Joanne Grimmond has worked in early childhood education and care (ECEC) for 30 years as a teacher, director, lecturer, trainer, and community engagement coordinator. Her current role is as an E-learning Content Officer in the professional learning team at Early Childhood Australia. With a great passion for early childhood mathematics, Joanne’s current PhD research focus is the development of a play-based numeracy assessment tool for educators to use with children using blocks. She is a a dedicated and passionate advocate for the early childhood sector, particularly in the area of workforce development and quality improvement, with her area of expertise being emergent mathematics, play-based learning and intentional pedagogy and practice.