Point Cook P-9 College Newsletter

Australian Early Development Census 

( AEDC)

  

Playing our part to build a national picture of child health.

In 2021 our school, along with thousands of others across the country will begin preparations for the fifth Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). 

 

The AEDC gives us a national picture of the development, health and wellbeing of children in their first year of full-time school. Since 2009, the census results have helped communities, schools and governments plan services and develop better policies to target support for children and families. Every school with children in their first year of full-time school has a vital role to play in helping our nation collect the information it needs to support our children and their families as we recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic: www.aedc.gov.au/schools/school-stories

 

Evidence tells us that a person’s life successes, health and emotional wellbeing build their roots in early childhood experiences. Early experiences can even influence the development of the brain itself.

 

That’s why it’s so important that we keep an eye on how children are progressing, so we can provide the best services and support to families as children grow. 

www.aedc.gov.au/parents/the-importance-of-early-childhood-development

 

When completing the census teachers answer questions about five key areas that are important for children's development:

  • physical health and wellbeing
  • social competence
  • emotional maturity
  • language and cognitive skills (school-based)
  • communication skills and general knowledge.

Some teachers have also noticed that completing the assessments made them more aware of the needs of individual children and the class as a whole and that the census results are useful in planning for transitions to Year 1 and developing class programs.

 

Once our Prep teachers finish collecting information for the 2021 Australian Early Development Census #AEDC, the data is analysed and prepared for publication in March 2022.

 

To find out more about the census and how communities are using the data to help children and families visit the AEDC website: www.aedc.gov.au.

 

What You Need to Know

  • The AEDC only  gives us data at a school and community level - it isn’t an assessment of individual children
  • The census results are presented as groups of children at local, state and national levels. This ensures children and schools remain anonymous. . (Learn more here about how your children’s privacy is protected; www.aedc.gov.au/parents/protecting-your-child-s-privacy)
  • Children don’t miss any class time, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information for the census. 
  • Participation in the AEDC is voluntary. Parents/carers don’t need to take any action unless they choose not to include their children in the census. If you DO NOT wish your child’s data to be included, please advise your child’s teacher in writing before Friday 14th May.

 

To find out more about the census and how communities are using the data to help children and families visit the AEDC website: www.aedc.gov.au.

 

If you have any questions, you can contact Robyn Fincher at the college.