Dr Leigh Disney is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Flinders University. His research focuses on children's learning and development in early childhood contexts, with particular interests in early mathematics education, Conceptual PlayWorld, digital technologies, play-based pedagogies, educator wellbeing, and workforce development.

Leigh's research explores how young children learn, think, and interact through play-based and imaginative learning experiences. His work has made significant contributions to the fields of early mathematics education and Conceptual PlayWorld, examining how educators can create conditions that support children's conceptual understanding, problem-solving, creativity, and engagement. He also maintains an active research interest in digital technologies in early childhood education, investigating how digital tools, media, and emerging technologies can support children's learning, communication, social interaction, and participation.

In addition to research on children's learning, Leigh has a strong interest in teacher education, professional learning, educator wellbeing, and workforce sustainability. His work examines the experiences of pre-service and practising educators, including issues relating to professional identity, stress, mentoring, retention, and professional growth. He is currently involved in projects exploring interdisciplinary practice in early childhood settings, workforce capability development, and initiatives designed to strengthen recruitment, support, and retention within the early childhood education and care sector.

Leigh's research is characterised by strong partnerships with educators, services, community organisations, and international collaborators. Through these collaborations, he seeks to generate research that informs policy, strengthens professional practice, and enhances outcomes for children, educators, families, and communities.

Research Expertise

• Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)
• Early Mathematics Education
• Play-Based Learning and Pedagogy
• Children's Learning and Development
• Digital Technologies in Early Childhood Education
• Digital Play and Digital Literacy
• Educational Technology
• Teacher Education and Initial Teacher Education
• Professional Learning and Reflective Practice
• Educator Wellbeing
• Workforce Development and Sustainability
• Professional Identity and Retention in Early Childhood Education
• Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Practice
• Educational Research and Evaluation
• Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research
• Educational Innovation and Practice Change

My research interests focus on understanding and enhancing children's learning, development, and participation in early childhood education and care contexts. I am particularly interested in early mathematics education, Conceptual PlayWorld, play-based pedagogies, and the use of digital technologies to support children's learning, creativity, communication, and engagement.

I am also interested in teacher education, professional learning, educator wellbeing, workforce sustainability, and professional identity within the early childhood sector. Current areas of interest include interdisciplinary practice, workforce capability development, recruitment and retention in early childhood education, and initiatives that strengthen educator belonging, support, and career sustainability.

Emerging areas of interest include the use of innovative and emerging technologies in education, including digital media, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other technology-enhanced approaches that support children's learning and educators' professional practice.

2024    Dr Shiyao Wang

2025    Dr Sonour Esmaeili

2025    Dr Wenxuan Zhang

2026    Dr Hong Chen

I welcome enquiries from Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates whose interests align with my research areas in early childhood education and care.

Potential supervision topics include:

• Early mathematics education and children's mathematical thinking
• Play-based pedagogies
• Children's learning, development, and engagement in early childhood settings
• Digital technologies, digital play, and educational technology in early childhood education
• Creativity, imagination, and learning through play
• Teacher education and professional learning in early childhood contexts
• Educator wellbeing, professional identity, and workforce sustainability
• Recruitment, retention, and workforce development in early childhood education and care
• Interdisciplinary and collaborative practice in early childhood settings
• Evaluation of educational programs, initiatives, and innovations in early childhood education

I am particularly interested in supervising research that has strong connections to professional practice and contributes to improving outcomes for children, educators, families, and early childhood communities.