Early childhood development. Fact sheet 1/2019.

Research shows that relationships and experiences during a child's formative years, from preconception to four years, can strongly influence their future learning and wellbeing. The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)1 is a nationwide data collection aimed at gaining an understanding of how Australian children are developing prior to reaching school. Information is collected on children who are in their first year of full-time school (Prep year in Tasmania) by teachers of the children in government and nongovernment schools. Five developmental domains underpin children's functioning and school readiness.