Australian Early Development Censes
Guide to Language and cognitive skills (school-based)
Resources for Queensland early childhood education and care services

The AEDC domain Language and Cognitive Skills, can help to inform curriculum programming, planning and quality improvement in early childhood services.   

The AEDC reveals four specific areas of language and cognitive skills which support children's development and engagement as they start school: basic literacy, interest in literacy, numeracy and memory, advanced literacy, basic numeracy.  Throughout the day, many opportunities arise to enhance children's language, literacy and numeracy dispositions, skills and knowledge.  Some examples might be: read and re-read books with children; draw on local languages to support young children's sense of belonging and competence in literacy concepts; use pictures with text as signs to display job lists, areas of the environment such as bathroom or kitchen; look for everyday experiences to model and embed numeracy and mathematical language; engage children in class jobs and tasks.  

Working closely and respectfully with families to develop their understanding of the significance of print and language-rich environments is crucial.  Educators must be mindful of cultural diversities and seek out information and support.  

Some services that families and staff can access for support in language and cognitive skill development include: local schools, libraries, toy libraries, museums, cultural organisations, playgroups.  

To access the AEDC data please visit www.aedc.gov.au. 
To access further AEDC resources please visit https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/about-us/publications-and-research/australian-early-development-census