The 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) results strike at the heart of what many early childhood educators are witnessing on the ground: a growing number of children entering educational settings with layered developmental vulnerabilities. The following article provides information on Key National Findings, What This Means For The Sector, What Early Childhood Services Can Do and more.
Key National Findings
- Developmentally on track in all five domains (OT5):
52.9% in 2024—a decrease from 54.8% in 2021, but still above the 2009 baseline of 50.7%. - Developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains (DV1)
23.5% in 2024—an increase from 22.0% in 2021. - Developmentally vulnerable on two or more domains (DV2)
12.5% in 2024 — the highest level recorded across all AEDC collections.
Domain-Specific Vulnerability Increases (2021–2024)
|
Domain |
2021 (%) |
2024 (%) |
Change |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Physical Health & Well-being |
9.8 |
10.0 |
+0.2 |
|
Social Competence |
9.6 |
10.7 |
+1.1 |
|
Emotional Maturity |
8.5 |
10.0 |
+1.5 |
|
Language & Cognitive Skills (School-based) |
7.3 |
7.7 |
+0.4 |
|
Communication Skills & General Knowledge |
8.4 |
8.9 |
+0.5 |
Note: Emotional maturity showed the greatest increase, indicating a growing need for emotional support in early years.
What This Means for the Sector
- Emotional well-being is under pressure. Rising vulnerability in emotional maturity and social competence may reflect post-pandemic ripple effects, family instability, and reduced social opportunities.
- Educator resilience and responsiveness have never been more vital. Your sector is balancing complex family needs, inclusion goals, and escalating demands.
- Tailored interventions and early identification are crucial. The earlier these vulnerabilities are recognized, the more responsive and effective our strategies can be.
What Early Childhood Services Can Do
- Embed emotion coaching and social-emotional learning into everyday routines.
- Create predictable environments that support regulation and agency.
- Prioritise staff well-being to foster emotionally resilient and responsive educators.
- Strengthen collaborative relationships with families to extend developmental support into the home.
- Foster staff wellness so educators remain emotionally resourced to support vulnerable children.
Further Reading
5 Strategies To Implement Based On The AEDC 2024 Findings In Your Early Learning Service
Reference:
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) Results Are In – What Does It Mean For The ECEC Sector. ELAA