Early childhoood census tracks developmental vulnerability
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is conducted every three years to provide a national measurement to monitor Australian children’s development.
The AEDC is a population-based measure of how children have developed by the time they start school. It looks at five areas of early childhood development: physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills (school-based), and communication skills and general knowledge.
It provides evidence to support policy, planning and action for health, education and community support, assisting governments to develop flexible approaches to policy and planning that address the evolving needs of children and families in the future.
Data collection for the 2021 AEDC is due to start shortly, and all schools should have received AEDC School Leader and Teacher Packs by now. For those that have not, contact the AEDC Helpdesk for assistance.
This year’s data will follow on from information gathered in 2009, 2012, 2015 and 2018, with each successive wave providing a more comprehensive understanding of the state and progress of early childhood development in Australia. It relies on the commitment and support of schools right across the country, where collection of accurate and relevant data provides the first insight into developmental vulnerability. For more information, including the full 2018 report, visit the AEDC website.
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