The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) conveys the highest expectations for all children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transitions to school. It communicates these expectations through the following five (5) 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.

The Framework provides broad direction for early childhood educators in early childhood settings to facilitate children’s learning.

The Early Years Learning Framework has been developed to ensure each child receives quality education programs in their Early Childhood setting. This is a vital time for them to learn and develop. Research states that brain development is greatest in the first years of life.

The Early Years Learning Framework’s vision is for all children to experience play-based learning that is engaging and builds success for life. It is a guide for Early Childhood educators, who work with children from birth to five years. They use of the Early Years Learning Framework, in partnership with families, families being each child’s first and most influential educators, to develop learning programs responsive to children’s ideas, interests, culture, strengths and abilities, and recognise that children learn through their play.

The Early Years Learning Framework describes childhood as a time of Being, Belonging, and Becoming:

• Being is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and children need time to just ‘be’ – time to play, try new things and have fun.
• Belonging is the basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place.
• Becoming is about the learning and development that young children experience. Children start to form their sense of identity from an early age, which shapes the type of adult they will become.

Play is very important for children. Through play babies and young children explore and learn to understand the world around them, as they come to communicate, discover, imagine and create.

When children play they are showing what they have learned and what they are trying to understand. This is why play is one of the foundations of the Early Years Learning Framework. By using the Early Years Learning Framework, educators will guide your child’s play by carefully designing learning activities and stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments.

It is well known that children learn best when they have secure relationships with caring adults. When children from a very early age develop trusting relationships they feel more confident and able to explore and learn. In Early Childhood settings, when children feel emotionally secure they learn through play to develop the skills and understandings they need to interact positively with others and gradually learn to take responsibility.