Kym Simoncini is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at the University of Canberra, Australia. Prior to her academic career, Kym was a primary school teacher. She taught in both government and Catholic schools in North Queensland, Australia and England. Her PhD examined young children’s participation in extra-curricular activities and School Age Care. After completing her thesis Kym was a lecturer at James Cook University where she received a Teaching Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning. Kym joined the University of Canberra in 2013 where she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate education units. She regularly delivers professional development workshops to primary teachers in Papua New Guinea.

Kym’s current research focuses on children’s and family learning and play. Much of her research is located in Papua New Guinea investigating family learning, playgrounds, playgroups and school readiness. Her research in Australia examines early childhood STEM learning. Kym is part of the Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) project.