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
Local government sector messages
This document outlines useful information about how the AEDC applies to local governments.
Fact sheet
Trends from the AEDC infographic
This infographic outlines summary results from AEDC collections from 2009-2021.
Fact sheet
Community Service Organisations sector messages
This document outlines useful information about how the AEDC applies to community organisations.
Fact sheet
Trends from the AEDC 2021
This fact sheet outlines trends in AEDC results from 2009 to 2021.
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
Communities Leading Positive Change (QLD)
Queensland communities, Rocklea-Acacia Ridge, Deception Bay and Jondaryan have experienced a significant shift in AEDC data between 2009 and 2018. Throughout this time, all three communities have faced complex community factors and contextual challenges.
Community story
A Good Start In Life (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.
Community story
Deception Bay (QLD)
The coastal community of Deception Bay is in the Moreton Bay region, approximately 32 kilometres north of Brisbane. AEDC data shows that the level of developmental vulnerability has decreased significantly across all cycles.
Community story
KIDDO: A Physical Literacy Program (WA)
Since 2009 nearly 20% of children starting their first year of full-time school have been identified as developmentally at risk or vulnerable on the physical health and wellbeing domain.
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
School-based Language and Cognitive Skills: AEDC 2021 Data Story
This data story explores the AEDC language and cognitive skills (school-based) domain.
Data story
National Trends in Child Development: AEDC 2021 Data Story
This data story provides an overview of the first five AEDC collections (2009–2021).
Data story
How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Children?: AEDC 2021 Data Story
This data story explores the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australian children.
Data story
How Can We Improve Equity in Early Childhood?: AEDC 2021 Data Story
This data story explores inequities in children’s development related to social, economic and geographic factors.
Instrument questions
Instrument questions
2024 Early Development Instrument Questions
The questions and response criteria from the 2024 Early Development Instrument.
Instrument questions
2021 Early Development Instrument Questions
The questions and response criteria from the 2021 Early Development Instrument.
Instrument questions
2018 Early Development Instrument Questions
The questions and response criteria from the 2018 Early Development Instrument.
Instrument questions
2012 Early Development Instrument Questions
This guide contains the questions used in the Australian version of the Early Development Instrument for the 2012 collection.
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
2024 AEDC National Report
The 2024 AEDC National Report outlines the results for the 2024 collection and trends over time. The 2024 collection is the sixth AEDC collection to take place since it's beginning in 2009.
National report
2021 AEDC National Report
The national report from the 2021 collection. The 2021 AEDC data shows the majority of children were identified as ‘developmentally on track’ for each of the five AEDC domains.
National report
2009 National Report
The national report from the very first collection in 2009.
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.
User guides
User guide
User Guide: Early Childhood Services and Schools
This guide leads early childhood services and schools through the steps they might take when thinking about how to respond to AEDC data.
User guide
User Guide: Local Government
This guide leads local government through the steps they might take when thinking about how to respond to AEDC data.
User guide
User Guide: Community Service Organisations
This guide leads community service organisations through the steps they might take when thinking about how to respond to AEDC data.
User guide
User Guide: Policy Makers and Government Executive
This guide leads policy makers through the steps they might take when thinking about how to respond to AEDC data.