The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

1. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Curriculum decision making Children’s Learning

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

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

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. ‘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

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

22. 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

23. 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