AEDC 2024 Report Released

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a national assessment conducted every 3 years since 2009 to examine how children have developed by the time they start school. It looks at 5 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.

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) provides OOSH services with invaluable local-level data on children’s developmental outcomes as they enter school. This information empowers OOSH in three key ways:

1. Informing Program Design: By examining the AEDC results for their specific community, OOSH providers can pinpoint the unique developmental strengths and areas of vulnerability in children (e.g., in social competence, emotional maturity, or physical health). This allows them to intentionally tailor their activities and programs to address these identified needs, ensuring their services are highly relevant and effective in supporting children’s holistic development.

2. Strengthening Advocacy and Partnerships: The evidence from the AEDC allows OOSH services to clearly articulate their contribution to children’s school readiness and overall well-being. This data is crucial for advocating for resources, funding, and greater recognition of their role. It also facilitates stronger collaborations with local schools, health services, and other community organizations, fostering a more integrated support system for children and families.

3. Driving Continuous Quality Improvement: The recurring nature of the AEDC (every three years) enables OOSH services to track developmental trends in their community over time. This longitudinal data helps them evaluate the impact of their programs, identify what’s working well, and make informed adjustments to their practices, ensuring they are continually enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the experiences they offer.

Look at the full report and download the key findings here:

https://www.aedc.gov.au/resources/detail/2024-aedc-national-report