Webinar: Understanding the 2024 AEDC results: Where to next?

• The Hon Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills SA 
• A/Prof Yasmin Harman-Smith, Head of Early Years Systems Evidence, The Kids Research Institute Australia 
• Dr Michelle Lucas, Executive Director, Logan Together 
• Janet Williams-Smith, Inclusion and Early Intervention General Manager, Early Childhood Australia.
• John Boffa, Chief Medical Officer Public Health, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation.

Webinar recording

Webinar key insights

• The 2024 AEDC results present an opportunity to act on what we know works to improve outcomes for children. There are five key opportunities within the current policy environment that we can action now.

• Action to enhance quality early childhood education and care — such as South Australia's Preschool Boost — can support children's social and emotional development to improve relationships and learning.

• Rather than many fragmented approaches, existing funding could be better used to establish integrated services such as child and family centres.

• The AEDC has been used to identify and respond to inequity in regional and remote communities. Closing the equity gap at age 5 will go a long way to closing the overall gap.

• AEDC data is being used to improve outcomes for children. Working to strengthen and build community agency, stacking protective factors and taking an integrated approach can help children thrive. By understanding what communities value and need, and using data to inform where different and more resources are needed for young children, we can make a difference.

• Families benefit when early childhood educators have the skills and resources to talk with parents about their child’s development.