Workforces Projects

The Workforces program of research examines how early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforces can be supported to deliver inclusive, high-quality care and education for young children, particularly children with disability and developmental differences.

Our research focuses on three interconnected strands: (1) identifying priority research and intervention needs for disability inclusion in ECEC; (2) examining educator capability, confidence, and capacity to support diverse developmental needs in everyday practice; and (3) specifying models for effective cross-sector collaboration across education, health, and disability systems.

This work is underpinned by a strong commitment to co-production and translation. We partner with ECEC providers, healthcare professionals, and consumer and advocacy organisations to ensure that lived experience, professional expertise, and system knowledge inform research design, interpretation, and impact.