Early Childhood

The purpose of the Early Childhood Strategic Research Group (SRG) is to advance evidence-based understandings of high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) and support as a foundation for children's lifelong learning, wellbeing, and equitable opportunity.

The Early Childhood SRG investigates critical issues shaping contemporary ECEC policy, practice, and outcomes. Focus research areas cover a diverse range of topics, including early childhood pedagogy and curriculum development; educator professional learning; educational experiences of refugee, multilingual, and culturally diverse families; executive function development and school readiness; STEM, sustainability, and outdoor learning; early literacy and numeracy development and assessment; child safety and quality governance in ECEC settings; supporting children in families with specific challenges; and effective partnerships between families and ECEC settings. Underpinning each of these research aims is the goal of supporting optimal outcomes for children.

The group aims to establish, support and maintain productive research collaborations with nationally and internationally recognised researchers. In addition, the group actively supports early career and emerging researchers through mentoring, collaborative research activities, and shared skill development, such as research methods, ethics processes, and writing for quality publications. These activities, along with the pursuit of excellent, high-impact research, are a key focus for the SRG, and will build confidence, capability, and the long-term sustainability of the group.