constitution approved by members.

Hosted World Assembly & Conference

In 2004, the World Assembly and Conference was held in Melbourne Australia. A resounding success, it attracted more than 400 overseas delegates.

Peak international organisation in Australia for ECEC

Today, OMEP Australia is the peak international organisation for early childhood education and care in Australia. It supports research, professional development and charitable projects across Australia and the Asia Pacific.

Leadership Team

Meet our dedicated board members – a team of passionate professionals bringing diverse expertise and a shared commitment to advancing early childhood education.

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OMEP Western Australia

A chapter of OMEP Australia, in 2008 OMEP WA was incorporated in order to more expediently address the needs of Western Australian children in particular.

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A child smiling at the camera while painting

OMEP Australia is the Australian arm of the Organisation Mondiale pour l’Éducation Préscolaire (OMEP) or the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education.

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