Belinda Downey

Teaching and Research Staff

Dr Belinda Downey

B.Ed (EC) (with honours)

Associate Lecturer in Education
Bathurst
Building 1431 Office 2.28

Belinda has taught across a broad range of age groups and programs in regional NSW and in Darwin, NT. Her initial focus was primary teaching, she then began working in a long day care service teaching birth-3years, later becoming a director in the long day care sector. This led to a role in University that included early childhood pedagogy, professionalism and professional experience coordination. Belinda returned to the early childhood sector and most recently worked as educational leader in a community based preschool.

Belinda understands the nuances of professional experience from both sides. She advocates for the voice of the children, families and community in the early childhood sector. Her knowledge and experience is around reflective, pedagogical, intentional, global and practical leadership in early childhood services.

Belinda’s research focus highlights the importance of quality early childhood education, the historical and political precedents of the early childhood sector in Australia and the influence this has on the unique pressures early childhood educators experience within their profession and their role. She is passionate about supporting educators’ and children's social and emotional regulation and well-being in regards to coping with everyday stress and anxiety.