Andrea Delaune is an early childhood teacher and researcher who has worked in many areas of early childhood education. As an educational researcher, Andrea wrote a master’s thesis entitled Gifted education for infants and toddlers in Aotearoa New Zealand: An insight into exemplary practice. Currently, Andrea is working towards a PhD focusing upon the relationship between the teacher and the child within the early childhood context. Andrea is a mother of two young children who inspire her to be a better educator and person every day.

Barbara Scanlan grew up in Austria and has been engaged in early childhood education for the past 19 years in roles ranging from teacher, mentor and centre manager in Austria, Scotland and in New Zealand. Barbara has completed her master’s degree on Deleuzian philosophy as a working theory for pedagogy in early childhood education. Currently Barbara is a lecturer at New Zealand Tertiary College, is busy undertaking further studies and spends her free time with her family, friends and outdoors.

Ché Hancock was one of the early members of the Motu Kairangi kahui ako for early childhood education (ECE) services, who, with a group of educators formed the ECE kahui ako group. Ché has a background in early childhood education and primary, with roles as an ECE teacher, team leader, and currently centre manager. Her research interests include children with additional needs and collaborating across the ECE and primary sector in order to improve outcomes for children's learning. Ché co-leads the ECE kahui ako group and represents ECE services at principal meetings and at a stewardship level.

Emily Gott was one of the early members of the Motu Kairangi kahui ako for early childhood education (ECE) services, who, with a group of educators formed the ECE kahui ako group. Emily has a background in early childhood education including roles as a teacher and team leader. Her research interests include mental health of teachers and children, promoting sustainability, science with children, leadership skills within ECE and promoting the use of New Zealand sign language in centres.

Galina Stebletsova is the Curriculum Advisor at New Zealand Tertiary College. She has a Bachelor of International Journalism; Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) from Whitireia Community Polytechnic; Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Waikato and a Masters of Education from the University of Waikato.

Jo Dean brings a mix of personal and professional identities as an early childhood head teacher, parent, researcher and professional development facilitator. Jo is currently a doctoral candidate at University of Melbourne. She is an active committee member of the regional CenGATE association in Palmerston North and has facilitated connections between early childhood education and primary schools to support teachers, gifted children and their whānau/families. Jo is a dedicated member of the GiftEDnz Association and a founding committee member of the special interest ‘Early Years’ group.

Dr Karyn Aspden, is a lecturer in early years education in the Institute of Education at Massey University. Her current research is focused on strengthening pedagogical practices to support quality early childhood provision for student teachers and practitioners in the sector. Key interest areas include infant and toddler pedagogy, leadership in early childhood education, early intervention and inclusive practice, and professional practice.

Sue Nicolson has 19 years’ of experience as a teacher or lecturer in early childhood education with two of those years as a centre manager. Sue has been with New Zealand Tertiary College as a lecturer since 2017 and has an interest in how children are supported emotionally in their environment; and how teachers through thoughtful considerations can recognize and support children’s understanding of the changes that they experience. This will help to promote social competence and self-regulation for children and help teachers to calmly support children’s transition.

Dr Tara McLaughlin, is a senior lecturer in the Institute of Education at Massey University. Her research interests focus on teaching practices that support children’s learning and social and emotional competence; professional learning and development; innovative data systems to inform teaching and learning; and assessment practices in early childhood care and education. 

Vikki Hanrahan is a lecturer at New Zealand Tertiary College. She has a background in early childhood education including roles as a teacher, team leader, centre manager and lecturer. Her research interests include risk-taking in the outdoors, leadership in early childhood education, outdoor play and ECE assessment practices. Vikki recently completed her Master of Education (Early Years), with a focus on safe risk-taking for young children in early childhood outdoor environments.