Sheena Elwick

Sheena Elwick is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the School of Education, Charles Sturt University, Albury. With a BEd (Early Childhood/Primary) (Hons Class 1) and a PhD from CSU, she has over two decades of experience spanning early childhood, primary, and tertiary education, including leadership roles. She leads the Holding Space Program, a trauma-informed interdisciplinary initiative, and contributes to national learning frameworks.

• Education: BEd (Hons Class 1), CSU; PhD, CSU

Research Interests focus on ensuring optimal educational experiences for children through:

• Development of tools like ORICL for infant-toddler learning
• Qualitative and quantitative methodologies (Delphi Panels, observation systems, video analysis)
• Sociomaterial perspectives on children's literacies
• Infant sociality and peer group dynamics
• Collaborative research with industry partners
• Educator professional development

Recent Publications emphasize interdisciplinary tools, infant observation, and policy alignment. She has secured multiple grants from the Australian Research Council, NSW Department of Education, and industry partners like KU Children’s Services.

• Awards:
  • CSU Research Excellence Awards (2023-2024)
  • Australian Literacy Educators’ Association Doctoral Thesis Award (2024)
  • AARE Ray Debus Award (2023)
• Supervision: Co-supervision of PhD theses on infant socialization, child mental health, and mathematical activity in early education.