The topic ‘play, learning and strategy’ formed the focus of the first National ECD CoP meeting in 2017. These Meeting Highlights cover presentations and discussions on Play Africa and the CareUp application; two innovative initiatives that are increasing children’s access to play and literacy development. The Highlights also cover an overview of exciting developments such as the Project for Inclusive Early Childhood Care and Education (PIECCE), a new KZN ECD CoP, engagement with the ETDP SETA and the plan for the ECD Quality Reflection Tool.