Families

The Fremantle Early Years Network (FEYN) brings together early childhood development professionals and community services to collaborate on improving outcomes for children aged 0–5 in the City of Fremantle.

The network strengthens partnerships, shares knowledge and resources, and identifies opportunities to enhance early learning, health and wellbeing across the Fremantle community.

FEYN is designed for professionals and organisations who work with children and families in the early years, including:

• Early learning and childcare services
• Primary schools
• Playgroups
• Health and allied health providers
• Community organisations
• Local government programs and services

Members meet to share insights, build collaboration and work towards shared goals for young children and their families.

Yes. While FEYN primarily supports providers within the City of Fremantle, professionals and organisations from surrounding areas are welcome to join if they work with Fremantle children or families, or collaborate with local providers.

FEYN’s professional meetings are designed for early childhood educators, health professionals and service providers.

However, community members, parents, and carers interested in supporting early childhood development are encouraged to connect with the City’s Early Years Officer for information on community initiatives, events and resources. You can also view related events and resources below.

Contact EarlyYears@fremantle.wa.gov.au

The Fremantle Early Years Network meets quarterly, with additional working groups or workshops held as needed.

Meetings provide an opportunity to share updates, explore AEDC data insights, and discuss collaborative approaches to improving outcomes for local children and families.

Professionals and organisations can join the FEYN mailing list to receive meeting invitations, updates and opportunities to get involved in early years initiatives across Fremantle.

To register your interest, email EarlyYears@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Members gain access to:

• A professional network of early years practitioners in the Fremantle area
• Shared data, resources and insights from the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)
• Collaboration opportunities across education, health and community sectors
• A platform to collectively advocate for children and families in Fremantle

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a nationwide data collection that measures the development of young children in their first year of full-time school.

AEDC data provides valuable insights that help guide health, education and community planning. It highlights what is working well and where communities can provide additional support for children and families.

Data are collected every three years, with the sixth collection completed in 2024.

AEDC domains

Teachers complete the AEDC using the Australian version of the Early Development Instrument (AvEDI) — a questionnaire with around 100 questions across five key areas of development:

• Physical health and wellbeing
• Social competence
• Emotional maturity
• Language and cognitive skills (school-based)
• Communication skills and general knowledge

These five domains are strong predictors of children’s later wellbeing, mental health and academic success.

For more information, visit the AEDC website or contact EarlyYears@fremantle.wa.gov.au.