Overview
Background
Dr Sally Staton is a Senior Research Fellow in the Science of Learning Research Centre at the Queensland Brain Institute, UQ. Dr Staton has a strong commitment to research that can inform and ensure positive early life experience for all children. Her research focuses on the role of early education and care settings in supporting young children’s immediate and on-going social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. Dr Staton’s research spans a range of study designs and methodologies, including evaluation studies in educational settings (applying randomised control trial and quasi-experimental designs), longitudinal studies tracking large child cohorts (>2000 children), standard observation techniques (in vivo and video), survey and individualised standard child assessment (using educational and psychological measures), as well as studies employing physiological (cortisol, actigraphy, heart rate variability) and qualitative (child, educator and parent interviews, socio-metric) designs. She has a particular expertise in the development, application and interpretation of observational measurement for educational practices and teacher-child interactions in education contexts, including early childhood settings. Dr Staton has a strong track record in research translation and community engagement, including delivery of reports for government and non-government organisations, professional development packages for early childhood professionals and teachers, presentations, workshops, videos and articles for parents, government regulatory officers and the early childhood sector. In 2016, she was named among Queensland’s Young Tall Poppy Scientists for her contribution to science translation and engagement. In 2019 her succesful research partnerships with industry and government was acknowledged in a Partners in Research Excellence Award from UQ.
Availability
- Associate Professor Sally Staton is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Creative Industries, Queensland University of Technology
- Postgraduate Diploma, Queensland University of Technology
- Bachelor (Honours), Queensland University of Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy, Queensland University of Technology
Research interests
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Human Development
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Children and families
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Early Childhood Education and Care policy/practices
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Measurement of early care environments
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Child health and well-being
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Children’s sleep patterns and development
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Digital Technology use
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In-situ observation methods
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Mealtime interactions
Research impacts
Key Examples of Research Impact include:
- Implementation of the Assisting Observations Toolkit by the Queensland Government, Department of Education to inform practices of Authorised Officers responsible for Assessment and Rating of all Early Education and Care services in Queensland, Australia.
- SLEEP Professional Development Program resources cited in childcare policy and procedure documents nationally, including government (e.g. Qld, SA education departments, ACECQA) and peak childcare organisations (e.g. C&K, Gowrie, Early Childhood Australia), and in doing so shaping legislative standards and practice expectations. See detailed description below.
- Research informed national legislative changes in October 2017 (ACECQA; NQS) requiring all early childhood education and care providers to have documented policy and procedures for sleep, rest and relaxation.
- News media coverage in over 200 media outlets nationally and internationally, including: Huffington Post, BBC, Fox News, Daily Mail, NBC, Reuters, ABC Radio, and Channel 9. I have also undertaken radio (ABC Local, and National), and television (Channel 9) interviews, with media seeking my opinion on topics including children’s sleep, napping in young children and sleep practices within the early childhood sector. In 2018 I was selected as a focus scientist for the Queensland Chief Scientist Science in Queensland Social Media Campaign.
- SLEEP Program delivered (2015-2019) to >170 peak ECEC organisation leaders and >100 DoE regulatory officers in Qld, including the first pilot RCT study of the impacts of this program on educator practices and interaction quality between educators and children in ECEC services.
- Research embedded within university Early Childhood training programs in Australia and internationally (UK).
- Invitations from the Director of Research Services Qld Govt. DoE (2017 and 2018) to present the sleep project as an example of successful partnership between research and government leading to impact on educational policy and practice.
- Delivery of the State of Early Learning in Australia Report, launched at Parliament House, Canberra, November 2019, including delivery of key indicators for Australia to inform policy and practice actions.
- Research translation into oral language resources for ECEC educators, distributed nationally through the Evidence for Learning Website, Social Ventures Australia, and presented directly to early childhood teachers working in Australian communities experiencing high developmental vulnerability.
- Featured scientist in state and national science engagement events and initiatives, including The Science of Sleep. ABC Radio National, Big Ideas Program (July 2019),
- Tall Poppy Science Award for recognition of my contribution to science communication and translation and Partners in Research Excellence Award for excellence in partnerships in research with government and industry.
Works
Search Professor Sally Staton’s works on UQ eSpace
2013
Conference Publication
Carers beliefs about the value of sleep time in childcare settings
Inglis, J., Staton, S., Pattinson, C., Smith, S. and Thorpe, K. (2013). Carers beliefs about the value of sleep time in childcare settings. Sleep Down-under, Australasian Sleep Association, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, October 2013.
2013
Conference Publication
How do current sleep practices in early childhood education and care settings reflect current knowledge about good sleep habits and environments?
Marriott, A., Staton, S., Thorpe, K., Pattinson, C. and Smith, S. (2013). How do current sleep practices in early childhood education and care settings reflect current knowledge about good sleep habits and environments?. Sleep DownUnder 2013, River of Dreams, 25th ASM of Australasian Sleep Association and Australasian Sleep Technologists Association, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17–19 October 2013. London, United Kingdom: Springer. doi: 10.1111/sbr.12028
2013
Conference Publication
Children’s accounts of sleep time in child care settings
Northard, M., Staton, S., Pattinson, C., Smith, S. and Thorpe, K. (2013). Children’s accounts of sleep time in child care settings. Sleep Down-under, Australasian Sleep Association, Brisbane, Australia, October 2013.
2012
Journal Article
Testing the vision: preschool settings as places for meeting, bonding and bridging
Thorpe, Karen, Staton, Sally, Morgan, Robert, Danby, Susan and Tayler, Collette (2012). Testing the vision: preschool settings as places for meeting, bonding and bridging. Children & Society, 26 (4), 328-340. doi: 10.1111/j.1099-0860.2010.00336.x
2012
Journal Article
To separate or not to separate? Parental decision-making regarding the separation of twins in the early years of schooling
Staton, Sally, Thorpe, Karen, Thompson, Catherine and Danby, Susan (2012). To separate or not to separate? Parental decision-making regarding the separation of twins in the early years of schooling. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 10 (2), 196-208. doi: 10.1177/1476718x11430076
2012
Conference Publication
Building on social strengths: within-group bonds are the foundation for social inclusion and school attendance of Indigenous Australian children
Thorpe, K., Staton, S. and Bell-Booth, R. (2012). Building on social strengths: within-group bonds are the foundation for social inclusion and school attendance of Indigenous Australian children. 2012 Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), Themed Meeting: Positive Development of Minority Children, Tampa, FL, United States, February 2012.
2012
Conference Publication
Using sociometric techniques to assess friendship quality, social inclusion and social belonging
Thorpe, K., Staton, S. and Bell-Booth, R. (2012). Using sociometric techniques to assess friendship quality, social inclusion and social belonging. 2012 Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), Themed Meeting: Positive Development of Minority Children, Tampa, FL, United States, February 2012.
2012
Conference Publication
Stories of success: How the Piccaninny Playgroup promotes positive child development and family readiness for school
Bell-Booth, R., Thorpe, K., Staton, S. and Thompson, C. (2012). Stories of success: How the Piccaninny Playgroup promotes positive child development and family readiness for school. 2012 Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), Themed Meeting: Positive Development of Minority Children, Tampa, FL, United States, February 2012.
2011
Journal Article
Conflict, closeness and comfort: the inter-twin relationship as a risk factor for behavioral difficulties
Bekkhus, Mona, Staton, Sally, Borge, Anne Inger H. and Thorpe, Karen (2011). Conflict, closeness and comfort: the inter-twin relationship as a risk factor for behavioral difficulties. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 14 (5), 444-451. doi: 10.1375/twin.14.5.444
2011
Conference Publication
Children’s social networks and friendship quality across different early childhood education and care setting in Australia
Thorpe, K. and Staton, S. (2011). Children’s social networks and friendship quality across different early childhood education and care setting in Australia. 15th ESDP European Conference on Developmental Psychology, Bergen, Norway, August 2011.
2011
Conference Publication
Predictors of having a best friend: Who has a best friend and who doesn't?
Thorpe, K., Bekkhus, M. and Staton, S. (2011). Predictors of having a best friend: Who has a best friend and who doesn't? . The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), Biennial Meeting, Montreal, Canada, 2011.
2011
Conference Publication
Adaptation of the Friendship Bus Story for assessment of social bridging and social inclusion
Thorpe, K. and Staton, S. (2011). Adaptation of the Friendship Bus Story for assessment of social bridging and social inclusion. 15th ESDP European Conference on Developmental Psychology, Bergen, Norway, August 2011.
2011
Conference Publication
Children’s experiences of starting school: a twin singleton comparison
Thorpe, K. and Staton, S. (2011). Children’s experiences of starting school: a twin singleton comparison. 15th ESDP European Conference on Developmental Psychology, Bergen, Norway, August 2011.
2011
Other Outputs
Multiples at school: key parental decisions
Thompson, C., Staton, S. and Thorpe, K. (2011, 01 01). Multiples at school: key parental decisions AMBA Magazine 20-21.
2011
Other Outputs
Report on the external evaluation of Communities for Children Mt Isa
Thorpe, K., Tayler, C., Thompson, C., Bellbooth, R. and Staton, S. (2011). Report on the external evaluation of Communities for Children Mt Isa. Canberra, ACT, Australia: Centacare, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), Commonwealth Government of Australia.
2010
Conference Publication
Twin children’s transition to school: Additional risks?
Thorpe, K. and Staton, S. (2010). Twin children’s transition to school: Additional risks?. Queensland Multiple Births Association State Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 22 May 2010.
2010
Conference Publication
"Is there a Problem" Being a twin and being with your twin and the transition to school
Staton, S. and Thorpe, K. (2010). "Is there a Problem" Being a twin and being with your twin and the transition to school. Queensland Multiple Births Association State Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 22 May 2010.
2010
Conference Publication
Being similar, being together - levels of conflict, warmth and shared play in twin versus single-born sibling dyads
Staton, S. and Thorpe, K. (2010). Being similar, being together - levels of conflict, warmth and shared play in twin versus single-born sibling dyads. International Society for Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD), Lusaka, Zambia, July 2010.
2010
Conference Publication
Finding my way: The role of familial, community and educational relationships in two Indigenous boy’s transition to school
Bell-Booth, R., Thorpe, K., Staton, S., Thompson, C., Tayler, C. and Devine, M. (2010). Finding my way: The role of familial, community and educational relationships in two Indigenous boy’s transition to school. APS Psychology of Relationships Interest Group Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 2010.
2010
Other Outputs
Starting School: the role of teachers
Thompson, S., Staton, S. and Thorpe, K. (2010, 01 01). Starting School: the role of teachers AMBA Magazine
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Sally Staton is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Sleep development in young children
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Sleep Development
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Physical Environments in Early Childhood Services
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Can attachment theory be applied in early education and care environments? Theorising and measuring qualities of child-educator relationships
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Thorpe, Dr Sandy Houen
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Doctor Philosophy
The Developmental Significance of Sleep Transitions in Early Childhood
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dwayne Mann, Professor Simon Smith
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Doctor Philosophy
Can attachment theory be applied in early education and care environments? Theorising and measuring qualities of child-educator relationships
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Thorpe, Dr Sandy Houen
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Doctor Philosophy
Can attachment theory be applied in early education and care environments? Theorising and measuring qualities of child-educator relationships
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Thorpe, Dr Sandy Houen
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Doctor Philosophy
Child sleep development in the context of family work lives
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Peter Rankin
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Doctor Philosophy
The Signifiance of Nap Cessation for Children's Social-emotional Functioning
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Peter Rankin, Professor Karen Thorpe, Professor Simon Smith
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Doctor Philosophy
Towards a Critical Post-humanist Symphony of Children-Deaths
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Rebecca Olson
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Doctor Philosophy
Towards a Critical Post-humanist Symphony of Children-Deaths
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Rebecca Olson
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Doctor Philosophy
Same Educator, Different Day
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sandy Houen, Professor Karen Thorpe
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Doctor Philosophy
An Ecological Case Study of Early Childhood Education and Care in Normanton
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Thorpe, Dr Azhar Potia
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding children's constructions and experiences of death, dying and loss
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Rebecca Olson
Completed supervision
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Relaxation and Unrest: A Crystallization of Children's Experiences in Early Childhood Education and Care
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Thorpe
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
The Significance of Nap Cessation for Children's Social-emotional Functioning
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Peter Rankin, Professor Karen Thorpe, Professor Simon Smith
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Why mealtimes matter: food provision and practices in childcare centres serving low-income communities.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Robyn Littlewood, Professor Karen Thorpe
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Sleep in Children with Down syndrome: Improving Outcomes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Honey Heussler
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Sally Staton directly for media enquiries about:
- Child Development
- Childcare
- Children
- Children's Relaxation
- Children's Sleep
- Early Childhood Education and Care
- Naps
- Naptimes
- Preschool
- Sleep
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