The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

COAG Agenda The Early Years Learning Framework is part of the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) reform agenda for early childhood education and care. It is a key component of the Australian Government’s National Quality Agenda for early childhood education and care.  Children’s rights and needs are at the centre of policy development and includes responsibility for creating conditions in which children and families can thrive

Early Years Learning Framework Part of the National Early Childhood Development Strategy and National Early Years Workforce strategy Provides a national approach to quality and regulation Launch of EYLF and families' guide in July 2009 Release of National Educators’ Guide in 2010

What is the Early Years Learning Framework? The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is the first national curriculum framework which will ensure quality and consistency in the delivery of early childhood education programs across all early childhood settings. It covers children from birth to five years and supports transition to formal schooling.

What is the Early Years Learning Framework? The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practice and outcomes essential to support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. In SA it will replace the first 2 phases of SACSA from the beginning of 2010

Who is EYLF for? EYLF is for all early childhood educators in child care, preschool and family day care EYLF is expected to be used by all educators for children aged birth to five and for their transitions to school It is expected that EYLF will underpin all early childhood education and care programs and initiatives in SA and nationally

When does it happen? Services will be expected to begin exploring and working with EYLF from the start of 2010 The release of the Educator’s Guide expected for early 2010 will support implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework

What is the framework based on? EYLF is based on conclusive national and international evidence as to the importance of early childhood Considerable input from the early childhood sector, academics and Australian State and Territory Governments It has strong connections to with Reflect, Respect, Relate (DECS) which is a primary supporting resource for EYLF

Early Years Learning Framework for Australia The vision: All children experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life

Belonging, Being, Becoming Themes of the framework Reflecting children’s lives Acknowledges interdependence, relationships, the importance of the ‘here and now’, and the change that children experience

Belonging…. “Knowing where and with whom you belong is integral to human existence” EYLF page 7 “You belong in your house with your family” - DONG

Being…. “Childhood is a time to be, to seek and make meaning of the world” - EYLF page 7 “If you want to be a mermaid you can imagine” Jazmine

“If you keep planting plants you become a gardener Becoming…. “Children’s identities …shaped by many different events and circumstances” EYLF page 7 “If you keep planting plants you become a gardener Olivia

Curriculum decision making Principles Planning for Learning Practice Promoting Learning Learning Outcomes Assessing Learning Children’s Learning

The Principles Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships Partnerships High expectations and equity Respect for diversity Ongoing learning and reflective practice

The Practices Holistic approaches Responsiveness to children Continuity of learning and transitions Learning through play Intentional teaching Learning environments Cultural competence Assessing for learning

The 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

Is EYLF a syllabus or a curriculum framework? EYLF is a framework It doesn’t tell educators what to teach It provides direction about intent, pedagogy and outcomes for children’s learning and provides the foundation for specific, local curriculum

EYLF and planning EYLF supports a model of curriculum planning as an ongoing cycle Working in partnership with families Learning through play Intentional teaching

‘Making a difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’ COAG is committed to closing the gap in educational achievement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, Early Childhood Education and Care has a crucial role to play in this. A document providing educations with additional guidance on ensuring cultural security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander children will be developed

Accountability Early Childhood educators are accountable for implementing EYLF assessing, documenting and reporting on children’s learning outcomes providing an active learning environment

Frequently Asked Questions Where can I get a copy of EYLF? page 6 of FAQs Will EYLF replace SACSA? page 3 of FAQs What are the differences between SACSA and EYLF? page 3 of FAQs Will there be formats and new supporting resources available? page 8 of FAQs

Useful Websites DEEWR www.deewr.gov.au EYLF www.deewr.gov.au/eylf Early Childhood Reforms Agenda www.mychild.gov.au/earlychildhoodagenda.htm PSC (Gowrie Training Centre) www.pscsa.org.au DECS www.decs.sa.gov.au Reflect Respect Relate www.earlyyears.sa.edu.au/pages/Resources