Blog

Understanding the Importance of Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) 

The early years of a child are critical for their development because this is the time when the core brain architecture is formed. As a result, during these critical years, educators need to support and enhance the learning and development of these children.    

The Council of Australia Governments established the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) to ensure that consistent and high-quality education is delivered by early childhood programs across the country. All early childhood education providers across Australia are required to meet these mandatory standards, utilizing the same learning practices and guiding principles.  The framework applies to children between the ages of 0-5 years and is an important part of the National Quality Framework (NQF) that governs Australia’s childcare centers.   

It is important to understand that the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is not a syllabus or curriculum. It combines learning objectives and strategies to help early childhood educators create their own educational activities and programs. It emphasizes strongly on play-based learning, communication and language, and children’s social and emotional development.    

Three Fundamental Concepts  

Belonging, being, and becoming are the fundamental concepts around which the EYLF has been designed.  

The sense of belonging is extremely critical to the existence of every human being, and more so for children in the early stages of their lives. Every child should feel a sense of belongingness towards their families, communities, and the greater society. These relationships help them build their own identity.  

The act of being is all about allowing children to be what they are. Childhood is a time for exploring the world and discovering life’s ups and downs. It entails learning about the world around them and overcoming the challenges faced in their day-to-day life.  

The initial years in the life of a child are full of important changes. This phase of life often determines what type of person they will become in the future. This concept stresses the importance of growth and accepting the constant changes children go through.  

Key Learning Outcomes  

Discussed below are five core learning outcomes that are often referred to as the foundation of EYLF.  

• Sense of Identity: Children build a strong sense of identity through their interactions with people, things, and places. In the context of childcare, children should be supported to build connections with teachers and peers and encouraged to explore their own identities.  
• Connection: This outcome of learning is about helping children become active community members and positively impact others with their actions.      
• Sense of well-being: Educators can help children develop a child’s sense of well-being by offering warm care, encouraging respect for everyone, and creating safe learning environments.  
• Confident Learners: Childcare providers can turn children into confident learners by encouraging them to explore, collaborate, and solve problems.  
• Effective Communication: Educators must also encourage children to share their feelings, questions, and ideas and engage with various forms of content.        

Valley Heights Preschool Long Day Care Centre has always been an ardent follower of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).  This framework has helped all our service stakeholders to work in tandem to achieve excellent learning outcomes. Please visit Valley Heights Preschool Long Day Care Centre to find out more about our learning programs.