Here are some thoughtfully framed critical reflection questions you can use with your team or in professional discussions to unpack the AEDC 2024 findings.
Reflecting on the Data
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What surprises or concerns us most about the rise in developmental vulnerability since 2021?
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How do these findings align with what we’re observing in our own setting?
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Which domains of vulnerability are most visible in our daily practice?
Our Practice
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How are we currently supporting children who show signs of emotional or social vulnerability?
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In what ways have our routines or learning environments changed in response to children’s changing needs?
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Are our current assessment tools and observations capturing the full picture of a child’s development?
Engaging with Families
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How can we sensitively share this data with families to build trust and collaboration?
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What more can we do to support families experiencing hardship without increasing their stress?
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Are we creating opportunities for families to contribute insights about their child’s development?
Team Capacity and Wellbeing
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What supports do we have in place to help our team respond to increased emotional and behavioral needs in children?
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How are we looking after our own well-being so we can remain responsive and effective?
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Are there any professional development areas we’d like to explore further based on these findings?
Moving Forward
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What small, intentional changes could we introduce to address one key vulnerability area?
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How can we embed these findings into our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)?
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Who can we partner with—families, local services, other educators—to amplify our impact?
Further Reading
Rising Vulnerabilities: What the 2024 AEDC Data Means for Early Childhood Education
5 Strategies To Implement Based On The AEDC 2024 Findings In Your Early Learning Service