Frameworks

Frameworks

■ What are the Frameworks?
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is one initiative in the "Investing in the Early Years – A National Early Childhood Development Strategy”. The strategy, developed in 2009 by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), presents a broad reform agenda in recognition that by 2020, the Commonwealth in partnership with the states and territories will work collaboratively to achieve positive development of children to ensure better outcomes for themselves and society as a whole.
COAG vision “All children have the best start in life to create a better future for themselves and for the nation.”

The Early Years Learning Framework of Australia (EYLF) is a national curriculum framework which will ensure quality and consistency in the delivery of early childhood education programs across all early childhood settings. Click here for more information.

The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) has been developed by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in response to the COAG agreement and is designed to augment the EYLF in supporting transition of preschool children to formal schooling by linking learning outcomes to the VELS. Click here for more information.

■ Who do they apply to?
The EYLF and VEYLDF apply to all Long Day Care, Family Day Care, Out of School Hours Care and Preschools. These Frameworks are incorporated into the National Quality Framework (NQF) as Quality Area No. 1: Educational Program and Practice and will be rated according to its use in program planning and documentation of children’s learning. The NQF becomes effective from the 1 January 2012. Click here to view the timeframe.

■ What assistance is available?
Support with implementing the Frameworks can be found at both the DEEWR and DEECD websites. Comprehensive information packages were sent to your service in 2009 and 2010. For information about Training opportunities click here and the Gowrie Victoria Support and Advice line service click here.

■ How do I inform staff using the service?
An effective way to inform staff about the EYLF is through a process of staff meetings introducing the EYLF Principles and Practices. A detailed background and introduction to the EYLF document can be viewed as a video presentation by clicking Part 1 and Part 2. It is suggested that all staff are encouraged to read and re-read the Belonging, Being, Becoming - The EYLF of Australia document to deepen their understanding. Once familiar with the Framework, work can commence on weaving elements of the principles, practices and outcomes into portfolio documentation.

■ How do I inform families using the service?
The EYLF asks educators to actively involve families in the child’s learning and to view the child in the context of the family, community and culture. The Parent’s Guide to the EYLF has been translated into a number of community languages and can be accessed on the following website www.deewr.gov.au

■ What books and resources support the Frameworks?
A range of resources have been developed to support you to understand and work with the Frameworks. Government departments, funded agencies and peak bodies are all providing some level of support. We have put together a list of some of the resources that may be of assistance to you. Click here. If you can't find what you are looking for please email our Advice Line advice@gowrievictoria.org.au with your query and we will assist you in finding what you are seeking.

■ Where can I you go to see the Frameworks in action?
Gowrie Victoria has two demonstration centres offering "Theory into Practice" sessions. These sessions are a unique opportunity for early childhood staff and students to view and discuss the children’s program at both Carlton North and Docklands. Participants observe the children’s rooms and program from the observation booths; discussing theory and how it is implemented in practice; and tour the children's gardens and outdoor play spaces. For details on how to book a session click here.This is a valuable opportunity for staff and student groups to observe and discuss practice.

■ What Professional Support is available?
A list of Professional Support services and Victorian Government initiatives can be viewed by clicking here.

Other Useful Contacts

The Professional Support Coordinators (PSC) and the Indigenous Professional Support Unit (IPSU) networks in each state and territory are able to deliver assistance and support for implementing the EYLF to Commonwealth Government funded services.

VIC PSC Community Child Care Association Ph 1800 177 017

VIC IPSU Yappera Children’s Services Co-operative Ph 1800 110 869

The Early Years Learning Framework Professional Learning Program (EYLF PLP), developed for the Australian Government by Early Childhood Australia, provides ongoing professional support to services as they engage in the EYLF implementation process. This national initiative took place in 2010-11.

To find out more information and to keep up to date with progress please visit our EYLF Professional Learning Program page.
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/eylfplp/#link1