Research snapshots
Research snapshot
The Relationship Between Early Childhood Education and Care and Children's Development
A variety of Early Childhood Education and Care services are available in Australia, including preschool (sometimes called kindergarten), playgroup, and centre-based childcare.
Research snapshot
Taking a Strengths-based Approach to Child Development in the AEDC: the Multiple Strength Indicator
To better measure those children who have developmental strengths, this research sought to create a strength-based indicator from the Early Development Instrument that could be used within the AEDC program.
Research snapshot
Mental Health and Children's Early Learning
Early learning skills, like using language, problem solving and communication, help children to thrive and reach their full potential at school.
Research snapshot
Does Mental Health Competence Promote Children's Academic Achievement?
This study explored whether mental health competence at school entry leads to improved academic outcomes in year three, taking into account the other influences on children’s academic skills, such as family circumstances.
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
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
Southside Initiative (ACT)
A group of dedicated stakeholders collaborate to improve child health and wellbeing.
Community story
Mid-Murray Family Connections (SA)
A collective of 60+ partners achieve improvements in children’s development.
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.
Videos
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.