The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a foundational tool for early childhood educators across Australia. It provides guidance on best practices, learning outcomes, and a child-centred approach to development.
The EYLF is designed to make the most of the impressionable early childhood years, which have been proven to be a vital period for learning and development.
What is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)?
The Early Years Learning Framework is a national Australian curriculum framework that guides the education of children from birth to five years old. Its goal is to ensure high-quality early childhood experiences that promote children’s development and create a strong foundation for their future learning.
Created and implemented by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2009, the framework was updated to EYLF 2.0 in 2023 to reflect the latest research. Day cares, preschools, kindergartens, and other early childhood care providers follow these principles closely.
While the EYLF is a mandatory framework for all ECEC services in the country, it also strongly emphasises the role of parents and the community in childhood education.
Purpose of the Early Years Learning Framework
The Early Years Learning Framework aims to:
Keep Early Childhood Education Consistent Across Australia
It sets standards for teaching and builds a shared understanding of how young children learn. When educators and families work together with a mutual foundation, children are set up for faster, easier success in their early years.
Promote Play-Based Learning Environments
This approach recognizes play as the foundation for development. It allows children to explore and learn based on their interests, keeping them engaged and excited. Play-based learning taps into children’s innate curiosity and drive to explore, allowing them to actively build their own knowledge and connect emotions, thoughts, and motivations.
Support The Overall Development Of Young Australians
The Early Years Learning Framework aligns with broader educational goals, helping children become confident learners, creative thinkers, and active community members. This builds an excellent foundation for future education.
The Core Values of the Early Years Learning Framework
Three main principles are at the centre of the EYLF: belonging, being, and becoming. These EYLF framework core values put the child at the heart of the educational process and guide educators to create nurturing and stimulating learning environments.
1. Belonging
A sense of belonging is essential for all humans, especially children. It means feeling connected to families, communities, and the wider world. This sense of belonging is built through positive relationships and experiences. It fundamentally shapes a child’s identity and influences who they can become in the future.
2. Being
Childhood is a unique time for exploration, self-discovery, and building relationships. It’s essential to value the present moment for children, not just see it as preparation for the future. Children should be supported in developing their identities, engaging with the world around them, and forming meaningful connections with others.
3. Becoming
Children develop rapidly in their early years, constantly growing in how they understand themselves, the world, and their relationships. This growth is influenced by their unique experiences during this time.
The concept of “Becoming” emphasises how children’s learning and development rely on strong collaboration. Educators, families, and the children themselves must work together to improve their abilities and help them grow into well-educated youngsters.
EYLF Principles, Practices, and Outcomes
Early Years Learning Framework Principles
The Early Years Learning Framework is built on these 8 ethical, inclusive principles:
1. Secure, Respectful, Reciprocal Relationships
The early relationships children form with their families and educators are crucial for healthy development. Positive, nurturing relationships act as a secure base for children to explore, learn, and build trust.
Building trusting relationships with children involves valuing everyday routines, promoting self-regulation, and helping them develop healthy social skills. Ultimately, these relationships help children respect others, understand their responsibilities, and value collaboration.
2. The Power of Partnerships
Educators, families, and community members all bring different strengths to the table. The best outcomes for children happen when everyone collaborates! Key principles for genuine partnerships include:
- Valuing Everyone’s Knowledge: Teachers, family members, and friends all have a unique understanding about a child. Valuing each person’s understanding is a great foundation for effective partnerships.
- Building Trust: Developing trust and empathy is critical, especially when supporting children facing challenges. Building trust takes time and effort from everyone involved.
- Open Communication: Every child is different. Find the best way to share information safely and respectfully.
- Shared Decision-Making: Working together is key to determine the best path for children’s learning and development. Everyone should have the child’s best interests at heart.
Educators understand that families are a child’s primary teachers. Partnerships should empower families to take part in educational decisions.
3. High Expectations and Equity
Every child, regardless of background, abilities, gender, or unique quirks, has the right to thrive in inclusive early childhood settings. This principle is about intentionally creating environments that make sure all children can fully participate and learn.
Equity means fairness, not sameness. The Early Years Learning Framework encourages educators to understand that some children need more resources to reach their full potential, and that’s okay. Educators should pay close attention to barriers faced by children, and work proactively to remove obstacles.
4. Respect for Diversity
Even though children don’t understand the concept of diversity, educators should build on a welcoming and inclusive foundation. It’s important to create inclusive environments where all cultures, languages, beliefs, and lifestyles are valued and celebrated.
Children’s identities are deeply rooted in their cultural backgrounds. Their families, communities, traditions, and experiences all contribute to shaping their unique sense of self.
Diversity offers a powerful learning opportunity, exposing children to different perspectives and broadening their understanding of the world. This includes actively promoting an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
5. Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Perspectives
Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into early childhood education is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters a strong sense of belonging in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Secondly, it’s a vital step towards reconciliation and fulfilling the Closing the Gap commitments. This responsibility extends to all early childhood settings, regardless of demographics.
6. Sustainability
Educators play a vital role in bringing up environmentally conscious children who understand their responsibility for creating a sustainable future. Children are naturally curious about the world and can be powerful advocates for sustainability!
Teachers can empower children to actively care for the environment by encouraging their understanding of connectedness and their ability to make a difference.
7. Ongoing Learning and Reflective Practice
Educators should actively look for opportunities to deepen their knowledge, work together, and reflect on what they’re doing.
Critical reflection goes beyond simple thought. It’s a deep analysis of practices, theories, and biases that shape educational decisions. Educators should challenge themselves to constantly assess their practices and make sure they’re promoting equity and social justice.
8. Collaborative Leadership and Teamwork
All early childhood educators lead by example through ethical conduct and the decisions they make. Working together builds on shared responsibility, empowering everyone in the team to use their knowledge and skills to create the best possible environment for children and families.
Early Years Learning Framework Practices
1. Holistic Approaches
Holistic approaches in early childhood education recognize that all areas of a child’s development are interconnected. It’s not just about cognitive skills, but also about a child’s physical, social, emotional, and even spiritual well-being.
Educators using this approach pay close attention to how children express themselves, both physically and verbally. They understand that their minds and bodies work together in the learning process.
It’s also important to remember that children aren’t isolated. Their families and communities are crucial to their development. Holistic approaches value these relationships and encourage collaboration and shared learning experiences.
2. Responsiveness to Children
Educators pay close attention to each child’s unique strengths and interests, tailoring their responses to support the child’s development. They meet the child where they are, and use their specific skills, knowledge, and personality traits to inform what and how they teach.
It’s important to understand that educators need to look beyond the surface. Children who have additional needs might not always vocalise them openly. Active listening, thoughtful questions, and trying new ways of doing things are all ways to gauge where each child’s at.
3. Learning Through Play
Play-based learning isn’t just about letting children do their own thing. It’s a powerful way for them to learn and grow, both through interacting with each other and with supportive adults. Children explore, create, and solve problems when playing. It’s a fantastic way to build their curiosity and develop a positive attitude towards learning.
Children are in charge of their own play, which also creates a sense of independence and confidence. They decide what to play, who to play with, and build their own unique scenarios. This stimulates their brains, helps them learn how to socialise, and gives them space to simply enjoy the moment.
Educators can help by being intentional. This means thoughtfully planning environments that promote different types of play, knowing when to observe and when to join in, and using different strategies to extend and challenge children’s thinking.
4. Consciously Creating Learning Environments
Educators should carefully plan both indoor and outdoor settings. Outdoor learning is a big part of the Australian experience. Natural spaces offer endless possibilities for physical activity, exploration, and discovery that can’t be replicated indoors.
A well-designed environment offers a mix of active and calming areas, with space for both individual and group play. It should be flexible and reflect the children’s individual interests, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles. Materials should be thoughtfully chosen to combine familiar elements with novelty and complexity that challenges children’s thinking.
5. Cultural Competence
Being culturally responsive isn’t just about knowledge; it’s demonstrated through actions. Educators should commit to constantly growing their own cultural understanding in partnership with children, families, and their communities.
Culturally responsive educators help children learn to navigate different cultural contexts and act against injustice. They work together with families and community members to create learning spaces where everyone feels safe and respected.
Culturally responsive educators are:
- Knowledgeable about each child and family’s unique background
- Dedicated to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout their teaching
- Proactive against bias and racism within their setting and community
- Committed to fairness and responsible citizenship within the learning environment
- Focused on empowering children to take action against injustice
- Collaborative partners with colleagues, children, families, and the wider community in creating culturally safe learning spaces
6. Continuity of Learning and Transitions
In early childhood, transitions can happen within a single day (as children move between activities) and throughout the years as they age up or go to school. Families, educators, and school teachers all play a role in making changes smooth for children.
Sharing information between early childhood settings and schools allows children to build upon what they’ve already learned. Educators learn about children’s cultural backgrounds, family practices, and other life experiences to make sure there’s a comfortable flow between home and the early childhood classroom.
The goal is continuity; when children experience familiar approaches between settings, transitions become easier.
7. Assessment for Learning
Assessment and evaluation involve observing children, documenting their progress, and carefully analysing information. The educator then thoughtfully reflects on how to improve teaching practices.
Educators gather information about a child’s learning over time. The aim is to get a good picture of the child’s current achievements and what they’re capable of. Importantly, the assessment method must recognise each child’s unique strengths.
There are three main types of assessment:
- ‘For children’s learning’ (formative assessment): This is about understanding what children know and how to tailor teaching. Educators observe, gather information, and see learning in action, identifying strengths and learning styles.
- ‘Of children’s learning’ (summative assessment): This looks at progress over time, often at key points like starting at a new setting or transitioning to school. It provides educators with a sense of how children are progressing.
- ‘As learning’: This actively involves children! Children might keep portfolios or contribute to discussions. It helps them reflect on their learning journey and understand themselves better as learners.
Evaluation is where educators critically reflect on how well their teaching strategies are working. They ask questions like “What difference did my/our program make?”
This reflection might involve discussions with colleagues, observing others, or professional journaling. Evaluation is all about understanding what works best, identifying areas for improvement, and constantly striving to provide the best possible learning experiences for the children.
Early Years Learning Framework Outcomes
The Early Years Learning Framework outcomes are the things we hope for children to get out of this framework. While educators structure their teaching within these parameters, the main goal is to help the children grow and meet these outcomes.
There are many ways to assess whether or not a child has met one of these outcomes. Refer to pages 30 to 63 of the EYLF 2.0 document for detailed information. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect once a child has met these outcomes.
Outcome 1: Children Have a Strong Sense of Identity
Outcome 1 is all about helping children feel good about themselves and their place in the world. It starts with making sure they feel safe and loved, so they have the confidence to try new things.
They’ll learn how to make their own choices, work with others, and bounce back when things get tough. As children explore, they’ll build a strong idea of who they are and feel good about themselves. They’ll also learn how to be kind, understanding, and respectful friends.
Outcome 2: Children Are Connected With and Contribute to Their World
Outcome 2 is about helping kids understand their place in the world and how they can make a difference. They’ll learn about being part of a team, different communities, and how to be a good citizen.
Kids will understand that everyone deserves respect, even if they’re different, and they’ll learn about being fair to others. Finally, they’ll start to think about taking care of the environment and making choices that are good for the planet.
Outcome 3: Children Have a Strong Sense of Wellbeing
Outcome 3 focuses on helping children feel happy, confident, and healthy. Kids will learn how to manage their emotions, build strong friendships, and understand how to take care of themselves mentally.
They’ll also focus on physical health, getting lots of exercise, learning about good food, and understanding how their bodies work. On top of that, they’ll start learning important safety lessons and how to identify and manage risks to stay safe and healthy.
Outcome 4: Children Are Confident and Involved Learners
Outcome 4 is about helping kids become confident, excited learners. They’ll learn to be curious, work together with others, and stick with things even when they get tricky.
Kids become creative problem-solvers who ask questions, try things out, and make their own discoveries. They’ll learn how to take what they know from one situation and use it in new ways. Getting hands-on with all sorts of things—people, nature, and even technology—helps them make connections and learn in their own unique way.
Outcome 5: Children Are Effective Communicators
Outcome 5 is all about helping kids become great communicators. This means learning to use words, gestures, and other ways to express themselves. They’ll figure out how to understand books, pictures, and different types of information.
Kids will also get creative, using drawing, music, and other ways to show their ideas. They’ll begin to understand how letters, numbers, and symbols work. It also encourages kids to use computers and tablets to find things out, explore new ideas, and share their thoughts.
How to Use the Early Years Learning Framework Planning Cycle
The planning cycle is the roadmap educators use to figure out the best ways to teach and support children. Use the following steps to figure out what the children need and create a learning plan tailored just for them. Every step should be documented.
Observe
Educators get a good picture of how kids are developing by observing, listening closely, and getting involved with what the children are doing. They focus on what makes each child tick, their interests, how they solve problems, and their unique ways of learning. They also make sure to ask the kids and their families for their thoughts and ideas.
Assess
Good educators use different sources to understand how kids learn. They rely on their own professional knowledge, theories about child development, and close observation. Educators also chat with families, the community, and other professionals to get a well-rounded picture. They assess children’s progress both in the moment and over time, keeping the context in mind.
Plan
Educators don’t just wing it when planning lessons. They carefully analyse everything they’ve observed about the children and figure out ways to build on their interests and help them grow their skills and knowledge. They carefully choose the best activities, lessons, and play spaces, thinking about both indoor and outdoor learning. Most importantly, they focus on connecting with the kids and making sure the learning feels relevant to their lives.
Implement
Implementation is when those carefully made plans get put into practice. Throughout the day, educators lead activities, let kids explore on their own, and even turn things like mealtimes into learning opportunities. Educators choose specific strategies and ways of interacting with the kids to really boost their learning and development.
Evaluate
The educators should look at what’s been effective and where there’s room to make things even better. It’s important to consider how each child’s unique background and abilities fit into the picture. This reflection helps educators ask questions like “What went really well?”, “What might I try differently next time?”, and “How can I challenge the kids even more?”