Associate Professor
Kym Simoncini

Biography

Associate Professor Kym Simoncini has worked in schools and universities for over 20 years. Her PhD examined young children’s participation in extra-curricular activities and school-age care. Kym was part of the Early Learning STEM Australia Pilot project team and was responsible for the Families’ App, children’s books and resources accompanying the children’s apps, and educator professional learning. She has developed several STEM artefacts, including the Early Childhood STEM Habits of Mind facilitating a shared language for children, parents and educators when engaging in STEM. She regularly delivers professional learning for preschool and early childhood teachers centred on STEM in the early years. Kym was part of a large consortium in Papua New Guinea led by World Vision to enhance access to quality elementary education (K –2) for girls and boys. She has developed several resources for parents to help them support their children’s learning at home and has written many culturally relevant reading books for children, including ones on children’s rights and girls belonging everywhere. She has led community designed and built playgrounds using local materials in Papua New Guinea. Her research focuses on family learning, culturally relevant reading books, play and teacher professional development.