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Australian Early Development Census

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Conducted every 3 years, the AEDC is the most comprehensive collection of its kind in the world. The information gained from the census helps to shape the future and wellbeing of our children by providing evidence to support education, health and community policy and planning.

2024 census

The 6th AEDC data collection took place in Queensland schools between May and June 2024.

More than 1,400 Queensland schools participated in the 6th national collection. The data is representative of over 62,000 children, or 98% of the Queensland 2024 Prep cohort.

The results indicate that:

  • just over half of all Queensland children are on track on all 5 domains
  • Queensland's results stand out nationally because we have maintained the proportion of children starting school developmentally on track
  • all jurisdictions except for Queensland saw a decrease in children on track on 5 domains (OT5). Comparatively, developmental vulnerability has also increased nationally
  • while developmental vulnerability in Queensland remains above the national average, the gap has narrowed.

Download the AEDC Queensland report 2024 (PDF, 5.6MB) for a summary of Queensland's 2024 AEDC data in context.

AEDC 2024 national, state and community-level data are available to access from the national AEDC website.

For further information or assistance, email the Queensland AEDC team at aedc@qed.qld.gov.au.

Five AEDC domains

The AEDC measures how children are developing as they transition into their first year of full-time school based on 5 key areas known as 'domains'.

Combined, these domains provide a holistic picture of children’s development, which can be used to support curriculum and q​uality improvement planning.

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Physical health and wellbeing

Physical health and wellbeing

Children's physical readiness for the school day, physical independence and gross and fine motor skills.

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Social competence

Social competence

Children's overall social competence, responsibility and respect, approach to learning and readiness to explore new things.

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Emotional maturity

Emotional maturity

Children's prosocial and helping behaviours and absence of anxious and fearful behaviour, aggressive behaviour, hyperactivity and inattention.

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Language and cognitive skills (school based)

Language and cognitive skills (school-based)

Children's basic literacy, interest in literacy, numeracy and memory, advanced literacy and basic numeracy.

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Communication skills and general knowledge

Communication skills and general knowledge

Children's communication skills and general knowledge base on broad developmental competencies and skills measured in the school context.​

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AEDC data and Early Childhood Education and Care

AEDC data provides evidence to guide planning using Belong, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0, Queensland kindergarten learning guideline (QKLG) 2024 and National Quality Standard (NQS). The data can inform educators about areas of developmental strengths and vulnerabilities in a community and support responsive environments and programs.

AEDC results can be used by early childhood education and care services to:

The value of community-level data

AEDC data provides a snapshot of how children are developing at a community-level. By exploring the AEDC results, partners can work together to find out more about what works well and what can be improved, in the context of each individual community. This way, community partners can strengthen and target support for local children and their families.

Specific examples of how communities have used the AEDC can be found in our AEDC community stories.

More information

Access Queensland resources which provide guidance on understanding AEDC data and how it can be used to inform curriculum programming, planning and quality improvement.

Information and resources for schools are available.

A range of other resources, including fact sheets, community stories and guidance on understanding and using the data, are available on the national AEDC website.

For support or enquiries, email the Queensland AEDC team at aedc@qed.qld.gov.au.

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Last updated 24 December 2025