Dr Valeriia Sibakova is Head of Discipline – Early Childhood Education, bringing a strong combination of academic leadership, research excellence, and extensive teaching experience to the field. With over twenty years of experience, she is recognised for her contributions to curriculum innovation, teacher education, and the integration of creativity within STEM and environmental learning.
Dr Sibakova holds a PhD in Education from the University of Adelaide, where her doctoral research developed an innovative four-stage model for tracing imaginative development in primary-aged children. Grounded in Vygotskian sociocultural theory, her work focuses on making visible the often “invisible” cognitive and emotional processes that underpin children’s thinking, creativity, and scientific reasoning. Her research interests include multimodal elicitation, projective drawing methodologies, and the role of imagination in early learning contexts.
In her leadership role, Dr Sibakova oversees the strategic development, quality assurance, and delivery of early childhood education programs. She has led the design and accreditation of undergraduate and postgraduate courses aligned with national frameworks, including ACECQA, AITSL, and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Her work emphasises research-informed practice, ethical inquiry, and the integration of professional standards to prepare graduates for complex and evolving educational environments.
Dr Sibakova’s career also includes extensive experience in school and early childhood settings, where she has supported diverse learners, including children with additional needs. This dual perspective enables her to bridge theory and practice, ensuring that programs under her leadership are both academically rigorous and professionally relevant.
With a deep commitment to inclusive education, innovation, and excellence, Dr Sibakova’s leadership continues to strengthen program quality, enhance student outcomes, and contribute to the advancement of early childhood education both nationally and internationally.