Early Years Learning Framework

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a key part of early childhood education and care in Australia. But what is it and why should you, as a parent, care?

The EYLF is a guide for early childhood educators to create an engaging and meaningful learning journey for your child. Using this framework, educators design experiences that spark children’s curiosity, creativity, and social skills, so setting them up for success in school and life.

At Grace Village Early Learning, we use this framework alongside other teaching methods like Reggio Emilia to create a curriculum that supports your child’s growth. Our approach helps them feel secure, confident, and ready to learn.

As a parent, knowing about the EYLF helps you connect what happens at home with your child’s education. When parents and educators work together, they build a consistent learning environment that supports your child’s development, giving them the best start in life.

What Is The Early Years Learning Framework?

The Australian Department of Education developed the Early Years Learning Framework as one of two official guides for early childhood education.

The EYLF is designed for children from birth to five years old. It outlines principles, practices, and learning outcomes that align with best practices in early childhood education. This helps teachers and carers ensure each child’s well-being, learning, and development, making their transition to school smoother.

First introduced in 2009 and updated in 2023, the EYLF is part of the National Quality Framework (NQF). Its main goals are to promote children’s learning and development through play-based learning, with a focus on identity and community.

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The EYLF at Grace Village

At Grace Village, we know that children learn best through play, which is why play is a big part of what we do. From birth, children explore and understand the world through play. They learn to communicate, discover, imagine, and create.

Our educators design activities and environments that support your child’s growth and respond to their interests and abilities.

When children play, they show us what they’ve learned and what they’re curious about. That’s why play is one of the cornerstones of the Early Years Learning Framework.

Parents and Educators, working together

As the most important person in your child’s life, you can make a difference too. By working together, parents and educators can enhance a child’s learning and create a strong sense of well-being for them. 

In that partnership, by observing, listening, and talking with your child, together, we can implement learning and development strategies that meet the framework’s objectives.

What are the Framework’s objectives?

The EYLF is built upon three core pillars of Being, Belonging and Becoming, with each playing a crucial role in shaping the learning and development of early childhood.

Under the core pillars are the principles, practices and learning outcomes which offer the guidelines used by our educators, and align with developmental milestones in early childhood education.

The Framework‘s objectives are for children from birth to five years to experience quality learning that:

Belonging, Being and Becoming

Belonging is about feeling connected. 

A child feels a sense of belonging through relationships with family, community, and culture. When we support them in a safe and caring environment, they feel valued and confident in their learning.

Being is about living in the moment.

We encourage children to enjoy the present. Through play-based learning, we help them grow physically, emotionally, and socially through meaningful experiences.

Becoming is about change and growth.

Children are eager learners, always changing and growing. With support from parents and teachers, children will explore their interests, ask questions, and challenge themselves, developing a lifelong love of learning.

• Read more about Belonging, Being and Becoming at Grace Village here

EYLF Principles, Practices and Outcomes

8 Principles of EYLF

While educators will implement their own strategies, these guiding principles include respect and positive relationships, helping to ensure every child is on the right track toward their learning goals.

• Read more about the EYLF Principles here

7 Practices of EYLF

The seven practices turn these principles into action, providing educators with strategies to create stimulating environments and assess your child’s progress.

• Read more about the EYLF Practices here

5 Outcomes of the EYLF

The five learning outcomes offer a well-rounded approach to learning, focusing on both emotional and cognitive growth. Each child learns in their own way and at their own pace. These outcomes set achievable goals across various developmental milestones, ensuring children gain the knowledge and skills they need for school and beyond.

• Read more about the EYLF Outcomes here

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Click here to book your personal tour and discover more about the EYLF at Grace Village Early Learning Centre

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School Readiness & The Early Years Learning Framework

As your child approaches school, our educators work closely with you, preparing them for this exciting new chapter. We share information about your child’s unique learning journey and development with their new teacher to ensure a smooth transition to their new classroom.

The EYLF celebrates the importance of nurturing children’s learning through secure relationships, partnerships with families, high expectations, and equity, all of which are crucial for school readiness and future development.

By incorporating these principles, we help set the foundation for a successful school experience, so your child’s new school will be well-equipped to continue their learning and development in a way that embraces diversity and promotes ongoing growth.

• Read more about Grace Village’s School Readiness Program here

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