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
AEDC Key Findings 2024
The AEDC Key Findings 2024 fact sheet summarises the results for the 2024 collection, the sixth AEDC collection to take place since it's beginning in 2009.
Fact sheet
Identifying and Planning for Children’s Development
This factsheet provides an overview of the different ways information about children’s learning and development can be identified and measured.
Fact sheet
Schools sector messages
The AEDC is a reliable measure of child development across five domains. This document summarises some key information for schools.
Fact sheet
AEDC policy placemat
A summary of what has been learned from AEDC research and results, and the key policy and research gaps remaining.
Reports
Report
AEDC Data Dictionary 2019
The Data Dictionary provides technical reference information for researchers and data users, about the Australian version of the Early Development Instrument (AvEDI).
Report
Technical Report: Calculation of the Critical Difference (March 2022)
This report outlines the process of calculating critical difference of AEDC data over time. This involves four key stages of analysis which are described within.
Community stories
Community story
Early Learning Strategy (SA)
AEDC data showed higher proportions of developmental vulnerability in the physical health and wellbeing, social competence and emotional maturity domains for children in South Australia.
Community story
A Village for Every Child (ACT)
Belconnen is a large region in Canberra’s northwest. Between 2018 and 2021 there was a statistically significant increase in children considered to be developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains.
Community story
Gungahlin (ACT)
Gungahlin is a rapidly growing region in Canberra’s far north. Between 2015 and 2018, there were increases in vulnerability across all five domains, with significant increases in physical health and wellbeing, and social competence. This highlights a need for further early childhood development support.
Community story
Belconnen (ACT)
Belconnen is a large region in Canberra’s northwest. There was a significant increase in children developmentally vulnerable on two or more domains between 2012 and 2018, highlighting the need for further support.
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.