What is the EYLF
Early Years Learning Framework
Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework
Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, also known as the Early Years Learning Framework or EYLF, is Australia's first national framework for early childhood educators.
The EYLF is linked to and embedded in the National Quality Standard. It guides educators to develop quality programs for young children. It also describes the early childhood pedagogy (principles and practice) and the outcomes that provide goals for young children's learning.
Purpose
The aim of the EYLF is to extend and enrich children's learning from birth to five years and through the transition to school. It assists educators to provide young children with opportunities to maximise their learning potential and to establish the fundamental basis for future success in learning.
The EYLF draws on conclusive international evidence that early childhood is a vital period in children's learning and development. The Framework forms the foundation for ensuring that children in all early childhood education and care settings throughout Australia experience quality teaching and learning.
The EYLF 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 as priorities for young children's learning.
It has been designed for early childhood educators, working in partnership with families – children's first and most influential educators.
The UN Rights of a Child
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
The EYLF is aligned with and supports the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Convention states that all children have the right to an education that lays a foundation for the rest of their lives, maximises their ability, and respects their family, cultural and other identities and languages. The Convention also recognises children's right to play and be active participants in all matters affecting their lives [...] Early childhood educators guided by the [EYLF] will reinforce in their daily practice the principles laid out in the Convention.
Elements of the EYLF
The EYLF puts children's learning at the core and comprises three interrelated elements: principles, practice and learning outcomes. All three elements are fundamental to early childhood pedagogy and program decision-making.
Principles
· Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
· Partnerships
· High expectations and equity
· Respect for diversity
Ongoing learning and reflective practice
Practice
· Holistic approaches
· Responsiveness to children
· Learning through play
· Intentional teaching
· Learning environments
· Cultural competence
· Continuity of learning and transitions
Assessment for learning
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