About me

With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, I have taught across diverse educational settings in England, New Zealand, and Australia, including both schools and Early Learning and Development services. At Murdoch University, I contribute to a variety of units that encompass curriculum development, foundational principles and practices of early childhood education, early childhood mathematics and children’s literature.

I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education, with a research focus on play schemas and their role in supporting early mathematical learning. Recently, I completed a trainer certification with SchemaPlay: A Community Interest Company, and I am now licensed to deliver training in this area. Additionally, I have undertaken the Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) Theory and Observation course, which emphasises working respectfully with infants, toddlers, and families through the Magda Gerber approach.

I am passionate about learning environments that nurture children's sense of wonder and inspire curiosity in the world around them. These thoughtfully curated spaces foster a community of learners, where children's learning and wellbeing is celebrated and their natural desire to explore and discover is supported.

Links

WA Today published an article about Kylie Ridder and Kimberley Beasley using an innovative practice in teaching.
This is a faculti interview where Kylie talks about a schema play project.
Kylie talks about transition to school / early learning centre and strategies for families to manage this.

Awards

College Learning and Teaching Citation for the development and implementation of an engaging and innovate podcast to communicate information. The podcast positively impacted student learning and engagement.
Murdoch University (Australia, Perth), 4th July 2023

Organisational Affiliations

Lecturer, School of Education, Murdoch University

Teacher, Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia

Pedagogical Leader, Wanslea Family Services

Education

Educational Psychology
19982005, Master of Educational Psychology, Massey University (New Zealand, Palmerston North)
Education
19931996, Bachelor of Education (ECE), University of Waikato (New Zealand, Hamilton)
Higher Education
10/202107/2022, FHEA, Advance HE (United Kingdom, York)