Australian Early Development Census
Guide to Physical health and wellbeing
Resources for Queensland early childhood education and care services

The AEDC domain Physical Health and Wellbeing, can help to inform curriculum programming, planning and quality improvement in early childhood services.  The AEDC reveals three specific areas of physical health and wellbeing which supports children's development and engagement as they start school: physical readiness for the school day, physical independence and gross and fine motor skills.  Educators can implement specific intentional strategies to support children's engagement and confident exploration and participation.

Throughout the day many opportunities arise to enhance and embed positive physical health and wellbeing; perhaps offer a pictorial checklist for children to help them pack their bags at home, and encourage children to manage their own belongings; involve children in planning and preparing for routine experiences throughout the day; model healthy eating and drinking practices.

Engage children in preparing or cooking everyday healthy foods or snacks; discuss the flow of the day with children; use a clock to notice time segments during the day; talk with children about patterns of movement and rest; encourage children to design and construct obstacle courses which might target specific skills.

Working together through collaborative partnerships can help families and educators gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of physical activity and wellbeing for children.  Educators can raise awareness of the benefits of physical wellbeing through: ensuring documentation showcases physical health and wellbeing experiences and opportunities, promoting outdoor and physical play, compiling a centre recipe book or suggestions for quick and healthy meals or lunchbox suggestions; collating a list of community gardens or play spaces in the local area; asking children to bring refillable water bottles to the service and offering water; showcase the fun-filled and bonding benefits of families joining together in outdoor experiences.

Early childhood services can also form partnerships and help families to access community services.  Some of the services families and staff can access for support include: dieticians, physiotherapists or occupational therapists, community health services, sporting associations. 

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