Gabriela Bento has a PhD in Education, in the field of Administration and Educational Policies, by the University of Aveiro (2019). She also has a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, Development and Counselling, by the University of Coimbra (2012).

Her PhD research entitled “Outdoor spaces in early childhood education – policies, projects and practices in analysis”, aimed to characterise outdoor play opportunities in day-care and preschool. Based on this work she produced an observation grid to characterise outdoor educational settings, entitled “GO-Exterior”. Other interests relate to promotion of quality in early childhood settings, child’s autonomy and participation. Among her publications, there are the books “Taking the first steps outside – Under three’s learning and development in the natural environment” (Bilton, Bento & Dias, 2017, Routledge) and “Brincar ao ar livre – Oportunidades de desenvolvimento e de aprendizagem fora de portas” (Bilton, Bento & Dias, 2017, Porto Editora).

Gabriela’s has worked as an educational psychologist, trainer and consultant in several day-care and preschool settings, supporting improvements on pedagogical practices. In ProChild CoLAB she participates in projects related to the axe of Development and Education, particularly focused on work with day-cares and primary schools. She also collaborates in initiatives linked to the axe of Social Participation.