When your child attends an early learning centre, you have the peace of mind they are in an environment that is working towards a nationally designed and accredited framework known as the
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
Created to provide a proven & consistent learning framework for Australian children the
EYLF unlike primary & secondary school outcomes is not driven by strict achievement, however, more an understanding of what each ‘play based’ activity constitutes for your child’s learning journey.
The framework itself describes childhood as a time of three core & vitally important principles including:
Although these are key outcomes, it is paramount that in your child’s formative years, that they are actively engaging with these three fundamental principles, not only at their early learning centre but at home.
The adage, “It takes a village to raise a child”, is both exemplified and embraced in the
EYLF, as it is the collective responsibility of the community to provide these three core values that will set your child up with the very best foundation.
Learning through play
The EYLF promotes that play is learning. Through play, children are encouraged to explore, learn, understand, communicate & embrace the world around them – even from the time they are babies.
The framework has five key learning goals that educators will work with your child to develop, those being:
- A strong sense of their identity
- Connections with their world
- A strong sense of wellbeing
- Confidence and involvement in their learning; and
- Effective communication skills
As can be seen, there is not an emphasis on being able to read or write by a certain level; the framework focuses around the non-academic achievements & the achievement of the core three values as mentioned earlier.
People from different countries may have experienced a different way of learning, especially those in eastern cultures, where the academic learning principals may take precedence.
However, within the Australian framework, it is considered that the individual’s sense of connection, identity & confidence is the focus on education and development. That is not to say that there is not ‘education’ in terms of reading, writing, maths, science and other key disciplines within your ELC’s framework, however at the core – it’s about the development of the individual.
If you need to have more of a structured approach, or increased focus on these key areas, there are accredited centres available to enhance specific skills and developmental milestones. Arrange a personal tour of the early learning centre you are interested in joining and speak with the centre director before you commit to a place to ensure they offer what you are looking for when it comes to your child.
The government has created an information handbook for families –
click here to download – which outlines in detail all that you need to know.
For more information on the options available within early learning years framework or you wish to understand more about the services available, please contact the team at Village Education today on 1300 017 005 or visit our website https://villageeducation.com.au 
