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Debra Williams

Program Convenor (Early Childhood)
  • Biography

    With over 40 years\' experience in Early Childhood Education and Care, Dr Debra Williams brings a deep commitment to positive outcomes and for, children, families, services and communities.

    Debra\'s experience includes Validator with the Accreditation Council; Adviser with the Department of Community Services; Centre Director, Teacher and Manager; Lecturer; Facilitator; Publisher, Consultant and Board Member.

    Passionate about quality improvement, compliance and educational programming and practice, Debra champions and empowers educators to be equipped to promote quality outcomes with a focus on advancing the mission of delivering holistic, values-driven Early Education.

    Qualifications

    PhD (Avondale University)
    Dissertation Title An Inquiry into the Implementation of Critical Reflection in Early Childhood Education and Care: A Faith‑based Case Study 2020

    M.Ed. (Macquarie University) 1995

    Grad Cert Research (James Cook University) 2014

    B.A. Dip. Ed. (Early Childhood Education) (Macquarie University) 1981

  • Research Interests


    Fields of Research

    3903 Education Systems
  • Research Publications

    Journal Articles

    • 2021
      • Williams, D.G. and Beamish, P. (2021). Impact and Implementation Considerations in Early Childhood Education and Care. TEACH, 15 (1).
  • Scholarship

    Presentations

    • 2022
      • Critical Reflection – Impact and Implementation (2022), Early Childhood Teachers Association webinar, Australia, 18 May 2022
    • 2021
      • Embedding Be You’ following an Inquiry into How to Implement Critical Reflection (2021), Early Childhood Australia, Australia, 01 Jun 2021
    • 2019
      • Pedagogy and Practice through a Christian Lens (2019), Australian Early Childhood Christian Educators Association, Australia, 07 Sep 2019
      • A Model for Implementation of Critical Reflection in Early Childhood Education and Care (2019), 2019 Child Aware Conference, Brisbane International Convention Centre, 16 May 2019
    • 2018
      • Community Engagement – Embedding Critical Reflection in Practice: Why and How? (2018), International Early Childhood Symposium, International Convention Centre, Sydney, 20 Apr 2018

    Engagement Publications


    Journal Articles
    • 2022
      • Williams, D. (2022). Partnering with Families Connected Community. ‘Be You’, 2022. | External link
      • Williams, D. (2022). How a Culture of Critical Reflection can be a foundation for Belonging, Being, Becoming and Collaborating (Part 3). Community Early Learning Australia Rattler, 138. | External link
    • 2021
      • Williams, D. (2021). Critical Reflection Part 2 How to Implement using a SCHEMED Approach. Community Early Learning Australia Rattler, 136. | External link
      • Williams, D. (2021). What Critical Reflection Means for Your Service and What Should Be Considered?. Community Early Learning Australia Rattler, 135. | External link

    Professional Memberships


    Chair of the Australian Christian Early Childhood Educators Association (since 2018)

    Integricare (since 2025)


  • Teaching

  • Supervision