For Schools
In 2009, the AEDI was completed nationwide for the first time. Between 1 May and 31 July, information was collected for 261,203 children (97.5 per cent of the estimated national five-year-old population). This involved 15,528 teachers from 7423 Government, Catholic and Independent schools around Australia.
How were teachers involved?
Teachers completed the AEDI Checklist for children in their first year of full-time school using the simple and secure web-based data entry system. Before completing the Checklists, teachers were provided with a detailed Guide for Teachers to help them accurately complete the AEDI Checklists for the children in their class. The AEDI Checklists were completed based on teachers' knowledge and observations of the children in their class; the children did not need to be there while this was done. Studies in Canada have confirmed the reliability of teacher report by using different teachers to report on the same children.
Schools were provided with funding for teacher relief time - it takes teachers around 20 minutes complete each AEDI Checklist.
What is the first year of full-time school?
Across Australian states and territories, the first year of full-time schooling has different names. See The First Year of Full-time School.
AEDI results
The first release of results became available on 10th December 2009. These results provide communities across Australia with a comprehensive picture of the early childhood development outcomes for children in their community. Although information for the AEDI is collected by teachers, results are reported fro the community where children live, not where they go to school.
However, principals can access school profiles.