Research snapshots
Research snapshot
Early Developmental Outcomes of Australian Children From Diverse Language Backgrounds at School Entry
This research snapshot reports on outcomes of bilingual students in Australia across major domains of early childhood functioning.
Research snapshot
Pathways Through School for Children With Additional Needs
This research snapshot presents a conceptual model developed to help understand the impact of additional needs on early school functioning.
Research snapshot
English Proficiency at School Entry for Bilingual Children
This research explores the relationship between English language skills at school entry and attendance at different types of early childhood education and care settings, like preschool and day care centres.
Research snapshot
Early Childhood Development and Mental Health Outcomes
Optimal development during early childhood plays a key role in long-term mental health and social-emotional wellbeing.
Fact sheets
Fact sheet
The predictive validity of the Early Development Instrument (EDI): Predicting later cognitive and behavioural outcomes
Predictive validity refers to how well an instrument predicts later outcomes. In this case, how well does the Early Development Instrument (EDI) predict the later literacy, numeracy and other cognitive and behavioural outcomes of children.
Fact sheet
AEDC Summary Indicators
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) uses three main summary indicators that reveal children's developmental strengths and vulnerabilities. This fact sheet provides an overview of these indicators, how they are calculated and how to interpret them.
Fact sheet
Supporting children to develop language and cognitive skills (school-based)
The important adults in children’s lives influence their development when they interact with them. This fact sheet provides examples of behaviours through which adults can support children’s development of language and cognitive skills (school-based).
Reports
Report
2021 AEDC Data Collection Technical Report
This report documents the technical aspects of the 2021 AEDC Data Collection, with a particular emphasis on the documentation of processes, workflows and response dynamics.
Report
2018 AEDC Data Collection Technical Report
This report sets out to document the technical aspects of the 2018 AEDC Data Collection, with a particular emphasis on the documentation of processes, workflows and response dynamics.
Report
Technical Report: Exploring Two New Indices for the AEDC Program
There has been significant interest in the concept of identifying children or communities with ‘strengths’ in child development, and whether certain items from the AvEDI could be used for this purpose.
Report
AEDC 2012 Summary Report
This publication provides the summary results from the 2012 Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) data collection, including comparative data from the 2009 and 2012 collections.
Community stories
Community story
Breaking Barriers (NSW)
Kurri Kurri is a small rural town in the Hunter Region, about 150km north of Sydney. AEDC results showed 18.5 per cent of children vulnerable on one or more domains, with 11.1 per cent of children developmentally vulnerable in physical health and wellbeing.
Community story
Community Skills 4 Kids Café (TAS)
The Waverley Community Skills 4 Kids Café operates in Waverley, Tasmania.
Community story
New Partnerships in Jondaryan (QLD)
The Jondaryan community is made up of the rural town of Oakey and its south-east and western surrounding areas. The community has a population of 7,585 people.
Community story
Helping Families Living With Adversity in Rocklea-Acacia Ridge (QLD)
The Rocklea-Acacia Ridge community is made up of the southern suburbs of Rocklea, Archerfield and Acacia Ridge in Brisbane. AEDC data showed 59.3% of children were developmentally vulnerable on one or more domain, however this decreased to 30.6% over a decade.
School stories
School story
Ringarooma Primary School (TAS)
Play-based movement improves gross motor and language skills.
School story
Bass Valley Primary (VIC)
Bass Valley Primary School is in a rural farming area in Gippsland’s Bass Coast community, about 110 kms south-east of Melbourne.
School story
Duncraig Primary School (WA)
Duncraig Primary School is an independent public primary school in Perth’s northern suburbs.
Data stories
Data story
A New Summary Indicator: Developmentally on Track on Five Domains: AEDC 2021 data story
This data story explains the new summary indicator, developmentally on track on five domains (OT5).
Data story
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children to Grow Up Strong: AEDC 2021 Data Story
This data story presents data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including comparisons over time, across domains and across geographies.
Data story
Parent's and Carer's Guide to the AEDC - AEDC 2021 Data Story
Issue 1 of the AEDC 2021 Data Stories provides information to parents and carers about the AEDC, including what works to improve outcomes for children, how they can support their children’s development, and the value the AEDC has for shaping early years services and supports.
Instrument questions
Instrument questions
2009 Early Development Instrument Questions
The questions and response criteria from the 2009 Early Development Instrument.
Technical resources
Technical resources
AEDC SEIFA Reference Tables
These reference tables document outline SEIFA communities and local communities.
Technical resources
AEDC Data Dictionary Reference Tables
These reference tables accompany the AEDC Data Dictionary.
Technical resources
AEDC 2025 Data Dictionary
This Data Dictionary provides a complete reference to the variables contained in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).
Technical resources
Critical Difference Calculator Tool
This tool calculates whether the difference in the % of children who are vulnerable, at risk or on track between two waves of AEDC data is significant.
National reports
National report
AEDI National Report 2012
In 2012 the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) was completed nationwide for the second time.
Forms
Form
Research Snapshot Template
Template for creation for research snapshots for publication on the AEDC website.
Form
Publication Submission Checklist
This checklist is for Data Users to complete prior to submitting their publication to the Data Management Agency for review.
Technical resources
Critical Difference Calculator Tool
This tool calculates whether the difference in the % of children who are vulnerable, at risk or on track between two waves of AEDC data is significant.
Form
Data Application Checklist
This checklist will help data applicants ensure they have provided all the relevant information for a successful application.