About Us
Mission
The Mission of Transforming Early Education and Child Health Research Centre (TeEACH) is to ensure that no child’s potential is limited by the settings into which they are born and live.
The early years of a child’s life, commencing with pregnancy and continuing until the child is eight years old, comprise critical periods in which children are set on a trajectory that will impact their health, development and wellbeing across the lifespan. These early years are a time in which there is rapid physiological and neurological development. It is when children form their strongest attachments, learn communication, language, and begin to engage with social structures and systems, including education and health service settings. The evidence that supports the importance of the early years to establishing lifelong health and developmental trajectories is overwhelming. Nonetheless, almost a third of Australian children experience some form of disadvantage that can have a lasting impact on their development.
TeEACH brings together researchers across the University who work in fields as diverse as paediatrics, physiotherapy, public health, education, nursing, business and social work. All TeEACH members are involved in research focused on supporting young children and their families. These projects collectively sit within our Beacons.
We are interested in employing a collaborative and strengths-based approach as we work to address current inequities and understand the complex challenges in families lives. We are committed to employing the principles of translational and implementation science, to participatory approaches and to the co-design of solutions that are meaningful to those whom they are intended to benefit.
Our research brings service sectors together as we work to provide all children with the best possible start in life.
Governance
TeEACH is governed by the University’s policies and reports directly to WSU’s Division of Research and Innovation.
External Advisory Board
The External Advisory Board has been established as an independent body to provide oversight and guidance to TeEACH in implementing its strategic purpose.
Executive Management Group
The Executive Management Group provides oversight and guidance in implementing the Centres strategic purpose, including stakeholder engagement, financial management, and structural and risk management support and advice.
Our researchers undertake rigorous research while maintaining the highest standards. We are mindful of ethical principles within the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and WSU Research Code of Practice and fully endorse and maintain the practices. Prior to commencing any research projects, WSU Human Ethics approval is secured.
Higher Degree Research
We offer world-class training and opportunities in a broad range of disciplines and fields that examine the role of service and support structures for children in the early years and their families.
Why undertake research training with TeEACH
We collaborate with young children, families, and service sectors adopting/using a strength-based approach to identify and address current inequities and understand the complex challenges people face in their lives.
We are committed to employing the principles of translational and implementation science, to participatory approaches and to co-design solutions that are meaningful to those who are intended to benefit.
Students at TeEACH benefit from training and guidance from leading experts within the broader Translational Health Research Institute and also part of the cross-sector network of community, industry and government partners.
Scholarships
Western Sydney University offers scholarships to support outstanding research students who are seeking to undertake higher degree research with TeEACH. Externally funded scholarships will be advertised as they arise based on awarded research projects.
Supervisors
Professor Rebekah Grace
Professor Rebekah Grace is interested in supervising research that is designed to understand and address the support needs of children and families who experience adversity. Her research engages with a broad range of families including those who have children with disabilities, families and children who are involved with the child protection system, and those who live in communities that experience disadvantage. Prof Grace’s research most often employs mixed-methods designs and is multi-disciplinary in nature, spanning the health, psychology, social welfare, disability and education fields. She is an advocate for the importance of child voice and participatory research methods, and a strengths-based approach. Prof Grace engages in collaborative research, partnering with government departments and non-government service organisations in the conduct of high quality research that is meaningful in policy and practice contexts.
Contact
For more information regarding studying with TeEACH contact us: admin@teeach.org.au
