Dr Lesley Jones (B.Ed.E.C., M.EdS., Phd) began her career providing early years programs for children and families in long day care settings in Queensland.

She has subsequently held a range of senior leadership and management positions for large scale long day care organisations operating in multiple states across Australia. Lesley has also operated a private consultancy providing professional development, coaching and mentorship for early childhood services.

In addition to operational roles Lesley has held academic positions and associate research roles in tertiary and the vocational education sectors. Lesley has a particular interest in early childhood professional practice and leadership in the early years. Her PhD dissertation was a multi case study involving participants from long day care, sessional preschool and family day care and explored educator’s perspectives of their capacity to support the development of social competence in young children. Lesley was the Queensland State Manager at Goodstart Early Learning.