Authors:
Sincovich A, Brinkman S
Authors notes:
Every Child. 2014;20(1):16-17
Keywords:
Australian Early Development Index, child development, schooling, health and wellbeing, physical, social, emotional
Abstract:
The Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) is a population measure of children's development collected in the first year of full-time schooling.
The instrument measures children's progress in five domains- physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, and communication skills and general knowledge.
The AEDI is regarded as a reflection of how well the community has raised their children through to school age.
The data encourages communities to assess how well they are supporting young children and their families; what is working; and what needs to be improved in order to give children the best possible start in life.
In 2009 the AEDI was completed nationally for the first time involving 261147 children, representing 96.5 per cent of children enrolled to start school at this time.
Three years later, the AEDI was completed again in 2012, this time with 289 973 (97.5 per cent) children involved. The AEDI results are available online at: www.aedi.org.au.
Here we summarise some recent research using the AEDI data and show how the Fraser Mustard Centre is using such research to help inform policy-makers.