This research investigates the role of neighbourhood attributes in explaining the variation in early child health and development outcomes using the Australian Early Development Census data relating to four- to six-year-olds.
We are investigating developmental delays, dependent on where children live. Specifically, we will be looking at delays in physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, and language, cognitive and communication skills, all of which have significant health, social and economic consequences for later life.
The built environment has an important influence on children’s health and given the long‐term costs of poor child health and development, it is vital to understand the qualities and characteristics of neighbourhoods that promote or discourage healthy child development.
A main aim of this project is to identify neighbourhood attributes, such as access to early childhood education and care and health services, which are associated with early child health and development outcomes. We will also determine the extent to which attributes of the neighbourhood environment explain variation in developmental vulnerability across socioeconomic groups and geographical areas, such as outer urban fringe versus inner city.
Publications
Children’s neighbourhood physical environment and early development
Relationship between the neighbourhood built environment and early child development