Programming and Planning in Early Childhood Settings,
8th Edition

Leonie Arthur has worked in long day care, preschool and the early years of school across New South Wales and the Northern Territory and in teacher education at Western Sydney University. Her recent research and current projects focus on effective play-based pedagogies, practitioner research and literacy learning and teaching. Leonie was also one of the members of the CSU-led consortium that developed the Early Years Learning Framework.

Bronwyn Beecher has worked in the early years of school in diverse sociocultural contexts and in primary and early childhood education at Western Sydney University. Later she worked on an early literacy project with children, families and educators in preschool communities in Western Sydney. Her research continues to investigate family, community and educator partnerships, strengthening pedagogical practices and children’s learning and literacy practices at home and in settings. Additional research areas include learning through play and the visual arts.

Elizabeth Death is Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA), a peak body representing a significant percentage of the nation’s not-for-profit and private providers of early learning and care services. Elizabeth has a broad experience base in social policy and service delivery coupled with a strong record of achievement in both the public and not-for-profit sectors. Elizabeth has worked in ministers’ offices, government departments, universities and not-for-profit organisations at national and state levels with a focus on education, Aboriginal affairs, community services and remote communities, bringing a particular depth in early childhood education.

Sue Dockett has worked as an educator and academic in the field of early childhood for many years. In her role as Emeritus Professor, she continues to work with colleagues at both national and international levels, pursuing research addressing educational transitions, particularly transitions to school and the expectations, experiences and perceptions of all involved. Her other research areas include children’s play, participatory, rights-based research and researching with children.

Sue Farmer has worked in a wide range of early childhood education and early childhood intervention settings and management positions since the mid-1970s. She worked at the University of Western Sydney and within the TAFE system for many years. She is the author of Policy Development in Early Childhood Services and Collaborative Documentation and Planning. Sue has been involved in many early childhood professional organisations and her project work has focused on providing mentoring in early childhood settings to support cultural competency and inclusion, developing the publication Journeys of Inclusion.