MyChild

Early Years Learning Framework

The Australian Government invested $2.5 million over 2008-09 to develop Australia's first national Early Years Learning Framework.

What is the Early Years Learning Framework?

The Early Years Learning Framework is an early childhood curriculum framework, which will guide early childhood educators in developing quality, early childhood education programs. The framework describes the principles, practice and outcomes to support and enhance young children's learning from birth to five years, as well as their transition to school. This will help ensure consistency in the delivery of learning programs around Australia.

How will the framework help my child?

The Early Years Learning Framework has been developed collaboratively by the Australian and state and territory governments with substantial input from the early childhood sector and early childhood academics. The framework has included feedback from an extensive consultation process, including two national symposiums, national public consultation forums, focus groups, an online forum and case-study trials. Parents can be confident that the framework will support early childhood educators to focus their practice on delivering quality learning opportunities for young children. The Early Years Learning Framework will underpin universal access to early childhood education and be included in the National Quality Standard to ensure delivery of nationally-consistent and quality early childhood programs across the country. A Families Guide to the Early Years Learning Framework has been developed and is available on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website.

What are the key elements of the framework?

The Early Years Learning Framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning. The framework also recognises the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development. In addition, the framework has a focus on successful transition to formal schooling.

When will the framework be implemented?

On 2 July 2009, COAG endorsed the Early Years Learning Framework. Implementation of the framework has now commenced.

Further information about the Early Years Learning Framework is available on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website. You can also download a copy of the framework on this page.