It’s Children’s Week – a national celebration that recognises the talents, skills, achievements of children and every child’s right to enjoy their childhood.
This year’s theme, ‘Everyone Should Know About Children’s Rights!’, inspired by Article 42 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, calls on all Australians to actively promote and protect the rights of children to be heard, to play, and to thrive.
Among the many voices amplifying this message are researchers from Deakin University’s Centre for Research for Educational Impact (REDI).
REDI’s work spans four key themes: diversity and social justice in education, education governance and policy, learners in a digital world, and STEM education for sustainable futures. REDI scholars working within each of these themes play a pivotal role in shaping conversations around children’s rights and wellbeing.
Professor Louise Paatsch
The research of Professor Paatsch, Deputy Director of REDI and Chief Investigator at the Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child focuses on children’s communication, language, pretend play, and literacy development, with a strong emphasis on how these elements support social connection and agency. Her research highlights the importance of educators and parents creating spaces where children feel empowered to speak, imagine, and lead. She highlights the importance of play in children’s lives,
‘Every child has the right to play. It is an essential part of children’s learning and development that continues across the life-span. Play provides children opportunities to experience joy, foster creativity and problem solving, and build social relationships – digital or non-digital, it’s at the heart of childhood.’
Professor Paatsch is also involved in a number of community partnerships, including a project with Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliff, which examines the transformative impact of nature-based programs on children’s wellbeing.
Dr Maria Nicholas
Dr Nicholas’ work focuses on early literacy development, digital literacies, and the role of adult-child interactions in fostering agency and learning. Through her research she advocates for teaching approaches that centre children’s voices and experiences, especially in the early years.
Dr Nicholas’s passion for literacy is deeply personal. Growing up in a migrant family in Geelong, she recalls the power of storytelling in her own home. ‘Storytelling was a reward, a teaching tool, and an amazing way to build strong, positive relationships,’ she said.
Associate Professor Jill Brown
A mathematics education expert, Associate Professor Brown challenges traditional views of mathematics as rigid and procedural. Her research advocates for mathematics as a language of empowerment, where learners use mathematical modelling and reasoning to solve real-world problems.
In collaboration with Dr Carly Sawatzki, Associate Professor Brown has also contributed to research on financial literacy education, helping students understand concepts like budgeting, investment, and digital transactions – preparing learners to thrive in a complex world.
Professor Andrea Nolan
Professor Nolan’s research has been instrumental in shaping national strategies to support early childhood educators through mentoring, professional learning, and educator practice. She has also undertaken work identifying effective mentoring, induction and professional networks nationally as part of the Federal Government’s National Children’s Education and Care Workforce Strategy. Professor Nolan’s work highlights the importance of mentoring as a tool for equity.
‘When educators are supported, children benefit,’ she said. ‘Mentoring builds confidence, competence and connection—qualities that directly impact the quality of care and learning children receive.’
The work of REDI scholars resonates during Children’s Week and beyond. Their research not only informs policy and practice but also empowers communities to create environments where children feel seen, heard and valued.
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