1. Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework
Information for families

2. What is the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework?
A document which describes what children should learn between the age of birth and eight years
Outlines early childhood professionals will work together, and with families, to support children’s learning.
NB. You may want to distribute copies of the Victorian and National Early Years Framework for parents.

3. What is it all about?
The Framework aims to highlight the importance of:
Play based learning
Professionals talking to each other
Recognising that all children learn in different ways and at different rates and times
Families as their child's first teacher. Families understand their children better than anyone else.

4. Why is there an Early Years Learning and Development Framework?
Research tells us:
The first eight years of a child’s life is when they do their most important learning
This time should be full of play and opportunities to explore the world around them
From birth, learning and development at each stage of life forms the building blocks for the next.

5. What does it say about learning?
The Framework identifies five learning outcomes for all children from birth to eight years.
These outcomes have a broad view of the kind of knowledge and skills all children need for them to become confident and happy through their life.

6. Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Having a strong sense of identity means that children can:
build secure relationships with friends, family and other people in their lives
interact with others in a constructive and respectful way
reach out and communicate their needs for comfort and assistance

7. Outcome 2 Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Being connected with and contributing to the world means that children can:
explore their world by making new friends
learn about fairness and how to live independently and with other people
understand the natural environment

8. Outcome 3 Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Having a strong sense of wellbeing means that children:
have good mental and physical health
are confident
understand the benefits of strong social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing

9. Outcome 4 Children are confident and involved learners
Being a confident and involved learner means that children:
Enjoy learning
Are curious, confident and creative
Show persistence to keep trying
Use their imagination to solve problems
Can use technologies to find new information

10. Outcome 5 Children are effective communicators
Being an effective communicator means that children:
Interact verbally and non-verbally with other people
Enjoy reading and being read to
Enjoy singing, talking, counting and rhyming
Can see patterns in numbers and shapes

11. How early childhood professionals will support your child’s learning
Discuss your child’s learning with you
Ask advice from other professionals if they are concerned about your child’s learning
Respect your families values, beliefs and decisions
Recognise that all children can learn, but some children require additional help to learn
Use the most effective teaching strategies to support your child to learn

12. What can I do to support my child’s learning at home?
Families are the most important people in supporting children’s learning and development. You can support your child’s learning at home by:
Reading to them
Encouraging them to ask questions
Playing singing and rhyming games
Encouraging their attempts at new things
Encouraging them to be involved in household activities
Encouraging them to talk and interact with others

13. What else can I do to support my child’s learning?
There’s also a range of services you can access which have early
childhood programs including:
Local libraries
Museums
Local parks
Maternal and child health service
Playgroup
Kindergarten and long day care
Sporting organisations and;
Specialist children’s services.
If you have concerns about your child’s learning, you can talk to your early
childhood educator or your maternal and child health nurse who can
provide you with advice or a referral.

14. What can I do to support my child’s Transition to school?
If your child is beginning school, work with your child’s educator to complete a Transition Learning and
Development Statement, for your child. This helps Prep teachers to get to know your child and plan
their learning.