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Education & Curriculum

Let’s Talk About the Early Years Learning Framework

June 15, 2021
hero--Let’s Talk About the Early Years Learning Framework

As a parent, the search for a suitable early learning centre can be overwhelming. On top of the essential factors of consideration such as location, general health and safety, and quality of care, other factors such as curriculum and learning programs play an important role in providing a platform for your child to thrive through a holistic and individualised learning journey.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) was developed in 2009 and is the first national framework for early childhood educators. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) developed the Framework to assist in the development of children’s learning and success, to contribute to the COAG’s vision that:

“All children have the best start in life to create a better future for themselves and for the nation”

So, what exactly is the EYLF and why do you see it so often in your search for an early learning centre that is right for you and your child?

The EYLF is used within Long Day Care Centres and Family Day Care Services for all Australian states (other than Victoria) and applies to children between the ages of 0-5 years.

The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (or VEYLDF) – is the framework approved for Victorian Child Care Settings for children aged birth to 8 years. The vision and purpose of the VEYLDF is to guide early childhood professionals in a collective effort with families toward the achievement of the nationally agreed Early Years Learning Outcomes, which are the same for both the EYLF and the VEYLDF.

This diagram shows the relationship between learning outcomes, principles and practice which centres on children’s learning (click to view larger image)

Both the EYLF and VEYLDF Frameworks guide early childhood professionals in a collective effort with families towards the achievement of the nationally agreed learning outcomes.

Also, the vision of both frameworks is similar; in that even before birth, each child is linked to family, community, culture and have important relationships with people in their lives.
Through these strong and supportive relationships, a child’s development and learning takes place as they begin to explore, develop interests, create their own identity, and make meaning of the world around them.

Listed below are the five (5) learning outcomes shared by both the EYLF and VEYLDF. These are utilised as goals for growing children to achieve.
1. Children have a strong sense of identity
2. Children are connected with and contribute to their world
3. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
4. Children are confident and involved learners
5. Children are effective communicators

The EYLF and VEYLDF and their five learning outcomes will be explored in greater detail in future articles.

Author: Green Leaves Early Learning

Source:  Department of Education