The EYLF

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n December 2007, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed that the Australian and state and territory governments would work in partnership on a National Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Education and Care. 

The EYLF is a learning framework that has been endorsed as the nationally accepted guide to the work of early childhood educators working with children from birth to school age in long day care, family day care, preschool and kindergarten settings. 

The framework promotes a shared vision for early learning.  It describes the philosophical and ethical basis for early childhood work (the five principles) as well as the ways that educators work from day to day (the pedagogical practices) to ensure that all children will have opportunities to achieve the learning that is valued during these early years (the five learning outcomes).

Here is what the Commonwealth Government says about it:

"A key element of the National Quality Agenda is Australia’s first national Early Years Learning Framework.

The Early Years Learning Framework is a national curriculum framework which will ensure quality and consistency in the delivery of early childhood education programs across all early childhood settings. It will cover birth to five years and support transition to formal schooling.

The Framework will be an important tool to help professionals and parents achieve the best learning and developmental outcomes for children. It will also provide direction in relation to quality early childhood education for children and will significantly complement universal access to preschool.

The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practice and outcomes which enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. It has a strong emphasis on play-based learning as play is the best vehicle for young children’s learning providing the most stimulus for brain development. The Framework also recognises the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development. The release of the Early Years Learning Framework is the first phase in the Australian Government’s National Quality Agenda for early childhood education and child care."

We at Fit Kidz believe it's a huge leap forward for quality in our industry, and better outcomes for our kids! Below are two fact sheets which will enable you to learn much more about the EYLF.

The EYLF Families Quick reference guide

The EYLF report in full (all 47 pages!)