Catholic Education SA schools are joining with department and independent South Australian schools in a national study of children’s early development.
Teachers of children in the first year of school will participate in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) as a national measure of early childhood development at the time children commence their first year of full-time school.
Teachers use their knowledge and observations of children contribute to the data collected around five key areas of early childhood development:
The data provides a picture of young children and their development in their communities, across the state and nation.
Social, emotional, language, and communication skills in the early years are understood to be predictors for later mental health and educational achievement. Analysis of the data can help guide the right supports for children and families early and improve the life chances for children across Australia.
Each participating school will receive an AEDC School Profile across the 5 key areas which they can use to plan and advocate for the youngest children in their school communities.
CESA is committed to counting every child possible through this important research, with almost every school participating in the last AEDC collection in 2018, including St Joseph’s School, Hindmarsh.
In 2019, St Joseph’s participated in a targeted CESA project to support principals to understand and use the 2018 AEDC data effectively and with positive impacts in their school communities.
Work was undertaken with participating schools on their School and Community Profiles with consideration to impacting factors and relevant findings.
St Joseph’s school has a well-established preschool program and flourishing supported playgroup which have been operating for three years. The school has intentionally worked to connect and engage early with families.
Maria D’Aloia, Principal at St Joseph’s School said it is important to develop structures to ensure every family and child is acknowledged and honoured before they begin their formal education at school.
“The connection starts at that point as developing relationships and getting to know each child and their family will have a positive effect on their learning. We see this an important beginning”.
The 2021 Census is taking place between Monday 3 May to Friday 2 July.
Catholic Education South Australia is committed to supporting the early years in the lives of young Australians. We thank our teachers and school leaders for participating in this important work in ensuring that every child is captured in Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) in 2021.
The newest Catholic primary school in South Australia has been blessed in a lovely opening ceremony over a year in the making.
