Collaboration
Since the inception of the AEDC, participation in the collection by the government, Catholic and Independent schooling sectors in Queensland has been strong and consistent. This is due in part to the coordination of activity across cycles by the Queensland AEDC team, but also to the growing commitment shown overtime by the non-Government sector bodies: Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) and Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ).
AEDC 2024 collection
In the lead up to the 2024 collection, this shared commitment was demonstrated by the appointment of dedicated AEDC project staff to work alongside the Queensland Department of Education (DoE) AEDC team.
A cross-sector promotion campaign was conducted, in which the Chief Executive Officer of ISQ and the Executive Director of QCEC joined with the Director-General of Education to encourage the participation of all schools in the 2024 AEDC collection. The first of its kind to be developed in Queensland, the campaign demonstrated solidarity across the schooling-sectors for this important data collection.
Data release and utilisation
The cross-sector commitment has extended beyond the collection phase to building AEDC data literacy, leveraging existing initiatives and shaping new responses that are informed by the AEDC. In preparation for the 2024 national data release, targeted AEDC information sessions were facilitated for Kindy Advisors who work with Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services across all sectors, to facilitate workforce quality improvement strategies. Additionally, sessions were delivered for service leaders and managers of ECEC’s and Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services, which focused on how to engage with the data to better meet the needs of children and families.
Post data release, the Queensland AEDC team has shared a comprehensive resource package for a range of stakeholders that have been adapted for the requirements of each sector. The package has featured services and schools across Queensland communities, featuring staff from both Government and non-Government contexts.
Representatives from the three schooling sectors have joined together to co-present on the Queensland AEDC data and cross-sector partnership at the Early Childhood Teacher Association (ECTA) and Early Childhood Australia (ECA) conferences during 2025.
The ECTA presentation was an overview of the Queensland 2024 AEDC results and trends, with a focus on how the data can be used by teachers and educators to strengthen practice and support holistic learning in the early years. The ECA conference presentation showcased examples from schools and services across sectors of effective use of the data to plan for quality and curriculum improvement to respond to the unique strengths and vulnerabilities of their communities.
Strong collaboration between the three education sectors allows greater ‘reach’ to ensure that the information provided by the AEDC is being maximised, providing opportunity for all Queensland children to thrive.
Resources are available to schools and early childhood services on the Queensland Department of Education website.