Childcare

• Understanding the Early Years Learning Framework

Australia has released its first national “Early Years Learning Framework” (also known as EYLF / FRAMEWORK) for early childhood education, 0-5 years. The Early Years Learning Framework enables childcare professionals to extend and enrich children’s learning, provide opportunities for children to develop a foundation for learning and for children to become successful learners. The EYLF is a guide which provides general outcomes for children’s learning and how they may be attained through the Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes.

At times, when we are introduced to something that is new it can definitely be confusing, especially when we don’t know where to start or what it means. My goal for this article is to give you a clearer grasp on what the EYLF focuses on. During the beginning, I myself, found it quite challenging to comprehend what the Early Years Learning Framework was about. Through countless researching and thinking, I have finally come to terms with it. It’s important for me to share my understanding of the EYLF with you, to encourage you and for us as childcare professionals to work together to discover the Early Years Learning Framework and the journeys it will unfold.

Concepts of Early Years Learning Framework:

Belonging, Being & Becoming:

Within the Framework there are three basic concepts that children’s lives are characterized by Belonging, Being and Becoming. This refers to how a child from even before birth is linked to family, community, culture and place. Through these relationships a child’s development and learning takes place as they begin to explore, develop interests, create their own identity and make meaning to the world around them. The three concepts, Belonging, Being & Becoming, represent life and living and are constantly referred to throughout the EYLF.

• Belonging – to understand that you are part of a group, feeling that you are part of a family. Having a feeling...