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