The Child Development Atlas (CDA) was a key evidence base for the creation of community plans for the Early Years Partnership communities of Armadale West, Central Great Southern, Derby, and Bidyadanga. Importantly, the Atlas enabled the creation of ‘data snapshots’ that capture an overview of early years and child health in each region. Indicators drawn from the Atlas include babies born at low birthweight, babies born preterm, immunisation rates, hospitalisation data, births to mothers 15-19, smoking during pregnancy, and families living in overcrowded conditions.

The Early Years Partnership (EYP) is a partnership between the WA State Government and Minderoo Foundation, operating in four communities in the metropolitan, regional, remote and very remote areas of WA. The EYP brings together community leaders, state and federal government, researchers, and philanthropy to achieve better outcomes for WA children. EYP Communities are supported to identify the main enablers and barriers to children thriving and together co-design targeted community plans.

The Community Plan articulates the issues that have been identified and prioritised by community members within each region as being important factors in improving the wellbeing and school readiness of their children, and areas where the community seeks to advocate for change or additional resources.