Australian governments - local, state, and federal - make substantial investments in early childhood. Without data, it is difficult for governments to know whether their investment is making a difference.
Our response
In 2003, the Centre for Community Child Health hosted a two-day invitation only national meeting of researchers, policymakers and clinicians from the health and education sectors to determine if the Canadian-developed Early Development Instrument (EDI) would be a useful tool if it was adapted for Australia. The Canadian EDI was designed to measure the developmental health and wellbeing of populations of young children at school entry.
Following string encouragement from stakeholders at the meeting, the Centre was supported to conduct a trial of the adapted EDI, named the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI), in over 60 communities throughout the country.
The AEDC has been a real game changer in Australia. It's put data in the hands of those who can take action to reduce childhood vulnerability levels in communities.