Practitioner research is an approach increasingly used by and with teachers, including in early childhood (EC) education. Studies outlining the benefits of educator engagement in research show learning, empowerment and self-determination in professional direction. There is also a sense of achievement for university researchers when they research "with" rather than "about" educators. This paper reports findings from a collaborative Australian practitioner research project focused on building capacity in educators' research abilities, pedagogical knowledge and classroom practices. Four EC centres engaged in action research projects intended to investigate self-identified aspects of their practice under the mentorship of University Research Mentors (URMs). A sociocultural methodology underpinned the approach that supported educators to work with others, moving their knowledge forward within their cultural context. Practitioner researchers reported that the model was sustainable because their self-selected research was meaningful and relevant and they grew to feel more professional. We argue that practitioner research provides an alternative to traditional research where external researchers decide on the research focus, collect their data and leave. We draw attention to the need for policy-makers to recognise and value the contributions educators are capable of making by researching and changing their own practice in collaboration with experienced academics.