Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

Belonging, Being and Becoming

The Australian National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) for early childhood, has been developed to enrich the lives of children from birth to five years and through the transition to school. The framework assists our educators to provide the children with opportunities to maximize their potential and develop a foundation for future success in learning. The Framework has a specific emphasis on play-based learning and recognises the importance of communication, language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social & emotional development.

EYLF describes childhood as a time of Belonging, Being and Becoming:

• Belonging ~ Children belong first to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities.

• Being ~ recognises the significance of the here and now in children’s lives. It relates to building and maintaining relationships with others, engaging with life’s joys and complexities and meeting everyday life challenges.

• Becoming ~ reflects the process of rapid and significant change that occurs in young children. It emphasizes learning to participate fully and actively in society.

The EYLF framework conveys the highest expectations for all children learning and communicates these expectations through the following five 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

In partnership with families and children, the EYLF guides the educators in their; curriculum decisions, interactions experiences, environments, routines and planned and unplanned events.