What is the Early Development Instrument?
The Early Development Instrument (EDI) is a population measure of how young children are developing in communities in the United States. The EDI measures five areas, or domains, of early childhood development:
- Physical health and wellbeing,
- Social competence,
- Emotional maturity,
- Language and cognitive skills, and
- Communication skills and general knowledge.
The EDI is helpful not only in describing how children are developing, but also in predicting health, education, and social outcomes. EDI data are a key component of Transforming Early Childhood Community Systems (TECCS), which is an initiative to guide local community efforts to help children reach school healthy and ready to succeed.
How are EDI results reported?
EDI results are reported at a population level as the percentage of children vulnerable in each of the
five domains. Children who score at or above the 75th percentile of the national EDI population are considered “very ready.” Those who score at or below the 10th percentile in any domain are considered “developmentally vulnerable.”
How EDI results are used
The EDI data maps allow community members and leaders to:
- Compare the strengths and weaknesses in children’s development and school readiness
across communities and EDI domains; - Understand the relationship between children’s EDI results and other important factors that may influence their health and well-being (e.g. poverty rates, resident mobility, and the availability of community assets like preschools, family support providers, libraries, and health providers)
- Motivate action and advocacy efforts to help children reach their potential
- Plan interventions and resource investments
- Track progress over time to see how changes in investments, policies, or other factors influence children’s health and well-being.
>> Sample Community Profile (Wichita Falls)
For more information about the Early Development Instrument please contact:
Gail Gale
915.533.2434
ggale@unitedwayelpaso.org
