Our Communities

A number of communities had been identified with a high population of children aged from birth to four years, with data showing a clear need to improve their early childhood outcomes.
This data came from the Australian Early Development Census, Australian Bureau of Statistics and community-level data held by the WA Health Department and other key agencies.
In addition, community readiness was assessed, including identifying local champions, current resources available, a local urgency for change and a willingness to participate.
The EYP Board made the final community selection.

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a nationwide data collection of early childhood development at the time children commence their first year of full-time school.  The AEDC highlights what is working well and what needs to be improved or developed to support children and their families by providing evidence to support health, education and community policy and planning.

The AEDC is held every three years, with the ​2021 AEDC data collection being the ​fifth collection. The census involves teachers of children in their first year of full-time school completing a research tool, the Australian version of the Early Development Instrument. The Instrument collects data relating to five key areas of early childhood development referred to as ‘domains’.

These include:
Physical health and well being
Social competence
Emotional maturity
Language and cognitive skills (school-based)
Communication skills and general knowledge

The AEDC domains have been shown to predict later health, wellbeing and academic success. More information about the AEDC can be found at:
Australian Early Development Census – Department of Education, Australian Government.