The Early Years

Learning Framework

(EYLF)

COAG Agenda

The Early Years Learning Framework is part of the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) reform agenda for early childhood education and care.

It is a key component of the Australian Government’s National Quality Agenda for early childhood education and care. 

Children’s rights and needs are at the centre of policy development and includes responsibility for creating conditions in which children and families can thrive

Early Years Learning Framework• Part of the National Early Childhood

Development Strategy and National Early Years Workforce strategy

• Provides a national approach to quality and regulation

• Launch of EYLF and families' guide in July 2009

• Release of National Educators’ Guidein 2010

What is the Early Years Learning Framework?The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is

the first national curriculum framework which

will ensure quality and consistency in the delivery

of early childhood education programs across all

early childhood settings. It covers children

from birth to five years and supports

transition to formal schooling.

The Early Years Learning Framework describes

the principles, practice and outcomes essential to

support and enhance young children’s learning

from birth to five years of age, as well as

their transition to school.

In SA it will replace the first 2 phases of

SACSA from the beginning of 2010

What is the Early Years Learning Framework?

Who is EYLF for?• EYLF is for all early childhood educators in child

care, preschool and family day care• EYLF is expected to be used by all educators

for children aged birth to five and for their transitions to school

• It is expected that EYLF will underpin all early childhood education and care programs and initiatives in SA and nationally

When does it happen?• Services will be expected to begin exploring

and working with EYLF from the start of 2010• The release of the Educator’s Guide expected

for early 2010 will support implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework

What is the framework based on?• EYLF is based on conclusive national and

international evidence as to the importance of early childhood

• Considerable input from the early childhood sector, academics and Australian State and Territory Governments

• It has strong connections to with Reflect, Respect, Relate (DECS) which is a primary supporting resource for EYLF

Early Years Learning Framework for Australia

The vision:

All children experience

learning that is engaging

and builds success for life

Belonging, Being, Becoming• Themes of the framework

• Reflecting children’s lives

• Acknowledges interdependence, relationships, the importance of the ‘here and now’, and the change that children experience

Belonging….

“Knowing where and with

whom you belong is integral

to human existence”EYLF page 7

“You belong in your house with your family” - DONG

Being….

“If you want to be a mermaid you can imagine” Jazmine

“Childhood is a time to

be, to seek and make

meaning of the world” - EYLF page 7

Becoming….

“If you keep planting plants you become a gardener Olivia

“Children’s identities …

shaped by many different

events and

circumstances” EYLF page 7

Curriculum decision making

PrinciplesPlanning for Learning

Learning Outcomes

Assessing Learning

Children’s Learning

The Principles

• Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships• Partnerships• High expectations and equity• Respect for diversity• Ongoing learning and reflective

practice

The Practices

• Holistic approaches• Responsiveness to children• Continuity of learning and transitions• Learning through play• Intentional teaching• Learning environments• Cultural competence• Assessing for learning

The Learning Outcomes

• Children have a strong sense of identity• Children are connected with and contribute to

their world• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing• Children are confident

and involved learners• Children are effective

communicators

Is EYLF a syllabus or a curriculum framework?• EYLF is a framework

• It doesn’t tell educators what to teach

• It provides direction about intent, pedagogy and outcomes for children’s learning and provides the foundation for specific, local curriculum

EYLF and planning• EYLF supports a model

of curriculum planning as an ongoing cycle

• Working in partnership with families

• Learning through play• Intentional teaching

‘Making a difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’• COAG is committed to closing the gap in

educational achievement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, Early Childhood Education and Care has a crucial role to play in this.

• A document providing educations with additional guidance on ensuringcultural security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children will be developed

Accountability

Early Childhood educators are accountable for• implementing EYLF• assessing, documenting and

reporting on children’s learning outcomes

• providing an active learning environment

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere can I get a copy of EYLF? page 6 of FAQs

Will EYLF replace SACSA? page 3 of FAQs

What are the differences between SACSA and EYLF?page 3 of FAQs

Will there be formats and new supporting resources available? page 8 of FAQs

Useful Websites• DEEWR www.deewr.gov.au

• EYLF www.deewr.gov.au/eylf

• Early Childhood Reforms Agenda

www.mychild.gov.au/earlychildhoodagenda.htm

• PSC (Gowrie Training Centre) www.pscsa.org.au

• DECS www.decs.sa.gov.au

• Reflect Respect Relate

www.earlyyears.sa.edu.au/pages/Resources