The Early Years Learning Framework

The Australian Government is developing a national Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) which will outline the desired outcomes for children in early childhood education and care settings across the birth to five years age range and as they make the transition to school.

The EYLF is a curriculum framework document which will guide early childhood educators in developing quality early childhood programs by providing broad parameters, principles and outcomes and enhance young children's learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. It is a guide characterised by the balance of three core themes - Belonging, Being and Becoming. It has a specific emphasis on play-based learning and recognises the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development. It will form the basis for ensuring children in all early childhood education and care settings experience quality teaching and learning.

The EYLF has been trialled in 28 case study sites across Australia. In April 2009 DEEWR hosted an online forum to provide early childhood educators and other interested parties with an opportunity to provide feedback directly to Government. Finalisation of the draft EYLF has been informed by feedback from the consultations, field trials and online forum.

The final draft of the Early Years Learning Framework was endorsed by COAG on 2 July 2009. To access the Early Years Learning Framework and Families Guide visit:

www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/Policy_Agenda/Quality/Pages/EarlyYearsLearningFramework.aspx

The Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes of this Early Years Learning Framework are aligned with key elements of CAERSU ISA's working philosophy.

Figure 1 Source: Page 10, Belonging, Being & Becoming, The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, produced by Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for the Council of Australian Government COAG, July 2009. This document is available via the following link:

www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/Policy_Agenda/Quality/Documents/Final%20EYLF%20Framework%20Report%20-%20WEB.pdf
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